10 Must-Dos on Jekyll Island

While there are some beautiful beaches on the Georgia Coast, Driftwood Beach might be the most iconic. Made up of sun-bleached driftwood, this strewn beach resembles a natural jungle gym just asking to be photographed.

Browse for souvenirs and goods at Beach Village, which has an eclectic range of stores. Pick up gourmet food items, fresh produce and meats, and fantastic sweets at the Jekyll Market. Shop the selection of local salt and seasoning and Georgia-grown items at The Salt Table. Find optimistic apparel and accessories at Life is Good, and pick up some new resort wear at Snappy Turtle.

Beach Village also hosts events like outdoor movies, concerts and the Jekyll Island Book Festival.

Open seasonally, the Summer Waves Water Park is a fun place to cool off with 11 acres of rides and activities, including an enclosed speed flume and a kid-friendly pool. There are also food vendors and picnic facilities. From exciting waterslides, wave pool and floating the lazy river, this is the perfect spot for a splashing day of fun in the sun!

Borrow a bicycle from Jekyll Island Mini Golf & Bike Barn to navigate the more than 20 miles of paths and trails along the island. This establishment also rents tricycles, tandem bikes, and surreys and even offers mini golf.

Learn about the protected species at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a rehabilitation and educational facility. Through sea turtle rehabilitation, research and education programs, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center increases awareness of habitat and wildlife conservation challenges, promotes responsibility for ecosystem health and empowers individuals to act locally, regionally and globally to protect the environment. Visitors can see the turtles in their hospital habitats, learn from the exhibits, and check out the marine-themed gifts at their shop, which helps support the center's efforts.

An important reminder of Jekyll Island's past, the Wanderer Memory Trail interprets the history of the Wanderer, a slave ship that arrived on the Jekyll River illegally 160 years ago. It brought 500 enslaved Africans whose stories are now told through exhibits along this trail.

Jekyll Island Golf Club's four courses are a scenic place to tee off, whether you're an amateur or professional. The first golf course on the island was created in 1898. Three 18-hole Jekyll Island golf courses (Oleander, Indian Mound and Pine Lakes) are centrally located on the Island. The historic Great Dunes 9-hole course, a true links course, is located on the ocean.

Tennis fans can play a few matches at the Jekyll Island Tennis Center, which is an award-winning USTA facility. The 13 Har-tru clay courts are open to the public and have a pro shop, instructions and rentals.

The Mosaic Jekyll Island Museum shares the many stories the barrier island has to offer, including interactive exhibits, an outdoor classroom, and artifacts. The location is inside a historic stables building.

Searching for and spotting these playful and graceful creatures in Georgia’s coastal waters is a memorable experience for the whole family. Ninety-minute cruises are available daily, March-November and depart from the Jekyll Wharf, near the front of the Jekyll Island Club Resort. For reservations and information, visit Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours or call (912) 635 3152.