If you’ve been dreaming about a weekend packed with beach walks, wildlife spotting, old mansions, and maybe even a surprise sea turtle, Jekyll Island is calling your name.
This little barrier island off the coast of Georgia is full of cool history, crazy-beautiful nature, and plenty of spots that’ll make your camera roll explode.
This itinerary has everything you need for the perfect getaway.
You just have to keep reading to find out where to go first!
1. Jekyll Island Fishing Pier
Jekyll Island Fishing Pier is at the northern tip of the island, right next to the Clam Creek Picnic Area, and it’s the go-to spot for reeling in redfish and flounder.
The pier stretches way out into the water with a long boardwalk, shaded benches, and stunning views of the Sidney Lanier Bridge and St. Simons Island.
You don’t need a boat or fancy gear, just grab your fishing pole, toss in a line, and soak up the salty breeze while pelicans hang out nearby hoping for snacks.
2. Driftwood Beach
Just a 5-minute drive from the pier, Driftwood Beach feels like you’ve wandered onto another planet with giant sun-bleached trees sprawled out across the sand.
This beach is on the north end of Jekyll Island and it’s a favorite for sunrise walks, cool photos, and spotting dolphins splashing just offshore.
The driftwood isn’t placed there—it’s the real deal, shaped by tides and storms over time, turning the shoreline into one of the most photographed spots in Georgia.
3. Horton Pond
After the beach, swing over to Horton Pond, a peaceful little hideaway just off North Beachview Drive where you can spot gators, turtles, and maybe even a wood stork if you’re lucky.
There’s a short boardwalk trail that loops around the pond and a small observation deck that’s perfect for birdwatching or just chilling out in the shade.
It’s quiet, calm, and totally different from the beach, it feels like a secret wildlife sanctuary just waiting to be explored.
4. Horton House
Not far from the pond, you’ll find Horton House—a crumbling tabby mansion from the 1700s that’s one of the oldest buildings in Georgia.
The walls are made from oyster shells, lime, and sand, and they’ve stood strong for nearly 300 years, even without a roof!
There’s no ticket or tour, you can just walk right up, peek inside, and imagine what life was like when Major William Horton brewed Georgia’s first beer here.
5. Plantation Oak
Just a 7-minute drive from Horton House, the Plantation Oak is a massive live oak tree that’s been standing tall for over 350 years.
Its gnarled branches stretch out like arms doing yoga and it’s draped in Spanish moss.
The whole thing looks like it belongs in a fantasy movie—gnarled, mossy, and absolutely huge.
It’s the largest and oldest tree on Jekyll Island, and standing under it kind of makes you feel like a tiny time traveler.
6. Faith Chapel
Keep the history streak going with a stop at Faith Chapel, a tiny wooden church built in 1904 with a Tiffany stained glass window that totally steals the show.
It’s got a steep shingle roof, carved pews, and a peaceful vibe that makes it feel like a storybook scene dropped right into the middle of the island.
You can peek inside during visiting hours, and yes, that window really is from the same Tiffany family who make all the fancy jewelry.
7. Georgia Sea Turtle Center
From stained glass to sea turtles, your next stop has to be the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a rescue hospital where injured turtles get a second chance at life.
You’ll see real patients swimming in recovery tanks, learn all about nesting season, and maybe even meet an adorable loggerhead sea turtle.
It feels like both a science lab and an aquarium, and it’s totally heart-melting plus, your visit helps support their work saving turtles all over the Georgia coast.
8. Indian Mound Cottage
Right around the corner from the turtle center, Indian Mound Cottage was once the fancy winter home of William Rockefeller—yep, those Rockefellers.
The house is packed with original furniture, vintage bathrooms (check out that tub!), and even an old-school elevator from the early 1900s.
It’s like walking through a time capsule from the Gilded Age, complete with stories about how America’s richest families used to vacation in serious style.
9. Goodyear Cottage
Just a few steps away, Goodyear Cottage is another must-see that adds a creative twist—it’s now an art gallery located inside a former millionaire’s mansion.
The downstairs has rotating exhibits with local paintings, pottery, and photography, while the upstairs still shows off the original 1906 architecture.
It’s free to wander through, and if you’re looking for a souvenir, the little gift shop has some pretty cool handmade finds.
10. Great Dunes Beach
When you’re ready to trade cottages for coastlines, head to Great Dunes Beach, the island’s most popular sandy stretch with wide shores and gentle waves perfect for swimming.
There’s a big picnic area, public restrooms, and even beach wheelchairs available, so it’s super easy to spend a whole afternoon here.
Whether you’re building sandcastles, tossing a frisbee, or just laying back with your toes in the sand, this is the spot for beach bliss.
11. Tidelands Nature Center
Just 4 minutes from the beach, Tidelands Nature Center is where you can get hands-on with crabs, turtles, snakes, and all kinds of coastal critters.
They’ve got touch tanks, kayak rentals, and guided eco tours through the salt marsh that are perfect if you want to see more of the island and learn a lot.
It’s both a mini-zoo and an outdoor classroom, and totally worth a stop if you’re curious about the wild side of Jekyll Island.
12. St. Andrew’s Beach
End your day with a sunset at St. Andrew’s Beach, a peaceful spot on the island’s south end that’s famous for birdwatching and dolphin sightings.
There’s a shaded pavilion, a quiet stretch of sand, and a viewing platform where you can watch boats glide by and the sky light up in pink and orange.
It’s less crowded than other beaches, so bring a snack, kick off your shoes, and soak in the chill vibes before calling it a night.
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