My family always looks forward to sinking our toes in the sand at Georgia’s Jekyll Island. In my opinion, Jekyll Island is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in the world. After entering the causeway of Jekyll, we can barely stay in our seatbelts from twisting side to side to catch a glimpse of the marshlands that unfold before us. The site of new coastal birds, animals or maybe even a turtle always holds new excitement every time we visit. This article is a great guide for visiting Jekyll Island, Georgia.
The first glimpse of the island is the ancient live oak trees dripping with Spanish Moss. But Jekyll Island, Georgia, part of The Golden Isles, has more than Spanish Moss, palm trees and live oaks to offer its visitors. The rich history of the island and the many activities available make for a life-long bonding experience for vacationers.
The Jekyll Island Authority is responsible for the upkeep of the Island and uses entrance fees to help maintain and beautify Jekyll Island, Georgia. The Jekyll Island Authority works hard to make sure the island stays pristine. Jekyll is almost unspoiled by its visitors and it lives up to its name as Georgia’s precious jewel. The old saying goes that once you step foot on the sand, you will fall in love with Jekyll Island. I can vouch that this statement is true. There’s just no explaining the sense of tranquility that overcomes you like never before when you visit this island.
The Rich History of Jekyll Island
The earliest settlers of Jekyll Island, Georgia were Native Americans. Explorers from Spain made the first official claim to the island in 1510. In 1562 the French laid claim to the land, but later battles between France and Spain delivered Jekyll Island back into the hands of the Spanish. The intoxicating appeal of the island would once again cause territorial unrest. Around 1702, the English, along with Native American tribes, drove the Spaniards from the island. In 1733, when General James Oglethorpe established Georgia as a colony, he named Jekyll Island after his friend, Sir Joseph Jekyll. William Horton was appointed by General Oglethorpe to set up a military post on Jekyll Island and Horton made his home there. Remains of the Horton home still stand today. After the death of Horton, possession of Jekyll Island became the property of Frenchman Christophe Poulain du Bignon in 1792. After Christophe du Bignon’s death, ownership of Jekyll was passed on to his son Henri Charles du Bignon. Henri Charles divided Jekyll among his four children. A sibling of the du Bignon’s, John Eugene du Bignon, planned to turn Jekyll Island into a retreat for the wealthy and famous, resulting in the construction of the glorious Jekyll Island Club Hotel, which opened in 1888. The du Bignon cemetery can be visited to this day on Jekyll Island, across from the Horton House remains.
The onset of financial ruin during World War II brought the Jekyll Island Club Hotel to its knees. The island was condemned in 1947. The extravagant vacation spot for the elite at Jekyll had come to a close. In 1950, the Jekyll Island Authority took over and was charged with operation and care for Jekyll Island. In 1954, Jekyll was re-opened to the public. The following years included restoring hotels and structures in the historic district and other changes to the island that we see today.
The Jekyll Island We Know Today
Jekyll Island, Georgia has ten miles of clean, beautiful beaches. All sorts of creatures can be found on Jekyll’s beaches like hermit crabs, different shells and other marine life. Public restrooms are scattered along beach entrances, which is a big relief for moms and beach lovers.
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is located on Jekyll Island and has numerous supporters who help to maintain this hands-on facility. The center is loaded with activities to help educate the public about endangered sea turtles, including an on-site clinic for sick and injured turtles. Tours of the center are held daily.
The historic district on Jekyll Island holds 240 acres of historic landmarks. Go by the Jekyll Island Club Hotel to feast your eyes on the elegant mansion dedicated to the rich and famous in years gone by. It is absolutely gorgeous and houses fine dining restaurants and luxurious suites. Surrounded by historic landmarks, the hotel is an architectural beauty nestled among the live oaks. Guided tours through the historic district are available.
The Summer Waves Water Park on Jekyll Island opens in mid-May through September. Attractions found in the water park include a wave pool, slow and lazy rides, a kiddie pool and other ferocious water rides.
Dining on Jekyll Island has a great selection of restaurants from which to choose. From pizza to steaks to seafood, the island has it all. Check out the restaurants in the island hotels, especially the Grand Dining Room at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. They offer food fit for a king in the most luxurious surroundings you will ever see.
Bird watching on Jekyll Island is so rich in coastal birds that it has been named an Important Birding Area (IBA) by the Georgia Audubon Societies. Nature walks on the island prove that there is an abundance of wildlife to be seen and guided tours are available.
Golfers on Jekyll Island will benefit from one of Georgia’s largest public golf resorts. Tennis lovers can enjoy the 13 clay courts provided on Jekyll at the Jekyll Island Tennis Center. The center was named one of “25 Best Municipal Tennis Facilities” in the country by Tennis Magazine.
Horseback riding is also offered on Jekyll Island, along with bicycle rentals for those who want a little exercise while experiencing nature on the island. More than 20 miles of paved trails are strategically placed throughout the island for bicycling and walking.
A day of coastal sight-seeing, dolphin tours and deep sea fishing can be had at the Jekyll Warf and the Jekyll Harbor Marina. A water taxi service is provided to visit surrounding islands like St. Simons and more. Fish off of the pier at the Clam Creek Picnic Area, then eat lunch on picnic tables underneath the live oaks and experience nature at its best.
Campgrounds on Jekyll Island allow tents or RV’s with all the modern amenities such as modem hookup. Restrooms, showers, laundry services and general stores are available on the island.
Plan Your Escape to Jekyll Island
I am so impressed with the manner in which the Jekyll Island Authority has fought to preserve nature on this beautiful island. The innocence of Jekyll is not spoiled by commerce. Just enough revenue is generated to make sure that this island remains unchanged. Check with travel agencies online to find the best deals on hotels on the island and experience the beauty for yourself. A vacation at Jekyll Island, Georgia is like another world within a world. Visit Jekyll Island and I can guarantee that you too will fall in love, just as I did.
