Great Things To Do in Jekyll Island, Georgia

I recently visited Jekyll Island for two nights with my mother, and we had a fantastic time!  Whether you’re heading to the barrier island off the coast of Georgia (and very close to the barrier islands of Florida, including Amelia Island!) for just a short getaway or weekend trip, or looking to stay for a relaxing retreat on the Atlantic Ocean, Jekyll Island is a great choice!  

Check out what we did below, including our top list of restaurants in Jekyll Island, information about the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, campgrounds and historic sites on the island, and my overall tips on things to do in Jekyll Island, Georgia!

Stay at and tour the Jekyll Island Club  

I’m so glad that we stayed directly on the grounds of the Jekyll Island Club!  The room was great, and we had an adorable porch with tables and chairs that really expanded the space of our room.  With free valet parking and bike rentals, getting around the island was very convenient.

This also made eating at the Wharf and the Grand Dining Room very easy choices!

My favorite part of staying at the hotel was the daily free tour at 2 pm, given by the very knowledgable concierge.  We learned a lot about how the club was founded as the Millionaire’s Club and witnessed many famous events, like the first transcontinental phone call and the creation of the Federal Reserve!

Visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center  

In Jacksonville, which is northeast Florida, we have an ever-growing great community of volunteers who check out the protected sea turtle nests every morning and help the hatchlings affected by light pollution find their way into the water.  Some of the volunteers are affiliated with the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and I was thrilled to finally visit the center myself.  There is an educational center with group presentations, as well as the Sea Turtle Hospital.  Check out the video I made to really get a sense of the experience, and then visit!

Eat at the Wharf  

Looking for great restaurants in Jekyll Island?  Definitely eat at The Wharf!  The Wharf is right on the water and has gorgeous views with a casual atmosphere.  The food was delicious, and the night we ate there a live band played outside on the deck.  Make this a priority!

Eat at the Jekyll Island Club’s Grand Dining Room

You have to get a little formal for this restaurant, but if you’re looking for great restaurants to try in Jekyll Island, this has to be at the top of your list for a delicious dinner.  Ladies do need to dress up somewhat by wearing a dress.  I wore a casual, black maxi dress and didn’t feel out of place, but I would suggest calling ahead during busier times to make sure that you’re not showing up to a black-tie affair wearing khaki pants.  Men should wear jackets, but I saw a few gentlemen with collared shirts and no jacket.

Mom and I ordered from the Prix Fixe menu, and each course, from appetizer to the salad to the main entree to the dessert, exceeded my expectations!

Watch the sunsets

Walk or ride!

See the Horton House Ruins, the beach, pathways through the woods, wildlife and more by just walking around the island.  We saw deer two nights in a row while wandering the historic pathways of the Jekyll Island Club, wandering past cottages from the 1800s, small shops, and beautiful scenery.  Just slowing down and being on a quiet island made the getaway memorable and calming.  We chose to walk, but there were also Jekyll Island bike rentals available, as well as electric golf carts.  Get out and explore in the mornings or evenings for the best weather and the best chance to see the beauty of the island.

Check out Mosaic, the Jekyll Island Museum! 

Most of you know that I’m a total history nerd, but inspired by a tour of the clubhouse, I knew I had to find out more about the history of the Island.  We didn’t get to go, but the Jekyll Island Museum offers trolley tours of the island and access to their museum for $20!  When I return, taking their tour is at the top of my list of things to do, so don’t miss out!

Finally… Check out the Other Golden Isles!

The Golden Isles includes Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, and Sea Island, and nearby is historic downtown Brunswick!  Looking for a good restaurant near St. Simon’s Island or Brunswick?  Check out Marshside.  Their Brunswick Stew is so delicious and reminds me of the recipe my I grew up on.  They even have the original stewpot nearby in a park!