Jekyll Island

Dear Dr. Jekyll,
Yesterday we visited your island, but unfortunately you were not there. Instead, we met a very unsavory character by the name of Mr. Hyde. Sadly, we will not visit you again.
**********
Although the surroundings are beautifully manicured if you are looking for the idyllic family beach vacation, i suggest you skip this mud puddle. However, if you are a nature lover, you will find it an interesting place.
For an uncannily accurate description of our vacation experience at Jekyll Island, simply check out Rich R’s review from early May 2015.
We stayed at the Quality Inn, but there was nothing quality about it. In fact the structure is not sound, and is very shoddily repaired. Our room smelled of mold so bad we couldn’t breathe. We were moved to a better room, but it was still well below par. Most definitely not worth the $ 175 dollars per night.
I had called the hotel before hand, and asked about the beach quality, and made sure to mention how much I love swimming in the ocean. The front desk manager assured me it was a beautiful beach and that, as a swimmer, I would enjoy it very much. When we arrived we were so excited by the surrounding’s beauty that we could hardly wait to get to the beach and spend the day.
Our first stop: Driftwood Beach, where we immediately began to get chewed by mosquitos and horse flies. So bring strong bug repellent. You can’t walk through the grass with open toed shoes, because fire ants are everywhere you step. When we got to the beach it was basically disgusting, with all manner of dead ocean creatures, such as jellyfish aplenty, lots of crab carcasses, and even things I could not identify. Also, the beach is strewn with lots of dead trees, rotten wood, bits of rotten twigs, and the fishy, putrid smell perfectly complimented the view.
After that we went to Great Dunes Beach, expecting it to be better. It was cleaner, but the water and the sand are brown, and you are greeted by a sign that tells you whether or not there is too much bacteria in the water for you to swim. With so many factories along the Georgia coastline spewing toxic waste that is undoubtedly making its way to the beaches, it’s no wonder flesh eating bacteria cases are increasing in frequency along the eastern and gulf coastlines. On this day the bacteria level was acceptable, however, there were so many jellyfish washed ashore, that I (nor anyone else there, for that matter) dared not set one toe in the ocean. You will enjoy sharing the shore with horse flies (yes, they bite), fire ants, fleas and the occasional doggie poo. We did see flocks of Sea Terns, which were beautiful, and about the only interesting thing to see.
My husband and I drove six hours to get to Jekyll Island. We chose this as our first vacation spot this year mostly because it is a dog friendly beach, and also because I bought into all the hype, and was wooed by all the beautiful (but misleading) photos on the web. I should have taken note that there were no photos of the shoreline, the water or sand.
To put it succinctly, we arrived at our destination at 1 p.m. on Wednesday May 13^th. Five hours later we were driving back home. I was so disgusted and disappointed to have lost 12 hours of my day to come here, when I could have just as easily drove to Navarre Beach, Destin, or Hilton Head.
My condolences to all the business owners who have invested at Jekyll Island. It is clearly a place that is, as far as tourism and marine life is concerned, dying a slow death.
The saddest part? Why isn’t the state of Georgia doing anything to save their beaches from corporate toxic waste?

The island is beautiful. Lots to do for families! Water park called summer waves check the deals out they post on groupon for additional savings!

This is not a beach to go to for swimming. We only come here to take our dog so she can run on the beach (which dogs are to remain leashed). I grew up near the Mississippi River and seriously, that water is better looking than Jekyll’s. I’m not sure why that is because it’s relatively close to Tybee, but for whatever reason, the water is horribly dirty (though there is a sign that says the water has an «acceptable amount of bacteria present»). I’ve been here a couple of times at different stages of the tide level and I haven’t found the water to get any better at any given time. Just make sure that if you come to Jekyll, you know what you’re getting into.

On my second week on detail here, I went to Jekyll Island. The cost of parking for a car is $ 6.00 paid at the entrance. My visit on Sunday so the place had plenty of parking. The weather was sunny, a little breezy and not too hot. What amazes me is the beach is very clean absent if all the annoying trash. A nice beach to enjoy a swim and family gathering.

Make sure you stop for a map at the visitor’s center so it is easy to find your way around the island. I was too distracted by the hoard of screaming children to remember this when stopping for postcards to send to family. Therefore, I ended up driving around a significant portion of the island looking for the beach. This is a rugged island on the «Golden Coast» and the beach is not easily visible from the car. I would definitely recommend exploring this island on bikes which you can rent to get to more areas that are not easily accessible from the road. My friend and I happened upon the Horton House and a nearby cemetery which was cool to take pictures with and had lots of historical signage. We finally decided to line up the car on the road with the other vehicles and set out in search of the beach. We found a trail that led to a very rocky beach area and were slightly disappointed since we are used to the Emerald Coast in the Florida panhandle with the white sandy beaches. However, we wandered down to the Driftwood Beach which was pretty neat. I think sunrise or sunset would be the best time to take pictures here, but we saw some cute vow renewals in this area. Definitely recommend horseback riding on the beach, especially at sunset. Also there are a lot of deer on this island so be careful driving in the evening. This is a great getaway for the adventurous sort of people, or the avid golfer.

