Activities in Jekyll Island, Georgia

January 2023, weekdays, Tuesday - Friday

Views from observation platform at information center
Bridge in distance in bottom photo is the bridge to Brunswick

I discovered this island purely by accident while researching another area nearby. We visited during off-season, so our experience is likely different than during busy times. Overall, we had a great visit, and I am sure we will visit again. The information center at the island entrance is more of a gift shop than a place for information. We were unable to get trail maps, or any better maps than the ones shown online. If you want printed maps, I suggest printing the online maps before arrival. There is a nice observation platform beside the information center, and there are restrooms inside the building. As I mentioned in my previous post, there is an $8 entrance fee to drive out to the island. I assume the entrance fee does not apply to bikers and walkers, as the only fees listed at the gate are for vehicles. We observed many people on bikes every time we arrived or departed the island.

Jekyll Island trails and signs on south portion of island

South Jekyll Island hiking, biking, beaches

The main island roads (Riverview Dr. and Beachview Dr.) go pretty much around the perimeter of the entire island. There are hiking trails in the center of the island between the roads. We stayed at Hampton Inn & Suites, and spent two days hiking the south portions directly from the hotel. 

St. Andrews Beach Park entrance and Wanderer Memory Trail

It is about two miles one-way from Hampton Inn to St. Andrews Beach Park. You can get to the park via the paved sidewalk across the street from the hotel, or by taking the interior trails between Beachview Dr. and Riverview Dr. 

St. Andrews Beach Park Wildlife Viewing Platform

This park has a beach, picnic area, Wanderer Memory Trail, and Wildlife Viewing Platform. 

Trails across from soccer complex on Jekyll Island

Most of the interior trails are hard packed if they are not paved, so it was easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. The loop across from the soccer complex on Beachview Dr. is one of the few trails that was a bit gnarly and narrow for bikes.

South Dunes walkway to beach, and beach in this area at low tide

South Dunes Picnic Area is located next to Hampton Inn. This park has a viewing area and walkway to the beach. The beach walkway had not been repaired yet from the tropical storm at the time of our visit.

Area where trail comes out on south Jekyll Island beach area across from water tower

There is a parking area across from the water tower, about ¾ mile south of the Hampton Inn, with a trail to the beach.

Riverview boardwalk and park

North Jekyll Island hiking, biking, beaches

Riverview Park is located just north of the causeway. This park has history, picnicking, and access to Historic District Trail.

Historic District Trail on Jekyll Island

The Historic District has a resort, shopping, snacks, and a post office.

Horton Pond

It was a pretty easy hike of about ¾ mile one-way from Horton House on N. Riverview Dr. to Horton Pond near N. Beachview Dr. Unfortunately, we did not see any alligators the day we visited. If you do not want to hike, the pond is very close to Beachview Dr. We passed a couple who turned around before arriving at the pond from the house, and we observed someone arriving at the pond platform by wheelchair from Beachview Dr. parking.

A picnic area, fishing pier, and hiking trails are located just north of Horton House across from the campground. The paved trail from Beach Village to the north end of the island passes by a couple of swimming beaches. Beach Village is about 1¼ mies from Hampton Inn. We walked there along the sidewalk, and returned via the beach. We did not dine at any of the restaurants, although we purchased a couple of local brews from Jekyll Beverage Center.

Let me know if you have any questions or information to share.