Planning your Jekyll Island Vacation in Georgia!

Visiting Jekyll Island Georgia

Jekyll Island has an interesting history, once a private haven for the wealthiest families of the late 1800s it was acquired by the state of Georgia in 1947. The Vanderbilt, Gould, and Goodyear families and the like purchased this beautiful semi-tropical paradise as a member's only retreat around the turn of the century. Jekyll Island, one of the most beautiful of Georgia's barrier islands sets at the southern end of the Golden Isles. Ten miles of white sand beaches are lined with live oaks adorned in Spanish moss. Many of the islands splendid cottages, some over 7,000 square feet in size, line the banks of Jekyll Creek and have been restored to their original 1900th century magnificence and are open to the public. The island is home to over 20 miles of paths for walking and biking. There is always a quiet spot on the beach where vacationers can look out over the Atlantic or become entranced as the sea oats flow methodically in the breeze. The island boasts a covered fishing pier to protect the angler. The Jekyll Wharf that once harbored luxury yachts of the rich and famous is still used by boaters today. There are so many things to do on this beautiful Island from golfing to sailing. The city has several wonderful attractions and offers tours of the famous Landmark Historic District where visitors can see what was once considered the most exclusive and inaccessible place anywhere in the world. Shoppers find everything from fabulous clothing with Island flair to the perfect nautical gift in the stores of Jekyll Island. Diners will be pleased with the excellent selection of restaurants. Whether favoring beach front dining, marina views, garden courtyards, out door decks, casual or elegant Jekyll Island has it covered. Restaurants here have been satisfying taste buds watering for the most scrumptious local seafood prepared to order, freshly baked muffins served with piping hot gourmet coffee, and traditional southern fare for years.

Jekyll Island Climate

Jekyll Island residents enjoy a temperate semi-tropical climate. Summer temperatures are perfect ranging from the low to mid 70s up to the high 80s. Early fall temperatures average in the 70 to 80 degree range with later fall temperatures dipping into the 50s at times and ranging up into the low 70s. Winter lows average around the mid 40s and highs average around the low to mid 60s. Jekyll Island winters are mild and the island is peaceful making it a great retreat for those seeking refuge from the cold northern winters. Early spring lows can dip into the low 50 degree range and average highs can climb up to the 70s. The mild climate attracts visitors anytime of year.

Jekyll Island Nature

Jekyll Island plays host to some of the most incredible nature experiences. The inaccessibility of the island for many years and the current laws that protect it help to preserve the islands unspoiled beauty. From its splendid maritime forests to its shifting sand dunes adorned with beautiful sea oats it is a treasure to behold. Opportunities abound to explore and learn about the mystique of the island's live oaks, salt marshes, and alligator ponds. Jekyll Island is home to deer, wild turkey, hawks, egrets, and alligators and is one of the sites on the Colonial Coast Bird Watching Trail. Jekyll Island is known in the animal world as a safe place for loggerhead sea turtles. They come to the beaches to dig their nests in the sand and lay their eggs. Many visitors trek out at night along the beaches hoping to catch a glimpse of these interesting creatures. Whether you let the boardwalks transport you to the white sand beaches, take a stroll beneath the live oaks or explore the nature trails you are sure to get pleasure from all the natural beauty of Jekyll Island.

Jekyll Island Travel Tips

The temperate climate of Jekyll Island allows visitors to enjoy outdoor activities year round. Jekyll Island offers up many waterfront activities from dolphin tours to charter fishing and the lure of the beautiful beaches alone beckon most vacationers to the ocean. Visitors need to take care to protect their skin from the sun. It may not seem hot out on a boat or when it is cloudy, but the sun can still burn. So be sure to wear sunscreen with a high SPF. The sunscreen may wash off in the water or with perspiration, it is wise to reapply it after swimming or after a few hours on the beach or out on the water. A sunburn could put a damper on vacation plans. The current of the Atlantic can be strong making it a wise decision to know the current weather conditions before venturing off the shore. If you have children make sure you know where they are at all times when they are in, on or around the water. Walking tours are a great way to explore the island's Historic District, that way you don't miss anything. Jekyll Island is a safe place to visit, but it's still a good idea to use traveler's checks instead of cash. Do not to leave valuables in your car or on the beach.