Driftwood Beach Guide: Best Time for Photos, Tides & Weddings

Driftwood Beach is not your typical sandy retreat for sunbathing; it is a hauntingly beautiful boneyard of ancient oak and pine trees. Located on the northern end of Jekyll Island, this spot offers one of the most unique landscapes in the United States, often compared to a movie set or an alien planet.

If you are planning a trip to the Golden Isles, this beach is likely at the top of your list. However, visiting here requires a bit more strategy than a regular beach day. From the critical tide schedules to the parking situation, here is everything you need to know to experience this natural masterpiece correctly.

The gnarled trees of Driftwood Beach silhouetted against a colorful sunrise, showing the dramatic landscape.

The Golden Rule: Check the Tides Before You Go

This is the single most important piece of advice for your visit. If you visit at high tide, there is no beach.

The Atlantic Ocean swallows the sand completely during high tide, leaving the water crashing directly against the tree line. You will not be able to walk among the driftwood, and you will miss the experience entirely.

• Best Time to Visit: Aim for low tide or falling tide. This exposes the vast network of roots and fallen trunks, allowing you to walk freely and capture those iconic photos.
• How to Check: Look up a specific tide chart for Jekyll Island (not just Georgia coast) for the day of your visit. Tides shift by about an hour every day.

Photography Guide: Sunrise vs. Sunset

Driftwood Beach is a photographer's dream, but the lighting changes the vibe dramatically.

Sunrise (The Pro Choice)

Since the beach faces east, sunrise is spectacular here. You get the sun coming up directly over the ocean, silhouetting the twisted tree branches against a purple and orange sky.

• Crowds: It is generally quieter, mostly populated by other photographers.
• Bonus: You can see the St. Simons Island Lighthouse blinking in the distance across the sound before the sun fully rises.

Sunset

While the sun sets behind the trees (to the west), the Golden Hour light casts a warm glow on the weathered wood, highlighting the textures and grain.

• Vibe: It is more romantic but usually more crowded with families and couples.

Swimming and Safety: What You Need to Know

While you technically can swim here, it is not the best spot for it. The water is often murky due to the mixing of the ocean with the marsh rivers, and the bottom is littered with snagging roots and sharp rocks.

If you do decide to wade in the water:

• Wear Water Shoes: The seabed is full of rocks, shell beds, and hidden tree limbs that can easily cut your feet.
• Watch the Currents: The currents near the north end of the island can be swift as the tide changes.
• Climbing Trees: You will see people climbing on the massive horizontal oaks. Be very careful; the wood can be slippery with algae near the water line, and barnacles are sharp.

For a traditional swimming day with soft sand and lifeguards, you should head to the central beaches. We compare all the options in our detailed Jekyll Island Beaches guide.

Parking and Access

Driftwood Beach is located along North Beachview Drive. There is no massive paved parking lot here; instead, you will find pull-off areas along the side of the road and a few small designated spots near the beach access points.

• Parking Fee: There is no specific fee for this beach, but you must pay the $10 daily parking pass to enter Jekyll Island itself.
• Availability: These spots fill up fast, especially on weekends and holidays. If the roadside parking is full, you can park at the Clam Creek Picnic Area (about 0.5 to 1 mile away) and walk or bike down the path.
• Accessibility: The path from the road to the beach is short but consists of soft sand and dirt trails winding through the trees. It is not wheelchair friendly.

Weddings and Romantic Moments

With its dramatic backdrop, Driftwood Beach is a premier location for weddings. You will often see couples eloping or taking engagement photos here.

• Permits: Generally, simple ceremonies do not require a permit if you are not blocking public access or setting up structures. However, for larger setups, you should check with the Jekyll Island Authority.
• Timing: If you want a private moment, avoid weekends and mid-day hours. Early mornings on weekdays are your best bet for solitude.

Essential Tips for a Better Visit

• Bring Bug Spray: This is crucial. The beach is backed by a maritime forest and marshes. No-see-ums (sand gnats) and mosquitoes can be intense, especially around dawn and dusk when the wind dies down.
• Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome on Driftwood Beach! They must be on a leash at all times. Please pick up after them to keep this pristine environment clean.
• Leave it There: It is illegal to remove any driftwood from the beach. The trees are protected as part of the natural ecosystem. Take photos, not souvenirs.
• Accommodation: If you want to stay as close as possible to this spot, the Jekyll Island Campground is located just down the road, making it easy to catch the sunrise.

For a broader look at everything else the island offers, from history tours to the Sea Turtle Center, check out our complete Jekyll Island Travel Guide.