10 Best Things to Do on Jekyll Island

Driftwood Beach is a beautiful stretch on Jekyll Island’s eastern coast that’s known for its incredible ancient driftwood monuments. The beach is a popular spot for couples and families, but you can also find a little adventure by taking the unmarked path to the beach and walking along the shoreline to see the gallery of ancient driftwood in all sorts and sizes in the sand.

To the west, there's a large fishing pier for recreation. Dogs are welcome on Driftwood Beach year-round, so it's a great place to bring your furry family member and enjoy some outdoor play along the coast.

Beach Village is a shopping and fine dining area on the east coast of Jekyll Island. The unique shops and restaurants are all set within walking distance along palm-lined footpaths, with the waves of the Atlantic in view. There’s even a chain resort and a convention center, and its guests can easily sit outside and take in the sunshine in each of their section’s courtyards.

Throughout the shopping center, you'll find handicrafts, artisan goods, and clothing items that are truly unique and original. If you're looking for souvenirs, you can visit the Historic District for gift shops and collectibles to commemorate your trip to Jekyll Island.

Summer Waves Water Park is among the top spots for families on Jekyll Island which offers numerous water rides and slides. Among the favorite are the Jekyll River Lazy River and the thrilling Pirate's Passage.

When you bring the kids, you can join in the fun or hang out in relaxing private cabanas near the water attractions, such as the Frantic Atlantic Wave Pool. The park also has splash areas and water zones for younger children to cool off in, and you can pick up some gear and souvenirs at the surf shop.

Jekyll Island Mini Golf is the top mini-golf facility on the island. The facility offers 2 courses for advanced and beginner players so everyone can get in the game. This mini golf course is a great way to get out and have some fun with your friends, the kids, or your partner. Being just across the Atlantic Ocean and Great Dunes Park greatly adds to the convenience.

The course offers fun challenges and a unique course layout but note that it can be quite sunny during the hot summer months with little shade. On other days, the proximity to the coast allows you to enjoy putting with gentle ocean breezes throughout your game.

Jekyll Island has about 25 miles of paved biking trails that take you through the beautiful and diverse landscape of the island. Using the bike trails, you can pedal through forests, beach areas, and urban centers with historical landmarks to get a different view of the island.

The Jekyll Island Welcome Center has cycling trail maps that you can pick up for free, and there are bike rentals all over the island. Biking around Jekyll Island is a perfect option for a family day out, but couples and solo travelers can also find fun and get some exercise in with cycling excursions.

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a major attraction on Jekyll Island and a must-see educational facility for visiting families. The state's only sea turtle rehabilitation and education facility, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center offers hands-on experiences with rescued and rehabilitated sea turtles through interactive exhibits.

Many indoor and outdoor educational programs are hosted at the center, for all ages, allowing you to learn something new during your visit. You'll also learn about conservation and research programs conducted by the facility to preserve the island's wildlife.

Jekyll Island Golf Club is one of the places to hit if you're dying to get in a round of golf on your vacation. Jekyll Island is home to many immaculate courses that offer different types of play.

You can choose places like the Great Dunes Course, a historic 9-hole course, or the Indian Mound Course, a beautiful, natural course with a short 18 holes and unique challenges. There's also the Oleander Course near the ocean and the Pine Lakes Course with amenities for both adults and younger players.

The Jekyll Island Tennis Center is a premier tennis club on the island that’s surrounded by live oaks and moss. The tennis club offers 13 Har-Tru clay tennis courts for great gameplay. You'll find everything you need at the center, thanks to the pro shop that offers racket rentals, ball machine rentals, apparel and equipment to purchase, and racket restringing.

If you want assistance, you can get private instruction at the center, and you can also sign up for tournaments to test your skills. Note that reservations are required for playing on the courts.