Some friends and I came here recently for a few days for a friend’s wedding. Having never been to the southern US before, I was already enjoying the flora and fauna that was a stark difference to that back home in eastern Canada; very lush and green, even when plants were barely blooming back home.
Jekyll Island definitely seems to target an older crowd. There’s only a handful of things to do if you’re a young family or just young — the beaches (which are gorgeous, especially Driftwood beach, although the tides greatly affect accessibility), mini-​golf, the sea turtle center (which I regret missing), hiking/​cycling trails, and a small water park that I caught sight of on the way in. Given a tight schedule with my groomsman obligations, I didn’t get to explore the island as much as I would have wished. There’s a few different golf courses, and the restaurant McCormick’s at one of them really showed how many senior citizens come to the island; there were high-​waisted shorts and boring golf shirts everywhere. Everywhere.
There’s a handful of restaurants, but the hours aren’t the best. Driftwood Bistro at Villas by the Sea is only open for dinner service, which leaves you SOL if you’re staying there and want a quick breakfast or lunch without having to drive to the main part of the island, and they all shut down at 9 or 10pm. I did hear that the food at the Bistro was great though, from my fiancée and friend’s wife who were able to go there, which almost makes it worse that I didn’t make it there. The Grand Dining Room at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel did have a fantastic brunch though, and at a very reasonable price given the amazing location, quality of the food and high end service. Most of the business are located more centrally near the Historic District and the road to the rotary.
The tap water throughout the island is very sulphurous smelling well water, it tastes horrible and even smells bad when you’re showering, so I’m not sad that we didn’t go to the water park.
Definitely go for a walk around the beautiful Historic District and check out the ghost tour, which while not particularly scary, does give you a good history lesson on the island.
If you’re looking for a relaxed vacation, Jekyll Island is a beautiful spot to go. However, if you’re looking to have a lot of things to do at all times of day, especially if you’re young, you might find yourself somewhat limited in options, especially on an extended stay.

We ended up here drawn in by the endless hype about the place. What we found was below our expectations based on questionable glorious reviews:
It is a clean, organized resort/​village originally developed by rich white men to escape the city and shoot furry animals at their leisure. A fairer sport would be to also supply the animals with guns to shoot back.
It costs $ 6 just to enter and look around; just don’t look suspicious or wear a hoodie.
There is literally nothing to do for families with kids except one miniature golf course and some sort of mini-​waterpark that was closed. Golf seems to be the senior pastime here. The #1 activity listed here is walking along the stinking driftwood beach.
All activity on the island ceases at 9 p.m. Restaurants close, along with all the other non-​existent things you are supposed to be able to do. Bring a book or two.
The city water tasts and smells putrid. Bring lots of bottled water, or better, wine or beer to drink.
The «beach» is downright unappealing, hard packed brown sand and suspiciously brown, muddy water. No waves, Noone swims in it and few are sitting on the beach. Swim in the hotel pool. I guess we are spoiled by New Jersey’s LBI beach.
There are a couple of expensive restaurants to eat at (be sure to bring your corporate AMEX card,) most of the rest are sub-​par located in hotel chains except for Driftwood Bistro and a pizza place with a neat bar near the minigolf. Check Unilocal first.
The «historic district» trolley shows you around a couple of plain cottages where all the very rich people lived here for a few months a year and how well they celebrated their money.
We could not find anything historic that happened here besides the first transcontinental phone call was made here, and the fact that very famously wealthy people came here. They no longer come here. WE won’t be back.

We came hoping to spend a day at the beach before heading home. Early April found almost no one here. The beach is mainly dunes with the sand filled with sticks and debris. While I don’t mind a natural style beach, it didn’t seem inviting. The island reminded me of a timeshare resort.

Driftwood Beach on the northeast park of the island made my trip. A photographer’s paradise, particularly at sunrise.

