5 Things to Do on Jekyll Island

What: Holiday Weekend Escape
Where: Jekyll Island, Ga.
Cost: Varies

Jekyll Island was once the winter escape for some of America’s richest families. Members of the Jekyll Island Club, as it was called, included William Rockefeller, Joseph Pulitzer, J.P. Morgan and William Vanderbilt. Now the Island is a playground for the public and offers a variety of activities ranging from environmental education to plain old fashion beach fun. This list of five things covers a variety of interests.

Learn the History of Jekyll Island
I’m a history buff, so I think it’s very interesting that Jekyll Island has played a significant part in America’s history. In 1910, Senator William Alrich convened a secret meeting of financiers on Jekyll Island to crate a proposal for banking reform that was the forerunner of today’s Federal Reserve. Theodore Vail, the president of AT&T participated in the first transcontinental telephone call while at Jekyll Island. Today, the Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District is a 240-acre, riverfront compound and one of the largest, ongoing restoration projects in the southeastern United States. Visit the Jekyll Island Museum which showcases more than 7,000 historic photographs of the islands unique heritage.

Georgia Sea Turtle Center
Stranded sea turtles are often found along Atlantic coast beaches. While most are dead, a small but increasing number are still alive. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a haven for these sick or injured turtles. In addition to the sea turtle hospital, is a museum. Exhibits explore sea turtle conservation, rehabilitation, and their amazing journey from egg to adulthood. Visitors can also see the turtles being rehabilitated and adopt one too. My in-laws adopted Simone for my children. They love to track her progress online. The special weekly programs look like a lot of fun and include turtle walks during the season.

Tidelands Nature Center
The Tidelands Nature Center is operated by 4-H and offers hands-on marine environmental science programs. In addition to a small collection of sea animals in the center they offer kayak tours, nature walks and special hands-on programs for kids. We participated in an identifying fish program and my kids are still singing the parts of the fish song to the tune of “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.”

Summer Waves Water Park
If you need a break from the beach and are looking for a little more excitement than the hotel pool, try Summer Waves Water Park. In addition to a huge wave pool there are slides of various heights, a lazy river and play structures with dumping water.

Visit Driftwood Beach
Driftwood Beach, also known as Boneyard Beach is along the northern end of Jekyll Island. The name comes from the remains of many trees which have been preserved by the salt air and water from the ocean. It’s a beautifully eerie place and the kids love running and climbing on the gray trees. This is a great site to snap that holiday card photo.