Located along Georgia’s Golden Isles, Jekyll Island is one of the Southeast’s most unique coastal destinations. Best known for the iconic Driftwood Beach, the island also offers historic landmarks, scenic drives, beautiful beaches, and plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy nature.
While you could easily spend an entire weekend exploring Jekyll Island, we think it’s also the perfect destination for a day trip. Whether you’re looking to wander through the driftwood, learn a little history at Horton House, or simply enjoy a relaxing drive beneath the island’s moss-draped oak trees, there’s plenty to fill a few hours.
In this guide, we’ll share how we’d spend a first visit to Jekyll Island, along with a few additional ideas if you have time to extend your trip.
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🌿 At a Glance
📍 Location: 10 miles southeast of Brunswick, Georgia
🌸 Best Time: Year-round (spring and fall are our favorites)
⏱️ Time Needed: 4–6 hours for a day trip (or 2–3 days to explore the island)
💲 Admission: $10 per vehicle (daily parking pass)
🐶 Dog Friendly: Yes, most beaches, trails, and outdoor areas
What We’d Bring
Here’s what we’d throw in our backpack for a day at Jekyll Island:
Bug Spray – We love this travel-size one and you’ll definitely appreciate it during the warmer months. Especially if you’re exploring around sunset.
Lots of Water – There isn’t much shade at some of the island’s beaches, so staying hydrated is important.
Sunscreen – You’ll likely spend a good portion of the day outdoors.
Hat + Sunglasses – A must for sunny days along the coast.
Camera or Phone – Trust us, you’ll be stopping for photos…especially at Driftwood Beach.
Water Shoes -Great for exploring Driftwood Beach, walking the shoreline, or spending time at the water park.
Our Ideal Jekyll Island Day Trip
If you’re visiting Jekyll Island for the first time, this is exactly how we’d spend the day.
Start With a Scenic Drive Around the Island
One of the things that surprised us most about Jekyll Island was just how scenic the drive itself was. Before you even reach the island, you’ll pass through expansive salt marshes before crossing the Intracoastal Waterway. Once you arrive, the roads are lined with towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss, making the drive feel like part of the experience rather than just a way to get from one stop to the next.
We’d recommend taking your time as you explore the island. Along the way, we spotted deer grazing in front yards, admired some beautiful homes, and found ourselves wanting to pull over every few minutes to soak it all in.
If you’re interested in the island’s history, consider making a stop in the Historic District. Once a private retreat for some of America’s wealthiest families, today it’s home to beautifully preserved cottages, museums, and guided tours that offer a fascinating glimpse into Jekyll Island’s past.
Once you’ve had a chance to enjoy the drive, it’s time to visit the attraction that put Jekyll Island on our radar in the first place.
Explore Driftwood Beach
Next, make your way to the north end of the island to visit the iconic Driftwood Beach. Frequently ranked as one of the best beaches in the United States, it’s one of those places that truly lives up to the hype.
What was once a thriving maritime forest has slowly been claimed by coastal erosion, leaving behind an incredible landscape of weathered tree trunks and sprawling root systems scattered across the shoreline. Calling it “driftwood” almost feels like an understatement. Many of these are entire tree skeletons, bleached by the sun and still standing where they once grew.
It’s honestly hard to describe just how unique this place is. The beach seems to stretch on forever, with each tree creating its own piece of natural artwork. As we wandered along the shoreline, I found myself stopping every few steps to take another photo because no two trees looked alike. Some still stand tall with twisted branches reaching into the sky, while others have toppled over, their massive root systems creating intricate sculptures in the sand.
The scenery has also made Driftwood Beach a favorite spot for photographers. During our visit, we saw several professional photo shoots taking place, and it’s easy to understand why. Whether you’re capturing family photos, engagement pictures, or simply photographing the landscape, there are incredible compositions everywhere you look.
We’d recommend spending at least an hour exploring the beach and taking it all in. One tip: the farther you walk from the main parking area, the fewer people you’ll encounter, making it even easier to enjoy the scenery and snap photos without the crowds.
Visit Horton House (Tabby Ruins)
After leaving Driftwood Beach, make a quick stop at Horton House, one of the oldest surviving tabby structures in Georgia. Built in the 1740s by Major William Horton, the home has stood on Jekyll Island for nearly 300 years and offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s early history.
Today, only the tabby walls remain, but it’s still worth taking a few minutes to walk around the ruins and imagine what life on Jekyll Island might have looked like centuries ago. Interpretive signs throughout the site share the history of the house, its construction, and the Horton family, making it an interesting stop even if you’re not a huge history buff.
You don’t need to set aside a lot of time here—about 15 to 30 minutes is plenty—but we thought it was a nice change of pace after spending time at Driftwood Beach and a worthwhile addition to any first visit to Jekyll Island.
If You Have Extra Time
Because we added Jekyll Island as a last-minute stop on our drive to Savannah, we weren’t able to fit everything into a single day. If you have a little more time than we did, here are a few more activities we’d consider adding to your itinerary.
- Georgia Sea Turtle Center
Visit Georgia’s only sea turtle rehabilitation, research, and education center. You can tour the rehabilitation hospital, learn about sea turtle conservation, and even see the patients currently being cared for. - Explore the Island by Bike
With more than 20 miles of paved bike trails, Jekyll Island is one of the best places in Georgia to explore on two wheels. The trails wind through maritime forests, alongside marshes, and past many of the island’s most popular attractions. - Spend Time at Great Dunes Beach Park
If you’re looking for a traditional beach day instead of exploring Driftwood Beach, Great Dunes Beach Park is a great option. The beach has restrooms, showers, picnic pavilions, and volleyball courts, making it an excellent spot for families. - Go Horseback Riding on the Beach
For a unique way to experience the island, consider taking a guided horseback ride along the beach. Riding through the sand with views of the Atlantic Ocean would definitely be high on our list for a future visit. - Cool Off at Summer Waves Water Park
Visiting during the warmer months or traveling with kids? Summer Waves Water Park offers water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool, making it a fun way to spend a hot afternoon. - Play a Round of Golf
Golfers will find plenty of options on Jekyll Island, which is home to three 18-hole golf courses set among marshes, lakes, and ancient oak trees.
Turn It Into a Weekend
While we think Jekyll Island makes an excellent day trip, it’s also the kind of destination that’s easy to turn into a relaxing weekend getaway. With miles of beaches, bike trails, golf courses, and plenty of outdoor activities, having an extra day or two lets you slow down and explore more of the island at your own pace.
⭐Our Hotel Recommendations
Luxury & History: Jekyll Island Club Resort
Beachfront Resort: The Westin Jekyll Island
If you prefer camping, the island also has the Jekyll Island Campground. It is a well-maintained campground tucked beneath the live oaks on the north end of the island.
Is a Jekyll Island Day Trip Worth It?
Absolutely.
We originally added Jekyll Island to our Savannah road trip because Driftwood Beach looked too unique to pass up. After spending a few hours exploring the island, we’re so glad we made the stop.
While Driftwood Beach was undoubtedly the highlight of our visit, the scenic drives, historic sites, and relaxed atmosphere made Jekyll Island feel like much more than just a beach destination. It’s easy to see why so many people choose to spend an entire weekend here.
If you’re looking for a unique coastal day trip filled with beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and a slower pace, we’d absolutely recommend adding Jekyll Island to your list.
And if you find yourself wishing you had more time, don’t worry, we did too. It’s already high on our list of places to revisit.
Looking for More Day Trips?
- Rock Springs Run Guide: Kayaking from King’s Landing – Paddle one of Florida’s clearest spring runs.
- Ravine Gardens State Park: The Perfect Florida Day Trip – Think Florida is flat? This unique state park is home to deep ravines, suspension bridges, and one of the state’s most beautiful spring azalea blooms.
- Kingsley Plantation: Is It Worth Visiting? – Discover one of Florida’s best-preserved plantation sites and its powerful history.