Jekyll Island Travel Guide: Things to Do, Hotels & 2026 Parking Fees

Jekyll Island is unlike any other beach destination in the United States. It lacks the neon lights of Myrtle Beach or the crowded high-rises of Florida. Instead, you will find a serene, protected state park where Gilded Age history blends seamlessly with wild, untouched nature.

Located midway between Savannah and Jacksonville, this barrier island was once the exclusive winter playground for the world's wealthiest families, the Rockefellers, Morgans, and Vanderbilts. Today, it offers a unique mix of experiences: you can bike through maritime forests, watch doctors treat injured sea turtles, and walk on a beach filled with ancient driftwood trees.

Whether you are planning a family vacation or a quiet weekend getaway, this guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Georgia's most fascinating Golden Isle.

Getting There & The Parking Fee (Toll)

Access to Jekyll Island is via a paved causeway that crosses the beautiful marshes. Because the entire island is a State Park, you are required to pay a parking fee upon entry. This is not a toll for the road, but a daily pass for the amenities.

• Daily Pass: $10 per vehicle.
• Payment Method: The entry gate is largely automated and accepts credit/debit cards only. Cash is often not accepted at the kiosks.
• Validity: The pass is valid for 24 hours, allowing you to come and go as you please during that day.

Top Things to Do on Jekyll Island

The island is small—only 7 miles long—but it is packed with diverse activities. Here is how to prioritize your time.

1. Explore Driftwood Beach

This is the island's most famous landmark. Located on the north end, the beach is lined with massive, weathered pine and oak trees that have been reclaimed by the sea. It is hauntingly beautiful and perfect for photography.

However, visiting here requires timing. If you go at high tide, the beach disappears completely. To make sure you don't miss out, check our dedicated Driftwood Beach Guide for tide charts, photography tips, and safety warnings.

2. Step Back in Time at the Historic District

For over 50 years, this island was a private club that held one-sixth of the world's wealth. The cottages these millionaires built are actually massive mansions, and they are beautifully preserved today.

You can walk the grounds for free, but to enter the buildings, see the famous Tiffany window at Faith Chapel, or take the popular trolley tour, you will need a ticket. We cover the best tours and museum details in our Jekyll Island Historic District Guide.

3. Visit the Sea Turtle Hospital

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is not just an aquarium; it is Georgia's only sea turtle hospital. It is the best indoor activity on the island, especially if you are visiting with children or on a rainy day.

You can watch real veterinary procedures through a viewing window and meet the recovering patients in the rehabilitation pavilion. Since feeding times and ticket prices vary, be sure to read our Georgia Sea Turtle Center Guide before you go.

4. Cycle the Island Trails

One of the best ways to see Jekyll Island is on two wheels. The island boasts over 20 miles of paved bike trails that loop through forests, along the beaches, and past the historic sites.

The terrain is incredibly flat, making it easy for riders of all ages. You can bring your own bikes or rent them from several spots near the Beach Village or the hotels. The loop around the entire island takes about 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace.

5. Hit the Beach

Besides Driftwood Beach, the island has several other coastline parks perfect for swimming, shelling, or walking your dog.

• Great Dunes Park: The hub for families, with picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, and restrooms.
• St. Andrews Beach: Located on the southern tip, this is the best spot for watching dolphins and seeing the sunset.
• Glory Beach: Famous for the movie Glory, this beach is accessed via a long boardwalk over pristine dunes.

Choosing the right beach depends on whether you want amenities, solitude, or pet-friendly areas. Compare all your options in our Best Jekyll Island Beaches guide.

Where to Stay: Hotels & Camping

Because development is strictly controlled by law (65% of the island must remain natural), you won't find endless rows of hotels here. Accommodation options generally fall into three categories:

The Historic Experience

• Jekyll Island Club Resort: Stay in the actual cottages where the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers slept. It offers a luxurious, old-world charm in the heart of the Historic District.

Beachfront Modern

• The Westin Jekyll Island: Located right next to the convention center and Oceanview Beach Park, offering modern luxury and direct ocean views.
• Hampton Inn & Suites: A great family-friendly option with a pool and easy beach access.

Nature & Camping

• Jekyll Island Campground: Located on the north end near Driftwood Beach, this campground is nestled among the trees. It offers full hookup sites for RVs and primitive spots for tents. It is extremely popular, so booking months in advance is recommended.

Best Time to Visit

Jekyll Island is a year-round destination, but the experience changes with the seasons.

• Spring (March-May): The best weather. The azaleas are in bloom, and it is warm enough for biking but not too humid.
• Summer (June-August): Peak season for families. It gets hot and humid, but the ocean breeze helps. This is also sea turtle nesting season.
• Fall (September-November): Another sweet spot with lower humidity and warm ocean temperatures.
• Winter (December-February): It rarely freezes, making it a great escape from northern winters. The island lights up with millions of lights for the Holly Jolly Jekyll festival.