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The Ultimate Sensory-Friendly Family Guide to Jekyll Island, Georgia

The 7 best jekyll island family activities

Jekyll Island is truly a jewel in Georgia, with more than 10 miles of beaches and four golf courses. The island is a nature preserve full of wide open spaces.

Our family finds comfort in the hometown feel of Jekyll Island. The kids’ activities (including sensory needs) gave us a peaceful and affordable beach vacation. Unwind overnight after a cross-country road trip when driving on I-95 (or even heading towards Florida from I-77).

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The Best Jekyll Island Activities for Families

Our family can’t get enough of the best family activities on Jekyll Island. There are miles of wide-open beaches, Spanish moss dripping from the trees, and the hospitality is out of this world. The island is gorgeous and rarely crowded. 

best jekyll island family activities

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 Morning Beach Walks

The beaches of Jekyll Island are hidden gems. Our family enjoys a beautiful walk on the beach in the morning. Our sons excitedly watch the men with metal detectors, both eternally hopeful to discover the treasure they seek.

The quiet of the beach means the only sounds are the waves rolling in. Our only tip? Bring sunglasses- the reflection can be very bothersome to our bright-eyed children.

St. Andrew’s Beach features dolphin sightings, turtles, and birds. It’s the perfect natural scenery to kick off the day.

The waters off of Georgia’s Jekyll Island are teeming with bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, and seabirds. The Dolphin Tour, a 90-minute early-morning tour, takes you to see these joyful creatures playing in the Intracoastal waterways and salt marshes.

Driftwood Beach

Driftwood Beach is both eerie and romantic. The shapes of the driftwood are like roots growing out of the sand. The wood gently intertwines with one another, appearing intent to remain forever.

It is a bit challenging to climb over the dunes and enter the driftwood when holding a small child’s hand. Carrying a baby was nearly a dealbreaker —thank goodness for our trusted Boba carrier, which has yet to steer us wrong! (Check the price for the Boba carrier now!)

Once you stumble over the dunes, an oasis with ancient-looking driftwood pieces staggers across the sand into your view.

You can bring the entire family, down to your furry friend, but please clean up after them. Our dog fell in love with Driftwood Beach, a leashed, dog-friendly beach.

Children receive a well-needed break on the beach from the constant sensory overload in busy shops and attractions. What kiddo doesn’t love the sensation of the sand under their toes (and sometimes hands)?

Driftwood beach during winter

Pro Tip: If you think you will spend a lot of time at Driftwood Beach, you may consider staying at Villas by the Sea, directly next to the beach. It has larger condos that house our growing family (up to three bedrooms).

Summer Waves Water Park

Address: 210 S Riverview Dr, Jekyll Island, GA

Summer Waves Water Park is a refreshing, family-friendly destination that offers the perfect way to beat the Georgia heat. From the high-energy thrills of the Pirate’s Passage slide to the gentle, winding float of Turtle Creek lazy river, the water park is inclusive in many ways.

Summer Waves is an IBCCES Certified Autism Center™, meaning its staff is trained in best practices for supporting neurodivergent guests.

Pro-Tip: Summer Waves Water Park offers a designated sensory room. This quiet oasis allows families to decompress away from the noise of the park!

Jekyll Island Museum

Address: 100 Old Stable Rd.  Jekyll Island, GA 31527

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural history of Georgia’s most magical barrier island at the Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum. The museum is open daily.

  • Ages 4+: $10
  • Under 3: Free

The museum offers an incredible array of special events, such as holiday magic, colonial campfires, and time-traveler camp. Black History Month and the women of Jekyll Island celebrations are educational and rewarding experiences.

Georgia Sea Turtle Center

214 Stable Road, Jekyll Island, GA

sea turtles jekyll island

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a working hospital that helps injured sea turtles. You can check out actual turtle patients, experience sea turtle feedings, and learn about this unusual species. How cool is that?

We prefer to visit the turtle center on Jekyll Island first thing in the morning and leave early for the benefit of our children. It has never been jam-packed in our experience, but we like to avoid chaos when we can.

