Jekyll Island, the Jewel of Georgia's Golden Isles

Jekyll Island .. cool place on Georgia’s Coast.  Once the private playground of the rich and famous, now for $3 you can come and play too.  I did 5 sleeps exploring the island’s beaches, trails and historical area, as well as the surrounding coast.   I loved the huge moss draped live oak trees, quiet beaches and old mansions in the historical area.   Though I was there on a holiday when the campground and picnic areas were packed, I was able over and over again to find solace on the beaches and trails.  The Wildbirds Unlimited store was able to direct me to a rookery behind the old amphitheater where I found dozens of nesting Wood Storks and Egrets. 

The historical area where the Rockefeller, Morgan and Vanderbilt’s all built homes is a fabulous place for a stroll.  Now the homes are either shops or hotels.   There are nice wide bike paths that can get you almost anyplace on the island.  A pedalers dream.   Dog & I opted for strolls instead to do some birding and watch the fabulous sunsets.

We stayed at Blythe Island Regional Park and at Jekyll Island Campground.  Blythe Island was very nice.  Decent sized lots, lots of trails, little lakes and friendly staff, all about 10 miles from Jekyll.  Jekyll Island Campground was not my favorite.  It has lots of trees, tighter spots, lots of sap, utilities questionably placed and very young staff.  What it lacks in the way it is set-up it does make up in location, especially if you want to bike the island.  I would stay at both campgrounds again.

St. Simons Island is Jekyll’s big populated brother to the north.  It has a lighthouse, with a touristy area, and lots of crowded beaches.  The city of Brunswick has a nice downtown area but it was quite empty when I was there.  In fact the whole town seemed empty.  I had me wondering if a bomb had exploded or the rapture occurred it was so empty.   I actually think all the Brunswick folks were at the beaches in St. Simon that day.

I found Jekyll Island a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty.