Visiting the Jekyll Island Historic District

Steeped in rich history and natural beauty – including ten miles of pristine beaches – Jekyll Island is the perfect destination for a year-round getaway. In the southeastern portion of Jekyll Island, you’ll find the Jekyll Island Historic District: 240 acres of protected land including 34 preserved structures from the Gilded Age.

From 1886 to 1948, this area was home to the Jekyll Island Club, an ultra-exclusive winter retreat for some of the country’s most prominent figures including J.P Morgan, William K. Vanderbilt, William Rockefeller and Frank Henry Goodyear.

The historic island was designated a National Historic Landmark by the state of Georgia in 1978 and its many outdoor activities, historical landmarks and natural beauty have made it a top destination in the state ever since.

What is there to do in Jekyll Island Historic District?

There are many reasons why the Jekyll Island Historic District is a favorite destination among families, history buffs and nature lovers alike. Here are a few ways to enjoy the historic charm of the Jekyll Island Historic District.

Take a Historical Tour & Visit Mosaic Gallery

With the island’s rich history and commitment to preservation, historical tours are a must for visitors to Jekyll Island. These tours will guide you to many of the island’s historical landmarks, including Hollybourne Cottage and Faith Chapel, which was built in

1904 and features terracotta gargoyles and Tiffany stained glass windows. Another notable tour stop is Horton House, the former home of William Horton, one of General Oglethorpe’s top military aides, who grew a variety of crops and brewed Georgia’s first beer at his Jekyll Island plantation.

A walk down Millionaire’s Row, sometimes known as Millionaire’s Village, offers visitors a walk back in time. This street studded with live oak trees and Spanish moss is home to several cottages once owned by some of the most prominent and richest families in the world. The cottages, which primarily served as vacation homes, were once centerpieces of extravagant dinners and meetings among the nation’s elite.

Many of the cottages on Jekyll Island have been restored and are open to the public. Visitors can walk the grounds or join in on a guided tour, starting from the visitor center in the Jekyll Island Historic District.

Hungry for more history? Add Mosaic Gallery to your list when visiting Jekyll Island Historic District. This interactive museum offers a deeper look into the island’s lively past with in-depth exhibits and displays that are exciting for both children and adults. Mosaic Gallery is located on Stable Road and is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

The 60-minute Landmark Trolley Tour is a great option for a guided tour of all 240 acres of the historic district. Tickets include entry to Faith Chapel and Mosaic Gallery.

Explore Jekyll Island Club Resort & the Shops on Pier Road

When exploring Jekyll Island Historic District, be sure to visit the illustrious Jekyll Island Club Resort. This expansive resort, which was once the meeting place for the elite members of Jekyll Island Club, was also the site of the first transcontinental phone call on January 25, 1915. As if that wasn’t history enough, the club also hosted the first meeting to reform the nation’s banking system – which would later be known as the Federal Reserve.

Pier Road, located just steps from Jekyll Island Club Resort, is another great stop for visitors and is dotted with restaurants, gift shops and an ice cream shop – perfect for finding souvenirs and enjoying a leisurely day on Jekyll Island!

Visitng the Historic Jekyll Island Faith Chapel

Bike the Island

Looking for a more active way to explore the history of Jekyll Island? Biking across Jekyll is one of the best modes of island transportation thanks to trail systems that span the 7-mile island. Bike north and visit historic Horton House and picturesque Driftwood Beach or head south and enjoy the view at St. Andrews Beach. There is endless beauty to explore all across Jekyll Island!

For Jekyll Island bike rentals, visit the Jekyll Island Bike Barn on the corner of Shell Road and Beachview Drive.

Jekyll Island Historic District FAQs

Where can I rent bikes to explore the Jekyll Island Historic District?

Jekyll Wheels is the only bike rental inside the Historic District. It sits just behind the Jekyll Island Club Resort clubhouse at 371 Riverview Drive. It’s open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. Non-hotel guests pay by credit card and leave a copy of a valid driver’s license.

If you’d rather pick up bikes near the beach, there are two other options:

Bike Jekyll rentals is at the corner of N. Beachview Drive and Shell Road. It has the latest hours, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and rents surreys, adult trikes, bike trailers, and small dog trailers.
Beachside Bike Rentals is at the north end of the Days Inn & Suites parking lot and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A free helmet, basket, and lock come with every rental.

From either spot, the island’s paved bike paths connect to the Historic District.

What are the hours for guided tours in the Jekyll Island Historic District?

Most Historic District tours run between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., while Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum is open daily.

Trolley tour: The Landmark Trolley Tour leaves from Mosaic every hour on the half hour, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Each departure stops inside a different cottage, including Moss, Hollybourne, DuBignon, and Indian Mound, so check the schedule if you have a favorite.
Faith Chapel: Faith Chapel is open from 12:30 to 5 p.m. for its historic experience, which costs $5 at the door or is included with any Historic District tour ticket. The chapel may close for private events.
Motorcar tour: The Millionaire Motorcar Tour is a private ride in a Model T replica, booked by reservation. It costs $125 for up to four guests.
Scavenger hunt: The self-guided Lost Buildings Scavenger Hunt lets you explore at your own pace.

Schedules can change, so check current Historic District tour times before you go.

Where can I eat near the Jekyll Island Historic District?

The Wharf is the closest choice. It sits right on the Historic District pier and serves Southern seafood for lunch and dinner every day, with open-air seating and a great view of the sunset over the Jekyll River.

Zachry’s Riverhouse and 24 Coastal Grill are each about a five-minute drive away:

Zachry’s Riverhouse overlooks the river at Jekyll Harbor and is a local favorite for Georgia shrimp and wings. It doesn’t take reservations, so arrive a little early on busy evenings.
24 Coastal Grill is at the Holiday Inn Resort. It trades river views for the ocean and serves Southern-inspired seafood with indoor and outdoor seating.

For more ideas, browse our guide to the best Jekyll Island restaurants.