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Overview
Jekyll Island is a barrier island off the coast of southeast Georgia, accessible by causeway from the mainland town of Brunswick. It covers roughly 5,700 acres, of which about two-thirds is permanently protected marshland, maritime forest, and nature preserve by state law — meaning development is deliberately limited and the island retains a quieter, less commercial character than many Georgia coast destinations.
The island has a layered history. It served as a hunting retreat for some of America's wealthiest families — including the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Morgans — through the Jekyll Island Club, which operated from 1886 until World War II. That era left behind a collection of well-preserved historic cottages and the Club's original building, now a hotel and National Historic Landmark district. Before European contact, the island was inhabited by the Timucua people, and it later figured in colonial-era tensions between Spanish Florida and British Georgia.
Today the island is owned by the State of Georgia and managed by the Jekyll Island Authority. A modest causeway fee applies to vehicles entering the island (verify the current rate at the Jekyll Island Authority website before your visit). The permanent population is very small; most facilities cater to day visitors and overnight guests staying in the island's limited lodging inventory.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Jekyll Island is part of the United States. For visa and entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) for current rules applicable to your nationality.
Causeway Access Fee
Private vehicles pay a daily access fee at the causeway toll plaza. Rates change periodically — confirm the current fee on the Jekyll Island Authority's official website (jekyllisland.com) before travel. Pedestrians and cyclists generally are not charged.
What to Pack
- Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential, especially in summer when biting insects can be active in marsh areas.
- Comfortable walking or cycling shoes — the island is highly walkable and bikeable.
- Bring cash or a card for the causeway fee and any beach parking.
- If visiting May through August, light, breathable clothing is advisable; humidity and heat can be intense.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage on the island is generally reasonable but can be patchy in more remote nature areas. Wi-Fi is available at hotels and some restaurants. Download offline maps before arrival.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest commercial airport is Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK), which offers limited regional service. Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) in Florida, approximately 70 miles south, and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), roughly 80 miles north, both offer significantly more flight options and are the primary gateways most travelers use. Verify current airlines and routes before booking, as regional service changes frequently.
By Car
The vast majority of visitors arrive by private vehicle. From I-95, take Exit 29 (for Brunswick/Golden Isles) and follow US-17 and then the Jekyll Island Causeway (GA-520). The causeway drive across the marshes is scenic and takes only a few minutes. Car rental is available at the larger airports noted above.
By Bus or Shuttle
There is no regular scheduled intercity bus service directly to Jekyll Island. Some private shuttle operators serve the Golden Isles area from Savannah and Jacksonville — verify availability and schedules locally or through your accommodation.
Getting Around
Jekyll Island is extremely well-suited to slow, non-motorized travel. The island has an extensive multi-use trail network — roughly 20 miles of paved paths — connecting the historic district, beaches, nature areas, and facilities. Bicycles are the preferred way to explore and can be rented at several locations on the island (verify current rental operators on the Jekyll Island Authority website).
For those who prefer not to cycle, tram tours of the Historic District depart from the Jekyll Island Museum and offer a narrated overview of the Gilded Age cottages and Club buildings. Tram schedules and fees should be confirmed on-site or via the museum's current information.
A personal vehicle is useful for reaching the more remote northern and southern ends of the island, including the Horton House tabby ruins and the Glory Beach area at the north end. Parking areas are available throughout the island at no additional charge beyond the causeway fee.
Where to Stay
Overnight accommodation on Jekyll Island is intentionally restricted by the Jekyll Island Authority to limit overdevelopment. Options include the Jekyll Island Club Resort, housed in the restored Victorian-era clubhouse and adjacent cottages in the Historic District; a handful of independent hotels and motels concentrated near the beachfront; and a campground operated by the Jekyll Island Authority near Clam Creek. The campground accepts reservations — check the Jekyll Island Authority website for current availability and fees.
Because the total room inventory on the island is small, accommodations book up quickly during summer weekends, spring break, and any special events. Reserving well in advance — several months for peak periods — is strongly advisable. Brunswick on the mainland has a much larger selection of chain hotels for travelers on tighter budgets or those who couldn't find island availability.