The only way this could be any better would be if humans weren’t responsible for many turtle injuries. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a rare learning experience. We don’t often have the opportunity to teach our children how impactful our choices are on Earth.

Teach your children to do better for our planet while embracing these enduring creatures. Our little children have zero patience for planet destroyers. They are inheriting our Earth!

The current rates are very reasonable and make for a cheap and entertaining afternoon.

  • Adults (13-61): $12
  • Children (4-12): $10
  • Children under 3: Free

Download the Jekyll Island Best Family Friendly Activities.

Jekyll Market

11 Main Street, Jekyll Island, GA (In Beach Village)

Jekyll Market shack bbq shrimp & yard burger. boardwalk deli big kahuna's burrito bar long neck's beer & wine sweet shop named sprinkles
source: http://www.jekyllmarket.com/

The Jekyll Market is a must-do for parents everywhere. The large, beautiful, upscale gourmet grocery store anchors the middle of the modern, heavily trafficked Beach Village.

If you are an early riser, the Market features a sweet shop and café.

However, we prefer to shop later in the day at the Jekyll Market. We do not have to stress as much if our children are noisy because the market is vibrant at this time of day.

Are you hungry? Treat your craving with a fresh salad bar, deli, and barbecue counter. The BBQ counter is adorable and smells even better than it looks!

The shelves are full of delicious gluten-free options.

Best yet? You can grab a local craft brew or a nice glass of wine to enjoy while you shop or to relax and sip outside as you take in the sights.

Horton House

When visiting this idyllic island, many folks find themselves driving past the Horton House at Jekyll Island, Georgia. Horton House is more than 350 years old, and all that remains is the structure’s frame.

Check out our favorite activities in Jekyll Island, Georgia.

While the island has taken steps to preserve Horton House over the years, the home is completely gutted and serves as an eerie backdrop as you learn about the island’s history. Because the home lacks a roof, you can explore the ruins of the Horton House and remain exposed to the elements.

Address of Horton House: North Riverview Drive, Jekyll Island, GA 31527

Horton House is a tabby house that faces the river, and you will pass it on the left if you are going north on Riverview. There is no street number assigned. The grounds are covered in thick stands of trees draped in Spanish moss, and there is a cemetery across the street.

See bonus Horton House fun facts, sensory visiting tips, and hauntings.

Images of Horton House frame on Jekyll Island

Honorable Mention: Sunsets at Jekyll Island
Sunsets at Jekyll Island

The untouched dunes, carved by wind and water, create a calming environment where families can gather at the end of a hectic day. We love to relax with a frosty beverage while gazing over the dunes towards the setting sun.

Autism sometimes means that our soundtrack is a little different or one parent is on duty- but we do enjoy the experience of being together.

Communing with nature and letting our little people run free is the perfect way to end a lovely island day.

Jekyll Island Trolley Tour

715 N. Beachview Rd. Jekyll Island, GA

The Lighthouse Trolley Tour of Jekyll Island is a leisurely way to experience the island with your family. The tour covers all historical and ecological points of interest on the island.

What’s not to love about a trolley? The open-air breeze keeps everyone calm as you explore the island’s unique ecosystems, beachfronts, and inland marshes. Along the way, the tour guide will regale you with tales of wealthy socialites, such as J.P. Morgan, Rockefeller, and Pulitzer, who once called Jekyll Island their private winter playground.

For squirrely children, there is a built-in bathroom break halfway through the tour. While the tour benefits exceeded our expectations, we love feeding our troops—you can absolutely bring your own special snacks and drinks to nourish your little ones and keep meltdowns at bay!

  • Adults: $20.00
  • Children (4–12): $10.00

Note: This ticket is now an “all-access” pass that includes a 60-minute guided tour, entry to one historic cottage, and admission to both the Mosaic Gallery and the beautiful Faith Chapel.

Pro Tip: Official island trolley tours depart directly from the historic district near the Mosaic Museum. Be sure to check seasonal schedules and make your reservations in advance online to secure your family’s spot.

