This beachfront resort offers hotel rooms and suites, most of which provide unobstructed views of the Atlantic. Bike trails, walks along the beaches and sandbars, and Summer Waves, a water park, are among the active attractions. The accommodation is situated in a beach area, right next to Horton House Ruins. Others have been adapted for use as museums, art galleries, or bookstores. There are many reasons why family resorts should be chosen when travelling to Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island State Park Authority Archives, Jekyll Island Museum, Georgia. The rest is tidal marshlands, mostly on the island's western shore.The island measures about 7 miles (11 km) long by 1.5 . 1910Under the cover of night, and using only first names to keep their identities secret, Senator Nelson Aldrich led a party of financial leaders to Jekyll Island to conceptualize a federal banking system. You can flip about between exhibits live turtles plus the researchers, who will inform you about turtle habits, their nesting and the center's monitoring program. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is 2 km away.The banquet and meeting rooms offer a total 520 square metres of available function space. It has 5,700 acres (23 km 2) of land, including 4,400 acres (18 km 2) of solid earth and a 240-acre (0.97 km 2) Jekyll Island Club Historic District. The boardwalk, recently repaired, can be accessed from the soccer complex at the south end of the Jekyll Island. Climb aboard the wildlife viewing platform: migratory and shore birds, including the threatened Wilsons Plover frequent the area along with a dolphin or two if you're lucky. Guided tours of the Landmark Historic District are available. The historic district features numerous impressive and ambitious buildings from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. THE BEACH IS STEPS AWAY AT OUR JEKYLL ISLAND FAMILY RESORT! So conveniently located on the Island! This area was repaired in 1983, with bulldozers pushing new primary dunes into place to correct the damage caused by 30 years of beachgoers trampling over the enormous dunes to the beach. Guests will find Jekyll Island city centre within a 30-minute walk from the hotel. Explore more great accommodation options in Jekyll Island, starting with pet-friendly hotels. [6], The southern end of the island was virtually unused by settlers and visitors until the late 19th century, when the army installed a gun mount on the southern end during the SpanishAmerican War. If you booked through us and want to leave a review, please sign in first. Take a nighttime trolley tour to learn about the "dark secrets"of Jekyll Island. The only way to leave a review is to first make a booking. Junior was beyond helpful and interested in making sure his customers felt welcomed and if there was a problem he wanted to make it right. It is open daily to the public, with interactive exhibits and programs for all ages. See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. In 1742 his house was destroyed during Spanish attacks, but he had it rebuilt. the sites were awesome! Your current currency is, Choose your language. It also offers kayak tours, canoe rentals, island nature walks, and interactive, hands-on ecology programs. Of course, accommodation options are available on the other end of the pampering spectrum, too. Navigate through our storied history below, and when youre ready, allow us to chart your own exploration of our historic resort. All rights reserved. 20 places to stay Vacation Rentals 51 places to stay St. Simons (9) Jekyll Island (6) Show All Cities All Resort Types Meetings Reunions Wedding All-Inclusive Beach Family Golf Nature Fishing Romantic Pet Friendly Ecotourism Luxury Historical Honeymoon Health Casino Holiday Bed & Breakfasts, Inns Island Spa Waterpark Show Less Go to Map View Mommy Poppins is a family activity website that helps people find things to do with kids. Be one of the first at our new resort! Families like: Outdoor pools, miniature golf, on the beach, outdoor tennis courts, Families like: Outdoor pools, miniature golf, close to beach, bicycle rentals, Families like: Outdoor pools, kitchen, on the beach, bicycle rentals, Get up to 20% off select hotels on the app, Check prices in Jekyll Island for tonight, Jun 30 - Jul 1, Check prices in Jekyll Island for tomorrow night, Jul 1 - Jul 2, Check prices in Jekyll Island for this weekend, Jun 30 - Jul 2, "We had a great stay! Explore opportunities with Summer Waves Water Park, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, landscaping, retail, golf, and more. Plus, the Jekyll Island Convention Center is adjacent to the resort. Du Bignon developed a prosperous plantation, based on African slavery, which he introduced to the island. The musical version of The Color Purple (2023) shot several scenes on Driftwood Beach in March 2022. Everything was clean, most everyone wore a mask unless eating,swimming etc. Be one of the first to hike this new US hiking route that completes the original vision of the Appalachian Trail. Jekyll Island Club Resort 5 Must-Have Experiences with Kids at Jekyll