Jekyll Island Area Attractions

Looking for a guide on what to do on Jekyll Island, Georgia? Our team at Jekyll Realty compiled the best of what the Gold Isles destination has to offer, so you can travel the island like a local. Explore the natural treasures and expansive history of Jekyll Island— it began around 3,500 years ago.

Find out which parks, historical landmarks, nature centers, and of course, unspoiled beaches bring visitors back each year. Book a Jekyll Island vacation home or condo close to all that this area has to offer. Whether you are looking for a beachfront villa, a home with a private pool or another amenity, we are sure to have the perfect rental for you!

Guide to Finding Jekyll Island Wildlife

Explore the diverse wildlife that migrates to the Jekyll Island preserves each year, as well as animals native to the Georgia coast. Jekyll Island is home to a variety of different wildlife and migratory bids who come to the beaches to rest and nest at the south end of the island at St. Andrew’s Sound and South Dunes Park.

Looking for a close (and respectful) encounter with the island’s wildlife? 4-H Tidelands Nature Center offers coastal ecology programs and live nature exhibits. Touch tanks with horseshoe crabs, hermit crabs and knobbed whelks. Glimpse aquariums with sea stars, red drum fish, tiny shrimp, and larger outdoor displays. Get a crab’s-eye view of the Jekyll tidal crews and salt marshes with guided Tidelands kayak tours and canoe rentals. Dolphin and manatee sightings are common!

Get Close to Sea Turtles on Jekyll Island

Staying near the historic district on Jekyll Island? Visit the neighboring Georgia Sea Turtle Center to get to know about the programs, research and year-round care given to save these coastal creatures. Proceeds from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center support the rehabilitation of these animals back into the ecosystem.

In fall on Jekyll Island, visitors can participate in a sea turtle walk at sunrise or sunset. View the turtle nesting behaviors and sea turtle hatching migration as they go into the Atlantic. Truly an amazing site to witness!

Historical Places to Visit on Jekyll Island

Discover the history and colorful past of Jekyll Island thanks to the preservation of many historical landmarks. Explore the famous graves or go on a ghost tour to hear legends and stories of Jekyll Island. Known as the Jekyll Island Millionaire’s Village, the historic district boasts large “cottages” once owned by some of the wealthiest families of the Gilded Age. Now converted into the Jekyll Island Club Resort, the historic hotel offers tours and modern dining options.

History buffs will want to stop by the historic Horton House, which is a shell of its former glory. The Wanderer Memorial at St. Andrew’s Beach honors the survivors of the last slave ship smuggled onto Jekyll Island’s shores. The memorial was dedicated in 2008 on the 160th Anniversary of the ship’s landing.

The Jekyll Island Museum offers insight into the larger history of the coastal community, as well as active research to this day.

Jekyll Island’s Best Beaches

Jekyll Island’s Beaches are actually a continuous 10-mile stretch of white sand typical of a barrier island. Driftwood Beach is known for expansive ocean views paired with gnarled, felled driftwood littering the sand. A photographer’s playground!

Bring the while family to St. Andrews Beach for quiet surf and excellent sea shell collecting. Great Sand Dunes and South Dunes parks are adjacent to one another with plenty of accessible parking, restrooms, picnic areas and nearby restaurants.

Experience Fun Events all Year Long on Jekyll Island

Year-round events include special holiday celebrations, festivals, and more on Jekyll Island. Seasonal activities continue to bring travelers back year after year. Activities include “snow” and ice skating at the Jekyll Island Skating Village during the holiday season.

A celebration for the Fourth of July continues the entire week of Independence Day. The youngest family members will be excited to participate in the Easter egg Stroll. A local favorite, the Shrimp and Grits Festival draws crowds to the historic district for a family friendly three-day weekend in the fall.

Visit Jekyll Island Georgia

Jekyll Island features many things to see and do at one of Georgia’s most beautiful barrier islands. Jekyll Realty’s collection of vacation rentals are near all of these attractions and more.