Best Things to Do on Jekyll Island this Spring
Escape to this treasured island on the Georgia coast for family activities, events, and great places to eat, drink, and stay.
From March to May, the mild spring weather on Jekyll Island makes it the perfect place for outdoor adventures and fun with the family. With typical daytime highs in the 60s and 70s (Fahrenheit) and nighttime lows in the 50s and 60s, you can spend all day from sunrise to sunset in easy, breezy comfort, soaking up the natural beauty of this historic island on the Georgia coast.
Pack your sandals and a light jacket, and head to Jekyll Island, located just 12 miles from mainland Brunswick, to experience the island’s magic in springtime. You’ll find plenty of fun for the whole family, unique community events, great places to eat, and accommodations to suit any style, from campgrounds to luxury resorts.
Keep scrolling to find some top things to do on Jekyll Island this spring, or jump to:
Activities
Go to the beach
Explore Jekyll Island’s 10 miles of unspoiled shoreline, including jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean from Oceanview Beach Park, possible sightings of dolphins at St. Andrews Beach Park, the otherworldly landscape of Driftwood Beach (one of America’s “Top Beaches” in 2023, according to Tripadvisor), and the 20-foot dunes of South Dunes Beach Park. Besides building sandcastles and searching for shells, you can ride horses on the beach with Three Oaks Farm Equestrian.
Accessibility note: Several beach access points are accessible to people with physical disabilities, including ADA restrooms and crossover resting areas. Beach-going wheelchairs can also be provided at no cost.
Ride bikes
Rent bikes for the whole family, and navigate the more than 20 miles of paths and trails along the island. Have fun with beach cruisers, tandem bikes, two and four-person surreys, and dual trikes. Seek out the Wanderer Memory Trail, which interprets the history of the Wanderer, a slave ship that arrived on the Jekyll River illegally 160 years ago.
Take a tour
Hop aboard a Landmark Trolley to learn about the Gilded Age retreats in historic district. Search for playful dolphins on cruises from the Jekyll Wharf starting in March. Starting in April, join a park ranger for Gatorology, an American Alligator educational experience.
Learn about sea turtles
Check on the sea turtle patients at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a rehabilitation and educational facility. Learn from the exhibits and check out the marine-themed gifts at their shop, which helps support the center's efforts. Nesting season begins in May, so be on the lookout for nests while you’re on the beach.
Play at the water park
Summer Waves Water Park opens May 13, 2024! With exciting waterslides, a wave pool and a lazy river, this is the perfect spot for a splashing day of fun in the sun.
Area Events
Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale, March 8-9
If yard sales and antiquing are your favorite pastimes, you have to check out the Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale, a multi-town event that starts/ends in Brunswick. Everything from antiques to locally crafted items, food and traditional yard sale fare will be on display.
Jekyll Island Arts Festival, March 8-10
Enjoy a juried art show, pottery sales, artist demonstrations, interactive art opportunities, food, music and more at the Jekyll Island Arts Festival.
Turtle Crawl 10K, 5K & 1K, April 27
Support the lifesaving work of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center by participating in the family-friendly Turtle Crawl.
Blessing of the Fleet, May 11
Held in Brunswick the Saturday before Mother’s Day, the Blessing of the Fleet estival features fun and games for kids, food, music, family entertainment, and a variety of artists and displays.
Eat & Drink
From beach-side snack shops to elegant steak houses, you’ll find what you’re hungry for on Jekyll Island. Pop into Island Sweets Shoppe for homemade fudge and hand-dipped strawberry ice cream. Reserve a table at The Wharf Restaurant for waterfront dining, fresh seafood and live music, and dig into Lowcountry favorites at The Driftwood Bistro.
Stay
One great thing about Jekyll Island is the array of accommodations to choose from, including campgrounds and historic hotels. Live like the Carnegies and Rockefellers with a stay at the iconic Jekyll Island Club Resort in the heart of the historic district, or stay beachside at The Westin Jekyll Island and enjoy the rooftop lounge. The Jekyll Island Campground, conveniently located near Driftwood Beach, is by far the most affordable.
