Jekyll Realty
  • Vacation Rentals
    • Pet Friendly
    • Private Pool Homes
    • Search by Feature
    • New Properties
    • River Side
    • Communities
      • Villas by the Sea
      • Ocean Oaks
      • The Cottages
      • The Moorings
      • Sanctuary Cove
    • Property Map
  • Specials
  • Rental Gear Credits
  • Things To Do
    • Activities
    • Attractions
    • Blog
    • Beaches
    • Beach Gear
    • Area Dining
    • Tide Chart
  • Real Estate Sales
  • About
    • Jekyll Island News
    • Contact Us
    • Rental Policies
    • Directions
  • Menu Menu
You are here: Home1 / Planning Your Stay2 / Visiting the Jekyll Island Historic District

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!

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. Andrew 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.

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Categories

  • Getting Here
  • Planning Your Stay
  • Things to Do

Archives

  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • November 2022
  • August 2022
  • May 2022
  • February 2022
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • May 2021
  • March 2021
  • December 2020
  • October 2020

Connect With Jekyll Realty

21 Main Street, Suite 107
Jekyll Island, Georgia 31527
ph: 912-635-3301

Newsletter Signup
JEKYLL ISLAND WEATHER
Jekyll Island Property Sales & Management, INC. | Website Development by Signal at Beyond
  • Owner Login
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Map
Link to: The Best Spots to Fish on Jekyll Island Link to: The Best Spots to Fish on Jekyll Island The Best Spots to Fish on Jekyll Islandman fishing in the ocean Link to: 7 Amazing Ways to Tour Jekyll Island Link to: 7 Amazing Ways to Tour Jekyll Island Jekyll Island Kayak Tours7 Amazing Ways to Tour Jekyll Island
Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top
Facebook
X (Twitter)
Instagram