Where to Eat on Jekyll Island

Dining out with a neurodivergent family requires a balance of “safe” food options and sensory-friendly environments. Here are a few spots that have become our go-to choices on the island:

  • Beach House Restaurant: While the food is classic coastal fare rather than “destination dining,” it is exceptionally family-friendly. The real winner here is the outdoor seating—it provides a vital sensory break if the indoor dining room gets too loud or crowded. The menu is broad, making it a reliable pick for even the pickiest eaters.
  • Red Bug Motors Pizza: This local favorite is a quick win for those days when travel fatigue sets in, and you just need a predictable, delicious meal. They offer delivery, which is a lifesaver on high-sensory-need days. Their gluten-free crust is a standout—it’s so tasty we’ve enjoyed leftovers for breakfast the next morning!
  • Tortuga Jack’s: If you are craving that festive, oceanfront vacation atmosphere, this is the spot. It manages to feel fun and vibrant without becoming overwhelmingly chaotic. It’s perfect for a meal where you want to enjoy the sea breeze and a relaxed vibe while keeping the experience manageable for the kids.
Clear fence around pool and Anchor restaurant at Jekyll Island Holiday Inn

Review of the Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island

The Holiday Inn in Jekyll Island, Georgia, is one of our favorite resorts because it’s a bargain hotel for kids. Summer is the high season, and prices skyrocket. However, most other times of the year, it is inexpensive. For example, in January, prices are under $200.

Once you enter the gates of Jekyll Island, it’s like you’re entering an oasis. Conveniently located on the ocean, the Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island is the perfect destination for a memorable and relaxing family getaway.

The reasonably priced hotel features direct access to the rocky shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The staff is kind, the place feels like home, and the remote beaches let you enjoy nature’s peace.

[Check the Jekyll Island’s Holiday Inn price and availability for your school break.]

Palm trees along coast at Jekyll Island

Address: 701 North Beachview Drive, Jekyll Island, GA 31527

Phone number: (912)635-2211

Email: HIJ@newcastlehotels.com

Person with ball cap holding baby in the ocean waves in Jekyll Island, GA

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Cloudy balcony views at the Holiday Inn Jekyll Island

Room and Suite Features

The price of these ocean-view accommodations is incredible. Each room features either a king bed or two queen beds. The oceanfront rooms have a balcony or walkout patio with a table and chairs. I enjoyed working remotely on the beachside balcony and found it fairly quiet.

The room I stayed in was spacious and comfortable, with a flat-screen TV, mini fridge, and microwave. The hotel offers free high-speed internet access, and the friendly, helpful front desk staff is available 24 hours a day. This oceanside IHG hotel also provides complimentary parking. There are two sets of washers and dryers on the property.

And if your family is large like ours, some suites sleep six, and connecting rooms are available. The family-friendly suites feature your choice of bed, a sofa bed, a separate living area with a dining table, and twice the space. This Jekyll Island oceanfront resort does offer parking lot views, as well.

Outdoor lounge furniture Jekyll Island Holiday Inn

Important: Safety & Elopement

If your family member is at risk for eloping or going on high balconies, please keep that in mind when booking a room or requesting a floor. The sliding doors lead to private balconies, and while they have standard locks, they might not be enough for a determined explorer.

I’d highly recommend bringing your own door alarm and asking the front desk if they have a slider lock. If you’re worried about heights, request a ground-floor unit at check-in to avoid a high balcony. To keep everyone safe inside, I recommend a two-layer approach: a physical barrier they can’t reach and an audible alarm if they try.

Our Recommended Travel Safety Gear:

  • The Addalock Portable Door Lock: This physically prevents the door from opening even if the deadbolt is turned from the inside. It takes seconds to install and fits in your pocket.
  • Door Guardian (Stick-On Version): For inward-swinging doors, it uses high-strength 3M adhesive, so you don’t have to drill into the door’s surface. It sits at the very top of the frame, completely out of reach.
  • GE Personal Security Window/Door Alarms: These 120dB magnetic sensors trigger a loud siren the moment the door or sliding patio glass is opened, even an inch.
  • Securityman 2-in-1 Security Bar: You lay it in the track of the sliding patio door, and the door is secure. It cannot slide open from either side until the bar is removed.