I visited for the first time in mid June.
It is a quiet place to visit. Very relaxing.
As others have stated, the water can be clear to murky at times. It depends on the rainfall washing out the mud from the inlets, and the tides. Not my most favorable of water conditions.
But the beaches have signs showing where projected turtle nests are, there were dolphins swimming past all day, horseshoe crabs coming in with the tides and some we could dig up and show the kids before releasing them, and the most sand dollars I’ve ever encountered. We found a few dead ones… but at least ten live ones a day we left alone. Even saw several 4ft sharks coming into ankle deep water to chomp on 10inch fish.
The wildlife was great entertainment.
I saw some reviews from people who obviously didn’t find driftwood beach. And complained it was a few dead trees by a smelly pier. All piers can be smelly at times due to the tides and the wind. I grew up on an island, I know. This pier was never smelly while I was there. And this is NOT driftwood beach!
Driftwood beach is located absolutely just north of Villas by the Sea. You can park in their lot and walk to it. And there are several turn off areas just north of the Villas to park in and walk through the brush to the driftwood beach. There are no markings, but there it is. I wouldn’t label it as one of the top five most romantic beaches in the world, but it is a sight to see. Especially at sunrise.
The biggest asset to this island and least talked about, is the entire island network of paved trails. This island should not be visited without a bike. Unless you are an avid runner/​walker. The trails are above and beyond and very scenic.
Not a beach I would take all my small kids to every summer, but I will certainly be back. Great experience.

Being raised in Georgia for 15 years, I’ve never stayed at Jekyll Island. I’ve heard nothing but positive comments from friends and family.
Finally I got to experience this beautiful place. Jekyll Island is an island off the coast of the U.S. state of Georgia, in Glynn County; it is one of the Sea Islands and one of the Golden Isles of Georgia.
The first thing you notice is the gateway and the turtle crossing. You drive 5 – 6 miles before you get to the visitors center which everyone is very friendly and knowledgeable. For a day’s pass you pay $ 6.00 (in and out privilege for 24 hours). You are able to purchase a weeks pass required.
There are signs to reach your destination. Island is very clean and quiet. There is so much to do. Bike trails, waterpark, picnic area, beach area (we went to Great Dunes Park), mini golf, Historic District Shoppes, Museum, Turtle Center, and more.
I now reside in the Midwest (going on 10 years), when you visit the south, the Moss trees to me is what stands out– landscape wise. That’s what I miss the most.
When you are on the island there are restaurants, hotels, a convenient store and even a gas station.
Overall a great experience and recommended for all ages. If you want to go to a quiet and intimate island, this is the place.
Love it here, gorgeous and peaceful.

I have been going to Jekyll Island all of my life and it’s my favorite beach in southeast GA. This beaches beautiful and always leaves me relaxed and carefree. The ocean water isn’t the clearest blue water, but it’s still quite nice and enjoyable. When I visited I either lay out on the beach, peddle on the shoreline, walk out on the sandbar, go horseback riding, or go kayaking. The last time I visited, I did get stung by a jellyfish. I was about waist deep into the water. After being stung I saw a whole smack of jellyfish and just got out of the water at that point. I would stil recommend this beach.

I had heard of Jekyll Island, but never taken the time to do much research — so when we found ourselves in the area, we decided to take the quick drive out to see what it was all about.
As has been mentioned previously, it’s not a place if you want clear blue waters. For that matter, neither is anywhere if you’re in the «golden isle» area of Georgia, because golden refers not so much to the beaches, or even the people or anything else as much as the water — it’s this sort of nasty color to the water itself, and frankly, it’s rather brown rather than golden.
Regardless, they say it’s safe. On signs, telling you that it’s safe because otherwise you might wonder, what with all the nasty little stuff floating about. But even should this not bother you, the island is a little strange right now.
On one side, there is almost nothing to do. There’s a nice (ish) side where you can walk on a mostly deserted beach, and find about three pieces of driftwood. They call it — wait for it — driftwood beach. If you’re from the northwest, don’t expect that sort of driftwood, stacked end to end. You really have to look to find it.
On the other end, they are doing significant development, so one day, it might be interesting. Or it might be Myrtle Beach, pretty well defeating the purpose of a getaway.
In between, there are old houses and a deserted resort.
I think I’ll probably go elsewhere next time.

Jekyll Island is not a spot for those that want crystal blue waters to scuba or snorkel in. This is the golden isle jewel with a shifting Atlantic tide and breezy trade winds. The beaches are for walking and sitting to enjoy the natural rhythm, sounds, and smells of the ocean. The island is a State park so development is limited on a whole but there is still every amenity you can imagine from the available hotels and resorts. There is also a well maintained golf course and several different dining establishments that range from local feel to fine dining.
The slow pace and laid back nature makes this a great place for families with little ones trying to find an out of the way vacation spot over the amusement park driven chaos. It can also make a great home away from home for snowbirds and older couples looking to take a relaxing trip with both adventurous and comfortable tourist attractions.
Jekyll has a lot to offer just about anyone so long as they don’t have the wrong expectations.