Things to See & Do
Historic District
The Jekyll Island Historic District is a National Historic Landmark encompassing the original Jekyll Island Club building, now a hotel, and a cluster of restored "cottage" mansions once belonging to Gilded Age industrialists. The Jekyll Island Museum (housed in the former Club stables) offers exhibits on the island's history from indigenous habitation through the Club era. Walking tours and tram tours provide guided context.
Beaches
Jekyll Island has approximately 10 miles of Atlantic beachfront. The beaches are wide, gently sloping, and generally uncrowded compared to developed resort islands. St. Andrews Beach at the island's south end and Driftwood Beach at the north end — famous for its bleached, sculptural fallen trees — are particular highlights. Swimming is generally safe, but heed any posted flags and advisories.
Sea Turtle Center
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is an active sea turtle rehabilitation facility and educational attraction on the island. It houses injured sea turtles receiving treatment and offers exhibits explaining sea turtle biology and conservation. Operating hours and admission fees should be confirmed directly with the center.
Nature and Wildlife
- Kayaking and paddleboarding in the tidal creeks and marshes surrounding the island; guided tours are offered by operators who can be identified locally.
- Birdwatching is productive year-round; the island sits along the Atlantic Flyway and hosts wading birds, shorebirds, and raptors.
- Horton House, on the island's north end, preserves the tabby (oyster shell concrete) ruins of a colonial-era plantation house dating to the 1740s — one of the oldest standing structures in Georgia.
- Clam Creek Picnic Area and pier at the north end offers fishing access and marsh views.
Golf
Jekyll Island has a golf facility with multiple courses. Verify current operational status and rates directly with the Jekyll Island Golf Club.
Food & Drink
Dining options on Jekyll Island are modest in number, reflecting the island's deliberately limited commercial development. The Historic District area has the greatest concentration of restaurants, ranging from casual waterfront dining to the more formal dining room inside the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Seafood — shrimp, crab, oysters, and fish — is the regional staple and generally sourced locally or from nearby Georgia and Florida waters.
For a wider variety of dining, visitors often drive across the causeway to Brunswick, which has a fuller range of restaurants including chain options and local eateries. Grocery and convenience options on the island are limited, so if you plan to self-cater or want a broader selection of snacks and supplies, stock up before crossing the causeway.
Alcohol is available at restaurants and the hotel bar. There is no large liquor store on the island itself — verify current retail options locally.
Practical Information
Money
Most establishments on the island accept major credit and debit cards. Bring some cash for the causeway toll and smaller purchases. There are ATMs on the island but options are limited — withdraw cash before arriving.
Medical
There is no hospital on Jekyll Island. The nearest emergency medical facilities are in Brunswick on the mainland. For non-emergency medical needs, verify the nearest urgent care clinic with your accommodation. In a medical emergency, call 911.
Emergency Services
Call 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies. Jekyll Island is served by Glynn County emergency services.
Internet and Phone
Most hotels offer Wi-Fi. Mobile coverage from major US carriers is generally adequate in populated areas of the island but may drop in remote marshes and forest areas.
Seasonal Considerations
- Summer (June–August): Peak season, warmest ocean temperatures, most crowded, high humidity, and active mosquito and biting insect season.
- Sea turtle nesting season runs roughly May through October. Do not disturb nests or disoriented hatchlings; report them to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
- Hurricane season is June through November. Monitor NOAA forecasts if visiting during this period.
Safety
Jekyll Island is generally a low-crime destination. Standard precautions apply: do not leave valuables visible in parked vehicles, and lock your car.
Ocean swimming carries inherent risks. Rip currents can occur along barrier island beaches. Swim near other people, heed posted beach flags, and do not swim alone in remote areas. Jellyfish are present seasonally — check locally for current conditions.
Wildlife encounters: the island has alligators in freshwater ponds and tidal areas. Maintain a safe and respectful distance and do not feed them. Raccoons are bold and habituated to humans — secure food properly. During sea turtle nesting season, avoid using bright white lights on the beach at night, which can disorient nesting females and hatchlings.
Insects, particularly mosquitoes and no-see-ums (biting midges), can be intense near marshes especially in warm months. Use EPA-registered insect repellent.