Oceanview Resort Amenities

The Jekyll Island Holiday Inn resort offers a range of amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. We loved walking along the beach in the evenings and then stopping to relax fireside by the firepit.

This Holiday Inn Beach Resort also offers an outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and an on-site business center. The resort offers racks of pool towels but not beach towels, chairs, or umbrellas. Unfortunately, there were no towels available at the pool on multiple occasions during our visits.

Mom and baby at Jekyll Island

This Jekyll Island hotel features a restaurant and bar called Beach House, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Up to four children aged 11 or younger can eat free when an adult purchases a meal.

The Anchor is an outdoor pool bar open from March to October, serving cocktails, lunch, and dinner. You can see the waves and dunes through clear fencing while you eat.

If you’re looking for a cup of coffee, head to Northshore, the third-floor coffee bar. The lady behind the counter is super friendly, but the grab-and-go snacks are expensive and basic. They serve unhealthy foods like Pop-Tarts or Otis Spunkmeyer muffins.

[Check out the price of Jekyll Island’s Holiday Inn hotel and more photos here.]

Family in swim suits standing in ocean at Great Dunes Beach on Jekyll Island, GA

Holiday Inn Jekyll Island Resort Accessibility

The Holiday Inn Jekyll Island resort offers accessibility.

  • Public Entrance
  • Public Restrooms
  • Registration Desk
  • Fitness Center
  • Business Center
  • Pool
  • Three meeting rooms
  • Guest Rooms
  • Elevators

Jekyll Island FAQs: History, Horton House, & Hotels

What are the best family-friendly activities on Jekyll Island?

The best Jekyll Island activities for families are those that create memorable moments to share with our loved ones during our vacation. When you have a neurodivergent child, it’s imperative to feel prepared!  

I recommend visiting the Jekyll Island Club, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and other family-friendly activities on our list of the best things to do on Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island is also known for its birds and beaches. In fact, 65% of the land is non-buildable and must remain in a natural state.

Are you looking to pair a historical tour with a visit to one of the highest-ranked beaches in the USA? Driftwood Beach was once ranked among the top 25 beaches in the United States. The Horton House is not far from Driftwood Beach, making it the perfect place to visit on your beach day.

Get our printable Best Jekyll Island Activities Guide FREE.

Do you have to pay to park on Jekyll Island?

Yes. You have to pay a daily admission fee to the island, as it’s a state park. If you are a repeat visitor, there is also an annual pass to the island.

Where is Jekyll Island?

Jekyll Island is a barrier island off the coast near Brunswick, Georgia. It’s midway between Jacksonville, FL, and Savannah, GA in Glynn County. It is one of the Golden Isles of Georgia, together with St. Simon Island, Sea Island, and Little St. Simon.

Who owns Jekyll Island?

Throughout history, ownership of the island has changed hands many times. Currently, the island is owned by the state of Georgia and run by the Jekyll Island Authority.

What is the Jekyll Island Club?

Historically, the island is best known for the renowned members of the Jekyll Island Club, a hunting and recreational club. The Club was a second home to famous families like the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, and Pulitzers. The wealthy elite built mansions that were known as cottages. You can tour famous cottages like Crane Cottage, Dubignon Cottage, Mistletoe Cottage, and Hollybourne Cottage.

In 1929, significant changes occurred on the island. The Great Depression affected even the wealthy, and club membership became an extravagant and unnecessary purchase. Although J.P. Morgan was one of the most influential members of the Jekyll Island Club, there’s no record that he formally took control of the Club. Instead, membership gradually declined during the Great Depression, and the club struggled to stay afloat throughout the 1930s. As members left, many donated their cottages to the club.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, German U-boats were sighted off the coast of Georgia near St. Simon’s Island. The president ordered the club’s closing within hours. The submarines sank multiple ships and tankers off the coast and provided a very real threat.

