Just south of Savannah, Georgia lies Jekyll Island, one of the coastal region’s 15 barrier islands, popular for its 10 miles of pristine beaches. Among those sandy stretches are the marsh-facing St. Andrew’s Beach, the wide and sweeping Glory Beach, and Driftwood Beach, known for its eerily beautiful scenery: a majestic beach punctuated by weather-beaten driftwood and tree trunks. The island is also a state park, with land development limited to just over a third in total, preserving the ecosystem and offering refuge for both nature and visitors alike. In addition to outdoor activities like croquet, tennis, fishing, and miles of trails for walking and biking, you’ll also find a number of environmental education and conservation programs to explore.

Within the town of Jekyll Island, the Historic District is home to acres of open land adorned with historic buildings, horseback riding trails, and golf courses.

Two international airports that serve Jekyll Island: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) and Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). They are both about an hour to an hour-and-a-half away, and both offer rental cars and ride-hailing services. The regional Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK) is even closer, at a 30-minute drive, and has regular connections through Atlanta International Airport (ATL). From here, rental cars, taxis, and hotel shuttles are available.

As you enter the island, note that because it’s a state park, all vehicles are required to have a valid parking pass. You can purchase these in advance online or use the touchscreen payment kiosks at the entry gate. You can get either a day pass or an annual pass, depending on the length of your stay, or if you’re on bike or foot, you can enter free of charge. With more than 20 miles of paths and trails, biking is a wonderful way to get around to the island’s many beaches and sites.

Coastal Georgia temperatures are enviable most of the year. While summers are hot and humid and the island becomes extremely busy, the fall and spring temperatures are very temperate and quieter. Both shoulder seasons are ideal times to land a vacation rental on Jekyll Island as days are warm enough for the beach and evenings cool but not cold, plus the crowds have thinned if you’re looking for a quieter stay.

Every fall, you can eat your way through the three-day Shrimp & Grits Festival celebrating this southern region’s most famous dish. Winter temperatures are cool but remain on the milder side — but that’s not the only reason to visit. The island community throws spectacular holiday events that you can participate in, like the Holly Jolly Light Tour, a trolley ride that takes you to see more than half a million lights strung up around the island, and the Mailbox on Main, where you can drop a letter to Santa at the island’s North Pole mailbox.

Horton Pond

Conservation efforts have recreated Horton Pond as a sanctuary for local wildlife and as a place for visitors to commune with nature. Walk the Tupelo Trail, which provides scenic views of the pond and its plants.

Eco-Education

At the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, you can learn about the island’s efforts to resuscitate the sea turtle population and take a guided beach walk during nesting season. You can also opt to take a guided kayaking tour of Jekyll Island’s tidal creeks with the 4-H Tidelands Nature Center.

Goodyear Cottage

Craft enthusiasts and art lovers will want to check out Goodyear Cottage, where the Jekyll Island Arts Association has its home. This nonprofit is the force behind the island’s creative life, putting on the annual Merry Artist Market, plus art exhibitions, classes, and workshops the rest of the year.