My boyfriend took me here for my birthday for a day trip. They have some beautiful mansions that we did not get to check out & lots of outdoor activities we didn’t get to do, but we did go into this bookstore that had a ton of rooms and a plethora of super neat things for sale. That was pretty cool. We didn’t actually eat here even though that was the original plan. It just didn’t seem like a place that I was going to have amazing food. And that I definitely looked forward to for my birthday. Maybe we will go back at a later date and after more research to give this place another try.

There is nothing to do here, and I love it.
Well, by «nothing,» I mean «nothing» but beautiful –yet rugged– uncrowded beaches; inexpensive and humble restaurants; reasonable accommodations that will remind you of your grandma’s lake house; miles of safe bike paths lined with trees draped in Spanish moss; a state of the art convention center; more wildlife of the four legged, two legged and winged varieties than you can imagine; a mini-​golf course straight out of «Leave it to Beaver;» a water park that is cleaner than your neighborhood pool; and a chance to commune with a deep history rife with Morgans, Rockefellers, and Vanderbilts.
If your idea of paradise involves a lot of relaxing, with a side of beach time, and a healthy dash of fresh Georgia white shrimp, then you just might find paradise on Earth at Jekyll Island, my favorite of the Georgia beaches.

Let me say this first, one word and one word only: ROMANTIC!
I came here on a whim after a not so great vacation in FL with my honey. This place was such a nice little treat that I never even knew existed and man I’m glad I know now. We were driving back home a little bummed out from our crappy stay in the last place.
The green signs on the highway started announcing, «Jekyll Island, 8 miles» and as the number started to decrease on those signs we became more curious. There is literally NOTHING around this place as you’re driving up. It’s very serene and beautiful, but make sure you have gas in the car!
After a little ways of driving you see two pillars that welcome you to turn onto this road that takes you to the island. There is a welcome center on your left, and up ahead is a toll booth. Wait, toll booth? Yes, you have to pay $ 6 to get onto the island because it’s considered to be a park. But, with that being said, many of the restaurants on the island will validate your parking too.
The island is historical, beautiful and breath taking at sunset. There are 3 views to the beaches that I’d seen… The one by our hotel was your typical beach and there were horseshoe crabs EVERYWHERE! It was really interesting. The second beach is by the Rah Bar, and it was more of the marshy type beach. But that sunset was just amazing, and so memorable. We ate dinner there as the last rays of sunlight slipped out of sight. The last, and probably my favorite was the Driftwood beach. Talk about some great photo ops. wow! It was just beautiful, and there was a group riding horses down the beach too.
When we walked down the drift wood beach, we saw thousands of baby crabs, and a shrimp boat with flocks of sea gulls stalking it’s every move. If you are looking for romance, relaxation and to just get away from it all, Jekyll Island is your place. I wish I could live here with all the Spanish Moss trees as they swayed in the wind, and the deer creeping about in the night with the raccoons. Ah, it really is just a special place.

This place is relaxing and quiet. The beach is not crowded with rowdy groups, and the water is easy to play in waves are not rough so great for children. Many times about knee high in water you can find live sand dollars. Great treat to show the kids. Remember they are alive so please put them back in the water for others to find.
Every morning at sunrise you can watch shrimp boats float as the sunrises. Many mornings the dolphins are in the wake of the boats.
The island is bike friendly. Bring your bikes. You can easily navigate around the island for everything on your bike. The island is 15 miles around and flat. If your adventurous, walk it one morning, you will see things you hadn’t when zipping by on your car.
Visit Fins for great salads, seafood and hush puppies. The hush puppies are given out like chips at a Mexican restaurant. Check out Rah bar for drinks and sunset and Seajays for all you can eat shrimp boil!
We always stay at villas by the sea, condos are slightly dated but are a great value and allow you to eat in some.

You have to know what you’re getting into when you come to Jekyll Island. Namely, you’re getting into a whole lotta nothin.
The beaches are ok, but the water is frankly nasty. It is basically brownwater waves, best viewed from a distance.
The thing that is NICE about Jekyll is that it is quiet. It’s an interesting place from a historical perspective, and it is an interesting place from a natural perspective. While there is a lot of developing going on right now, it’s not NEW development… rather, it’s RE-​development.
If you’re interested in a quiet escape with ocean views, this is a great place to be. If you’re interested in night life and parties, this is NOT the spot.

Beautiful. Relaxing. Don’t come here expecting to stay out late shopping, partying and drinking. Visit for romantic alone time, pristine beaches and a good bike ride. I feel good just thinking about it :)