This Island Off The Coast Of Georgia Is One Of The Most Magical Spots In The Country
By Beth|Updated on September 02, 2023(Originally published April 12, 2021)
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Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
Off the coast of Georgia awaits an island completely protected by its own state park. This treasure trove of sand dunes, hardwood forest, and shoreline was once the vacation spot of the world’s wealthiest business tycoons, and today, still remains one of the most unique spots in the country. Here’s more on Jekyll Island, Georgia, including my experience when visiting with my family:
Welcome to Jekyll Island, a gorgeous area comprised of thousands of acres of protected land, historic mansions, sandy beaches, and delicious restaurants for every budget.
My family especially enjoyed Tortuga Jacks, a fun Mexican eatery along Beachview Drive North. I ordered the Fresh Mex Bowl with ground beef, and it was absolutely delicious. Surprisingly, we did not eat any seafood while on this trip but look forward to doing that on a future visit!
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In 1886, the Georgia island was purchased by the Jekyll Island Club and consequently became one of the most exclusive islands in the world, visited by families such as the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. Book your stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort and experience what it's like today for yourself!
Fortunately, today, this island is way more accessible to those who aren't the elite. Visitors from around the world are invited to explore this unique island community.
The Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark is one of the largest ongoing restoration projects in the southeastern United States and is comprised of 240 acres with 34 historic structures. We took a drive through the district and loved seeing the homes and this chapel, known as Faith Chapel. It was built in 1904 for the members of the Jekyll Island Club.
Only one-third of Georgia's Jekyll Island is allotted for commercial purposes, meaning there are endless pristine shorelines to discover. And with proximity to the coast comes delicious seafood. Be sure to try local favorites such as Love Shack BBQ Shrimp and Doc's Snap Shop.
So if your ideal vacation involves Spanish moss, Live Oak trees, breathtaking sunrises, and some of the most underrated sea food in the country, you'll fall in love with what this tiny Georgia island has to offer.
Watching the sunrise at Driftwood Beach was a family favorite experience during our Jekyll Island trip. It's one of the most magical sunrise settings. For more details on Driftwood Beach, ranked among the top 10 in the Country by TripAdvisor, take a peek at this video:
Have you explored the shores of Jekyll Island before? We’d love to hear about your experience there! For related content, you’ll love learning about Georgia’s oldest building that has been left standing in ruins. You can also visit the Jekyll Island tourism board for additional information helpful in planning a trip.
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More to Explore
|January 01, 1970
What are the most highly rated restaurants in Georgia?
Some top-rated restaurants in Georgia include:
Southern comfort food fare – Yoder’s Restaurant in Montezuma, The Olde Pink House in Savannah, and Mystic Grill in Covington
Great lunch spots – Joe’s Homemade Cafe in Savannah and Neighborhood Eats in Atlanta
What are the most unique places to visit in Georgia?
Some of Georgia’s unique places to visit are:
The Georgia Guidestones in Elberton – A fascinating, mysterious attraction
Tank Town USA in Morganton – An amusement park that’s the ultimate truck playground
Habitat for Humanity at the Global Village & Discovery Center in Americus – A life-sized version of homes in third-world countries, demonstrating the devastating effects of poverty across the world
The Lunchbox Museum in Columbus – One of the quirkiest museums you could experience showcasing hundreds of antique lunchboxes
Cumberland Island National Seashore in St. Mary’s – The largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles where you can see wild horses rumming free