Planning a Weekend Getaway to Jekyll Island
Are you yearning for a weekend getaway that seamlessly combines nature, history and relaxation? Jekyll Island, situated along the Georgia coastline, is easily accessible and offers a wide variety of activities and beauty, perfect for a long weekend escape. Boasting pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and a rich historical background, Jekyll Island is the ideal destination for a refreshing beach trip.
How to Get to Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island’s accessibility makes it an inviting option for a quick weekend getaway. Situated just off the coast of Georgia, the island is easily reachable from most areas in the Southeast. Since the island has a small airport with infrequent flights, driving is considered to be the most convenient way to get to Jekyll Island. Located less than 2 hours by car from major cities like Savannah and Jacksonville, and only 3-5 hours from Atlanta and Charleston, Jekyll Island is an ideal destination for quick coastal retreat.
Where to Stay
Jekyll Realty offers over 140 homes, cottages, and condos across Jekyll Island. We can help you find a gorgeous vacation home in one of the top Jekyll Island communities. From cozy 1-bedroom condos to spacious 6-bedroom villas, you can choose from a variety of tastefully furnished Jekyll vacation rentals across the island. Our condos in Villas by the Sea offer an on-site restaurant and lounge, an uncrowded beach, and access to tennis courts, golf courses, and resort activities! Ocean Oaks is a newer beachside neighborhood on Jekyll Island, offering larger vacation rental homes, perfect for groups or multiple families traveling together. The Moorings is a luxury community on Jekyll Island, perfectly located close the beach, marina, tennis, golf, and shopping.
Day 1 – Exploring the Natural Beauty of Jekyll Island
Begin your adventure with an immersion into Jekyll Island’s stunning landscapes. Take a morning walk along iconic Driftwood Beach, where the gnarled trees provide an ethereal backdrop. Grab a quick lunch at Beach House, where you can enjoy Southern dishes with a focus on local seafood.
Continue your day with an exploration of the island. You can rent bikes or surreys to make your way around the 22 miles of trails winding through maritime forests and marshland. Head to 4-H Tidelands Nature Center for a guided kayak tour or nature walk to learn more about the coastal ecosystem, or check out the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, where you can learn about these fascinating creatures through educational and interactive activities.
Settle in for a delightful dinner at Tortuga Jack’s, where Mexican-inspired fare is served with ocean views. Round out the evening with a sunset horseback ride through the forest and onto the beach.
Day 2 – Dive into History
Begin your second day with breakfast or brunch at the Grand Dining Room at Jekyll Island Club. The elegant setting and Southern-inspired menu create a dining experience reminiscent of the island’s golden era as a vacation destination for wealthy industrialists.
After fueling up, launch your exploration of the Jekyll Island Landmark Historic District. Visit the Mosaic Museum, where you can learn more about the island’s fascinating history, from its Gilded Age as a private retreat for industrial magnates to its transformation into a state park. Explore exhibits and artifacts that reflect the island’s opulent past. Marvel at the architectural splendor of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, the Crane Cottage, and other notable landmarks from the late 19th century, and book a guided tour for a deeper dive into the island’s history. Outside of the Historic District, there are ruins to explore from the colonial past, as well as the Wanderer Memory Trail, an open-air exhibit about the island’s history with one of America’s last slave ships.
As the day winds down, savor an oceanfront dinner at The Reserve, known for its delectable steak and seafood. Enjoy the ocean breeze and perhaps catch a gorgeous sunset before retiring to your vacation rental for a restful night’s sleep.
Day 3 – Relax and Recharge
Spend your final day on Jekyll Island focused on rest and relaxation. Head to Great Dunes Beach for a stroll along the water or a refreshing dip. This beach has a family-friendly atmosphere, with facilities and play areas available. Pack a picnic lunch or walk over to Main Street for a casual lunch at local favorite Sunrise Grill.
If beach lounging isn’t your thing, tee off at Jekyll Island Golf Club or have some fun at the 18-hole Jekyll Island Miniature Golf course instead. Or pamper yourself with a spa day at Spa Cabana, or book a customized individual or couple’s massage package at Beach Life Massage. If fishing is your relaxation time, head to Jekyll Island Fishing Pier to cast a line, or book a fishing charter with experienced saltwater fishing guides.
Wind down your last day with a dolphin watching tour and watch these magnificent creatures frolic in the waves as the sun sets. Enjoy laid-back waterfront dining at The Wharf, where you can enjoy Southern comfort food and live music on the large deck facing the peaceful river side of the island.
Your perfect weekend getaway is only a few hours drive away! Book your Jekyll Island vacation rental and immerse yourself in the tranquility, history, and natural beauty that await you on this enchanting island.