Island Club Resort Our family revisited Jekyll Island recently, and we adored staying at the landmark Jekyll Island Club Resort. Prices and availability subject to change. Jekyll Island Club Resort, Jekyll Island - Updated 2023 Prices They have been carefully preserved. Family Resorts in Jekyll Island, GA - $144 Kid-Friendly Resorts - Orbitz Offers may be subject to change without notice. The venue features an outdoor pool and an a la carte restaurant, boasting location next to Jekyll Island Convention Center. We enjoyed going to Driftwood Beach which is walking distance along a nice path from the Villas. There are a variety of hotels on Jekyll Island, but if you want to get even closer to nature, pitch your tent or park your RV under the Spanish moss-draped live oaks at the Jekyll Island . In its early days, thousands of Guale Indians lived and traveled along this coastline, frequenting the island to hunt and fish. Three Oaks Farm offers horseback rides through the Maritime Forest and along Driftwood Beach. 5 Must-Have Experiences with Kids at Jekyll Island Club Resort Just embrace it! And budgets. TODAY #2 Best Family Resorts in the US, 2019. Ask away: the telescope-wielding Ray knows all about the islands flora and fauna, from cabbage palms and redbay trees to bald eagles. They decided to construct a clubhouse which was completed in January 1888. Just a 15-minute boat ride from Jekyll Island sits Little Raccoon Key, an unspoiled reef island with ample marine and birdlife. The frame is intact, while the roof, doors, and windows are gone. $255. The campground is just half a mile from Driftwood Beach. Visit and youll see why its an annual vacation spot for many families. Flexible on where to stay? The venue is situated 4 km from Jekyll Island city centre and 40 km from Brunswick Golden Isles airport. 701 North Beachview Drive, Jekyll Island, GA. Free Cancellation. The venue features an outdoor pool and an a la carte restaurant, boasting location next to Jekyll Island Convention Center. Only one-third of the island can be used for commercial purposes. The property is non-smoking and is set less than 1 km from Great Dunes. Fifty-three members purchased shares for $600 each; a limit of 100 members was imposed to preserve the club's exclusivity.[16]. We enjoyed going to Driftwood Beach which is walking distance along a nice path from the Villas. Did you know there are no traffic signals on Jekyll Island? Room was good sized and we booked again for a different trip, Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island, an IHG Hotel. Dolphins frequently feed here and travel through the area; they are visible when surfacing for air. After his army swiftly defeated the French, Philip II of Spain immediately had a colony established on Jekyll. Jekyll Ocean Club Resort Jekyll Island Set in Jekyll Island, 16 km from Sea Island, Jekyll Ocean Club boasts an oceanfront pool, hot tub, and fire pit. Its a sculpture garden formed by natures unforgiving elements and the passage of time. 1942The Jekyll Island Club flourished throughout the 1930s, but world events took their toll. To the west is a vast marsh hammock and a view of the Sidney Lanier Bridge, a 480-foot (150m)-tall cable-stay bridge on Hwy 17. The state attorney general, state auditor, public service commissioner, state parks department director, and secretary of state were all made board members. 100 S Riverview Drive Jekyll Island, GA 31527 (912) 635-5032 4-H Tidelands Nature Center is a local tour agency that offers hands-on ecological programs all over the island. staff are professional and more than accommodating. One word on the surfaces here: flat. Family Hotels The 10 Best Family Hotels in Jekyll Island, USA Check out our selection of great kid-friendly hotels in Jekyll Island See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates. In 1947 the state of Georgia acquired all the property, for security and preservation. It has 5,700 acres (23km2) of land, including 4,400 acres (18km2) of solid earth and a 240-acre (0.97km2) Jekyll Island Club Historic District. Rise, dine and shine. 1985After a decade of neglect and abandonment, two friends, one a lawyer, the other an architect, climbed through an unlocked window and fell in love with the deteriorating Clubhouse. This gourmet grocery store located near Great Dunes Park includes several onsite eateries offering a variety of options, including deli sandwiches, BBQ, burritos, and a sweets shop. By early in the 17th century Guadalquini was occupied by the Mocama. A few structures still standing are made of tabby, a coastal building material using crushed oyster shells. Liked the gym while a little smallish. The beach is nearby, but the seasonal outdoor pool is a popular pick, too. Short walk to beach. Villa Marianna was the last of 18 cottages to be completed, in 1928. From family-friendly hotels, to private villas to world-class resorts, you'll discover just the right retreat to suit your tastes and budget. Note that vehicle entry to Jekyll Island requires a parking pass, which you can purchase online in advance or at the gate upon arrival. [9] They had it converted in the Congo and Angola to carry slaves, and the captain purchased more than 500 to take to the US. Excellent customer service from our maintenance contact. Its crew took 409[8] to 465 enslaved Africans ashore, smuggling them to the mainland. The parking fee on Jekyll Island will change from $8 to $10 daily and from $75 to $100 annually, as well as an additional $5 for daily parking on designated special event days. Part of Georgias "Golden Isles," Jekyll Island is located midway between Savannah, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida. Spanish priests established missions intending to convert Native Americans to Christianity. Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island is centrally located and just 1.5 miles from the Jekyll Island Convention Center, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Jekyll Island Historic . Book Now With roots tracing back to 1888 as a family retreat, the Jekyll Island Club has long been a family-friendly destination. The rest is tidal marshlands, mostly on the island's western shore. Painter 2 Job Opening in Jekyll Island, GA at Jekyll Island Club Resort Set close to Jekyll Island Historic District, the venue has an outdoor swimming pool and also includes various massages and body treatments. Well toss a few names out there: Joseph Pulitzer, William Rockefeller, JP Morgan, William K Vanderbilt and Marshall Field. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, a business centre and luggage storage for guests. Driftwood Bistrooffers casual "low country"foods such as Georgia Wild Shrimp, Blue Ribbon Meatloaf, OGs Fried Okra, and more. Many people ask whether this historic, luxury escape is suitable for kids. Skye Sherman is a freelance travel writer based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Or that they restocked the island with pheasant and animals to hunt each season (anything that wasnt killed died off in the humidity)? Excellent location. Guests of all ages can take an interactive Gatorology program to learn about the American Alligator, from its history to conservation, as well as common misconceptions about these crocodilians. Some of the wealthiest members built their own "cottages", mansion-sized residences that are mostly still standing in the 21st century. "Major William Horton" March 27, 2009. 371 Riverview Drive, Jekyll Island, GA 31527, United States of America - Excellent location - show map Very Good 387 reviews Location was very good. Explore wild forests, scale panoramic peaks, cross world-renowned bridges and marvel at historic ruins the Hudson Valley is a hiker's heaven. So conveniently located on the Island! Fantastic view. They run several times daily and guides describe much of the history of this area. The island is owned by the state of Georgia, and development is strictly limited in order to preserve its critical barrier island ecosystem, so everything is built with intention, creating a destination that feels a bit like discovering hidden treasure. Kid Friendly staff is super nice. Surround yourself with rich history at every turn at the Clubhouse that started it all. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. 2023 Jekyll Island Authority. Wonderful amenities and delicious breakfast spread. Just across the street from the entrance to the Clam Creek picnic area is the campground, an 18-acre (73,000m2) facility in a cleared maritime forest. These will be oriented to pedestrian uses: an area for new retail shops and a public beach-side promenade. 1901Built as an addition to The Clubhouse, The Annex featured eight suites for members and their guests on the first and second floors, some offering enclosed parlor rooms and river views. Opt for a tram tour led by a knowledgeable tour guide or explore on your own. It was long used seasonally by indigenous peoples of the region. [6], A once-per-day toll has been charged for several decades to enter Jekyll Island. We had a wonderful stay! A popular tourist destination, the island has beaches frequented by vacationers. You may find yourself thinking about going back for lunch and dinner, too, but there are also places like Love Shack at the Jekyll Market to try. It was designed to be a governing board. [6], In the mid-2nd millennium, the island now known as Jekyll was near the border between the Guale people and the Mocama people. Floridas Amelia Island Has Pristine Beaches, Luxury Resorts, and a Small-town Feel, This Georgia Island Has One of the Best Beaches in the U.S. Known for Its Unique and Beautiful Backdrop, 10 Best East Coast Road Trips for History, Beaches, and Seafood, This East Coast Island Has Undeveloped Beaches, Nature Trails and Mansions Left By Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. This was the next-to-last successful shipment of slaves to American soil from Africa. Driftwood Beach is also located near the property. Had a problem with our key card entry. Jekyll Island Club Resort We tried not to let this incident affect our overall stay because everything else was so beautiful. Beautiful location. Horton continued to develop his property on Jekyll Island. You can get to