Jekyll Island is a special place on the Georgia coast where the sun shines bright, the waves crash gently, and the beaches are simply divine. From swimming to birdwatching – each Jekyll Island beach has something that makes it unique. View a photo and an overview on each of the Jekyll Island beaches below. Or visit our Guide to Jekyll’s beaches here!

Driftwood Beach

The north end of the island is home to Driftwood Beach, an iconic stretch of shoreline known for its striking driftwood sculptures carved by wind and waves over time. Driftwood Beach was recently named one of top beaches in the world!

This stunning beach offers incredible views and is perfect for nature lovers who want to soak up the serene ambiance. The driftwood creates an interesting environment to explore, and also makes a dramatic backdrop for photos. During summer nesting season, you may even spot local sea turtles! There are no amenities at this beach, and visitors should be aware of the tide schedule, as it can become very narrow at high tide. It’s well worth the effort to get here!

Great Dunes Beach

North of the Jekyll Island Convention Center, Great Dunes Beach boasts soft sand dunes and calm water, creating an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing or building sandcastles. This beach has showers, restrooms, picnic pavilions and play areas, making it a great choice for families with little ones. There are also game courts for bocce and volleyball, and windy days can create good conditions for boogie boarding.

South Dunes and Glory Beach

Located in the middle of the island, two beaches form a long stretch of sand, perfect for long walks. With an elevated boardwalk and picnic area among the trees, South Dunes Beach is the perfect place to take a break from the sun and enjoy the sounds of the nesting birds who make their home there. Glory Beach is a great spot to collect seashells – look closely and you may spot some Sand Dollars.

St Andrews Beach

St. Andrews Beach is located on the southwestern tip of the island, so it is the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset over the water or spot a pod of dolphins. Anglers will enjoy casting a line in the calm waters to catch redfish or flounder. Visitors interested in history should walk down the nearby Wanderer Memory Trail, a beachside trail with interactive exhibits about a slave ship which landed illegally on the island over 160 years ago. With picnic areas and ample parking as well as a wildlife observation platform, spending a few hours here in the early evening is a great way to end a day on Jekyll Island.

No matter what you’re looking for, visitors will find a variety of beaches to explore on Jekyll Island. Book your Jekyll Island vacation rental today, and get your toes in the sand!

Jekyll Island is a beautiful and romantic destination for couples looking to get away from it all. With miles of pristine beaches, natural beauty and historic sites, Jekyll Island offers a variety of romantic activities for couples to enjoy. 

Here are Our Tips for Planning the Perfect Romantic Getaway on Jekyll Island:

Start the day with a leisurely breakfast at Jekyll Island Club. This historic hotel was once a private club for the wealthy families who made Jekyll Island their vacation home at the turn of the 20th century. The club’s luxurious and elegant atmosphere makes for a truly romantic experience.

Follow breakfast with a walk among live oaks draped in Spanish moss in the Historic District, and stop by the Mosaic Jekyll Island Museum to book a history or nature tour with local experts. Explore the historic cottages of the wealthy industrialists who made this island famous in the 20th century. Take a trolley tour of the Historic District for a fun and educational experience.

Rent bicycles at Jekyll Wheels and explore the island together on a leisurely bike tour. The island’s miles of bike trails take you through beautiful landscapes, past historic sites like Horton House, and along the beach. From the untamed marshland environment in the north to tranquil St. Andrews Beach in the south, meandering through Jekyll Island on two wheels is a relaxing and intimate way to take in the sights of the island. 

For those who love nature experiences, head to 4-H Tidelands Center for a kayak trip in the marshlands. Guided tours will provide opportunities to view the birds and wildlife of Jekyll Island up close, and to learn about the ecology of the island. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is another wonderful activity for nature lovers to learn about sea turtle conservation and rehabilitation while observing these magnificent creatures up close.

An afternoon stroll hand-in-hand along one of Jekyll Island’s beaches is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and ocean breezes together. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the sand or at one of the shelters in Great Dunes Park. Visit the serene atmosphere of Driftwood Beach, where large driftwood creates a unique and picturesque setting for a romantic walk. Horseback riding is another great way to explore the island’s natural beauty with your significant other. Enjoy a romantic horseback ride along the beach with Three Oaks Farm, or check out one of their moonlight rides or horse-drawn carriage tours of the island. 

End your day with a romantic dinner at one of Jekyll Island’s restaurants. The Wharf offers casual open-air dining and gorgeous views over the water, while Eighty Ocean is a great choice for couples looking to cozy up in an intimate setting. After dinner, join a sunset cruise with Dolphin Tours of Jekyll Island. Feel the magic of this area as you watch the sunset from the water and spot bottle-nosed dolphins playing in the waves – a perfect end to a romantic day on Jekyll Island. If you haven’t booked your Jekyll Island accommodations yet, browse our wide variety of vacation rentals on Jekyll Island.