Get to Know Jekyll Island’s Beaches
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!