Jekyll Island

Across a seven-mile, marsh-hemmed causeway awaits a paradise with an unrivaled story to tell. Within minutes of driving onto Jekyll Island, guests are taken to the nearest faraway place. It is a place surrounded by miles of sandy shores. A place enveloped by calming maritime forest and whispering ocean breezes. A place layered in rich history, legacies and legends.

This place is Jekyll Island. From its oak trees draped in moss, to the Gothic splendor of Driftwood beach, Jekyll Island radiates Southern charm and embodies the spirit of hospitality. It is this sense of wonder, beauty and timelessness that brings thousands of guests to Jekyll Island every year.

Jekyll Island was originally home to Native American and Spanish settlers, and in 1886, was marked as the winter retreat for the nation’s wealthiest families. This millionaire’s sanctuary welcomed the likes of the Pulitzers, Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and other elite families who found respite on the Island in its gilded era, developing the Jekyll Island Millionaires Club that became their own private world.

Today, their cottages and homes have been preserved and restored, making up the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District. The 240-acre district is one of the largest ongoing preservation projects in the nation. Within these acres of history, guests will find architectural wonders, sprawling vistas, restored cottages and landscapes, and numerous opportunities for shopping, dining and educational programming.

Outside of this expansive historic district, the Island features a collection of guest destinations, including three 18-hole golf courses and one 9-hole course, as well as dozens of shops and restaurants, more than 20 miles of bike paths, and 10 miles of sandy beach shores. Being an island, water-based activities are a favorite activity for Jekyll Island guests. From our two wharfs, guests can cast their lines, or opt for rides on charter fishing tours or dolphin tours.

Additionally, Jekyll Island offers the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a state-of-the-art sea turtle rehabilitation, research and educational facility, and Summer Waves, an 11-acre water park offering nine rides and endless fun.

The Jekyll Island Convention Center is the newest addition to the Island. Opened in Spring 2012, the 128,000-square foot center is a distinct point of pride for the Jekyll Island Authority, which oversees operations of the Island. As the only beachfront convention center on the east coast south of New Jersey, the center is quickly gaining a reputation of excellence for its efficient use of space and overall grandeur.

Whether planning a week-long family getaway, a quick romantic weekend, or looking to book an event or conference, Jekyll Island has something for everyone. Sit back, take in the beauty of the Island’s natural surroundings and let the calming sounds of ocean waves wash away the rush of the world.

Welcome to Jekyll Island, the nearest faraway place!