Great Dunes Park in a few minutes by car. While plenty of Jekyll Island hotels have fabulous restaurants, there are also many fun off-property eateries to check out. Food was great too. This is a place to relax and recharge! The parking fee on Jekyll Island will change from $8 to $10 daily and from $75 to $100 annually, as well as an additional $5 for daily parking on designated special event days. The thing to try in this region is shrimp and grits, said to be the worlds best because of the sweeter Golden Isles Shrimp. All rights reserved. Jekyll Island's food appeals to all tastes. For more animal fun, dig your teeth into some fabulous facts about the American alligator during the fascinating one-hourGatorology 101 sessions held at Horton Pond, a hotspot for gators on the island. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. By 1738 Horton had set up permanent residence on Jekyll Island, near what is now called DuBignon Creek. Everything was clean, most everyone wore a mask unless eating,swimming etc. Holiday Inn Resort at Jekyll Island - Golden Isles In 2018, Architectural Digest named Jekyll Island one of the 50 most beautiful small towns in America. An excellent location to go to the beach and look around the island. Good selections for breakfast. From September 1951 to December 1954, the island was primarily closed to the public. The package includes half day bike rentals and breakfast for two each morning. The Westin Jekyll Island Hotel is a 4-star accommodation set around 20 minutes' stroll from Summer Waves Waterpark. The Westin Jekyll Island, overlooking the dunes and beach, provides an excellent comfort to price ratio. 1888The Club officially opened its doors in January 1888, quickly becoming a retreat for families that represented one-sixth of the worlds wealth. The view. A large fishing pier extends northwest from the picnic area. Very clean and comfortable. For a century, a French family owned it, eventually turning the island into a hunting club. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Yes! 1928Families with names like Rockefeller, Morgan, Vanderbilt, Pulitzer, and Baker built elegant cottages designed for comfort in Victorian architectural styles. For family hotels in Jekyll Island serving highly-rated breakfasts, try Jekyll Ocean Club Resort, Jekyll Island Club Resort, and Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jekyll Island. Read on for the best activities, restaurants, and Jekyll Island hotels and campgrounds for families. Music fans cant miss a trip to Macon, the Georgia city that fostered acts like Otis Redding, Little Richard, and the Allman Brothers Band. We brought our own bikes, but there are several places on the island where guests can rent them as well. In 2016, an episode for The Walking Dead Season 7 was filmed on the island, as well as part of an episode in season 10 in 2019. It was founded in 1886 when members of an incorporated hunting and recreational club purchased the island for $125,000 (about $3.1 million in 2017) from John Eugene du Bignon. Visit the residents of theGeorgia Sea Turtle Center. You can scoot around historic homes with informative and giggle-inducing commentary on the Passport to the Century tour. The floors, leaded art glass, stairway and skylight are all original still today. This hotel is minutes from area points of interest like the Jekyll Island Convention Center, Emerald Princess Casino, Golden Isles and Jekyll Harbor Marinas, Summer Waves Water Park and Jekyll Island State Park. Kids' favorites at this Jekyll Island restaurant are also available such as fish fingers, pizza bites,and hot dogs. 1792Fleeing the French Revolution, Christophe DuBignon purchased property on Jekyll Island. 1948The state of Georgia purchased Jekyll Island from the Jekyll Island Club for $675,000. That's how we know our reviews come from real guests who have stayed at the property. If you love fresh seafood, youll eat well on Jekyll Island. The climate is humid subtropical, with rainfall concentrated in the hottest months. Since so much of the island is covered in maritime forest, wandering through forest trails is a joy. General James Edward Oglethorpe (founder of the colony of Georgia in 1733) named Jekyll Island after Sir Joseph Jekyll, a wealthy Brit whod invested in the new colony. The house was occupied by Major William Horton during the British colonial period. In 2007 it selected Linger Longer Communities LLC (through a competitive process) as its private partner to redevelop a portion of the Island. Profits support the Jekyll Island Foundation, a not-for-profit organization responsible for programs that conserve and preserve the island, including the turtle center, wildlife viewing platforms and museums. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is the states only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility. At one time the clubs members represented one-sixth of the worlds wealth; their influence meant momentous things took place within the club's confines. JEKYLL ISLAND CLUB & COTTAGES. Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island, an IHG Hotel. Orbut well stop here to avoid spoiling the surprise snippets shared by Tom and his fellow guides. The staff was very attentive and friendly- thank you! This massive yet intimate retreat has six dining venues, two pools, a beach, and sprawling grounds to explore. The Jekyll Island Club was a private club on Jekyll Island, on Georgia 's Atlantic coast. [19] William Horton died in 17481749. 888-445-3179. . From hiking and spotting wildlife to hitting the beach (Driftwood Beach and St. Andrews Beach are ideal for shelling), theres plenty to keep you busy, and most of it involves spending time in the great outdoors. Then, youll drive in via the Jekyll Island Causeway, which intersects with U.S. 17 at the southern end of the Sidney Lanier Bridge. [10] News of the slave ship set off a wave of outrage. per night. 1904Cherokee, named after a wild rose, reflects the Shrady familys life of elegant leisure. BETHESDA, Md. - Rooted In Family - Stay A While - Come As You Are - Pay It Forward - Do The Right Thing - Make Things Better - Happy . The childrens playground and bike hire are also beside the pool. Hit the Beach Jekyll Island's beaches are unique in that each possesses unique features from the others. Whether you're planning a relaxing weekend for just the two of you, a family vacation, destination wedding or group event, Jekyll Island has a refreshing array of accommodations to choose from. Also an annual pass may be purchased at the Guest Information Center before entering the island.[27]. They used fallen trees for the construction of ships. We rented bikes and had a wonderful ride around the island, easily stopping to check out different areas along the route. From family-friendly hotels, to private villas to world-class resorts, youll discover just the right retreat to suit your tastes and budget. Guests staying at this Jekyll Island hotel enjoy private beach access, a large pool area with kiddie pool, Kids Club, playground, onsite dining, bike rentals, outdoor firepit, and cabanas. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. It accommodated some of the world's wealthiest people. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom villa options provide all the comforts of home (such as full kitchens and separate bedrooms) and are both affordable and comfortable. The centerpiece of the grounds is the large Jekyll Island Club Hotel, a two-winged structure that contains numerous suites for rental. You can get to Jekyll Island Historic District in a few minutes by car. ", A verified traveler stayed at Jekyll Ocean Club, "Easy access to the beach! On average, a family hotel in Jekyll Island costs BGN536 per night (based on Booking.com prices). Why We Loved Jekyll Island Club Resort for Families Situated on Jekyll Island, this hotel is located within the Jekyll Island State Park. Set in Jekyll Island, 16 km from Sea Island, Jekyll Ocean Club boasts an oceanfront pool, hot tub, and fire pit. They made a type of tea from parched holly leaves. On November 28, 1858, fifty years after the importation of slaves to the United States was prohibited, the ship The Wanderer landed on Jekyll Island with 465 slaves. It was organized as a separate authority with the goal of its becoming self-sustaining, considered achievable because of its resources and attractions. This includes children, parents, and grandparents. Before you go, make sure to check a tide chart; go when its a low or outgoing tide for the easiest access and most spacious beach. Its the ultimate place to unwind during a visit to Jekyll Island. Thirty-three buildings from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries surround the hotel; many are the elaborate mansion-sized "cottages" built by the rich. The property has a LEED Silver Certification. In the mornings, grab the most important meal of the day at Sunrise Grille. It is a 12-foot (3.7m)-tall steel sculpture of ship sails, intended to signify the harsh, hard nature of slavery. Kate Armstrong visited Jekyll Island as a guest of the Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife Festival. In summer, you can head out with a night patrol on a turtle-monitoring project. Food was great too. Great stay and food was great! This fee is used to improve and maintain the island, including roads, grounds, picnic areas, landscaping, and conservation. Later Juan Ponce de Len was appointed as the civil governor of this and Spain's other claimed North American territories. Holly Jolly Jekyll, which includes a magical tree lighting and the Historic District being decorated in grand Christmas style, is another great excuse to visit Jekyll Island. - July 23, 2021 - Pebblebrook Hotel Trust today announced that it acquired the Jekyll Island Club Resort for $94.0 million. Wherever you decide to stay at our three unique locations, you can take advantage of all our amenities! Beautiful view onto gardens. Photo by the author, FOLLOW US FOR ACTIVITY PICKS, DEALS, AND GIVEAWAYS. Today guests can enjoy the unique architecture and accommodations including the Clubhouse and three Island Cottages, a wide range of dining venues from The Pantry to The Wharf, and a variety of activities.