The club effectively shut down in 1942, following the U.S. entry into World War II. After years of declining use and absentee ownership, the State of Georgia purchased the island for $675K in 1947 and began transforming it into a public park. For several years, a small caretaker staff maintained the remaining structures. In 1978, the club’s grounds were designated a historic landmark. The Jekyll Island Club has been operating as a luxury resort since 1985.

Spanish moss from ancient trees at the Horton House property on Jekyll Island

What is Horton House at Jekyll Island?

Horton House is the first home on Jekyll Island. Parts of the home are over 300 years old, making it one of the oldest standing structures in Georgia. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Horton House at Jekyll Island is one of the oldest tabby houses. They made the tabby houses by burning oyster shells (to create lime), then mixing the lime with sand, crushed shells, and water. Next, they pour the slurry into forms to construct the building.

Do you have to pay to visit Horton House?

No. Admission to Horton House and the land surrounding it is free. Horton House is open 24/7 and never closes. The self-guided tour includes signs throughout to describe the history. There are interpretive panels throughout the site where you can learn about the site’s history.

Is Horton House on Jekyll Island pet-friendly?

Yes, you can bring your leashed furry friend to the grounds of Horton House. It’s also easy to access with or without your pet. Horton House has free parking next to the road and is accessible by foot and bike.

Plaque stating 'Major William Horton born in England, Came to Georgia in 1736, Died in 1748. These are the remains of Horton's tabby house. Major Horton of Oglethorpe's regiment the first English resident of Jekyll Island, erected on the north end of Jekyll a two-story dwelling and large barn. He cleared fields here for cultivation of crops which supplied the settlers at Frederica on St. Simon's Island...
The space where the chimney was at Horton House on Jekyll Island showcasing the shells in the tabby house build.

What happened to the Horton House on Jekyll Island?

In 1890, the Jekyll Island Club began preservation efforts that were continued by architects hired by the Jekyll Island Authority in the 1960s. The citizens of this island have continued to fight to maintain their history over the centuries. The frame of Horton House remains today.

Who were the Hortons of Jekyll Island?

The trustees of the colony of Georgia granted William Horton the land of Jekyll Island in 1735. He paid one pound and one shilling for 500 acres of coastal land and promised to improve the land with ten indentured servants. Horton came to Georgia in 1736 without his family and was the first English resident on Jekyll Island.

When he arrived, William Horton cleared the land, built a two-story home, and erected a barn. Initially, he was responsible for feeding the troops nearby. Eventually, William Horton was in charge of the troops stationed at Ford Frederica on nearby St. Simon’s Island.

An image of the original tabby house when it was built.

During his time on the island, he was General Oglethorpe’s top military aide in the fledgling colony. He was an English Major in the war and fought the Spanish in the Battle of Bloody Marsh at nearby St. Simon’s Island.

In short, he immigrated to this island before his family, and it took him three years to return for his wife and two children. Times must have been different then because I would not be very impressed if I were Mrs. William Horton.

What is the history of the Horton House?

Horton House at Jekyll Island has a fascinating history. The land was ideal for farming, so he grew several crops to supply himself and the local Frederica Settlement. Among these crops were hops and rye, so William Horton built the first brewery.

This land was also where he brewed the Georgia colonists’ first beer at his plantation on Jekyll Island. Curiously, the brewery thrived despite Georgia’s founders’ prohibition of alcohol. However, beer was safer than water, so it became a staple for the colony.

Two children at Horton House on Jekyll Island near chimney

Interestingly, the Horton House you can visit is not the original. As the Spanish retreated from the Battle of Bloody Marsh on St. Simon, they burnt the original Horton House to the ground. After the Spanish attack destroyed his first home on the island, Horton used indentured servants to rebuild the home in 1743. That home still stands today, thanks to preservation efforts.

Is the Horton House haunted?

It’s hard not to wonder if the ruins at the Horton House are haunted- the looming structure and grounds feel eerie. I am not sure I’d want to get caught on Horton’s grounds alone at night. Horton House features whispers that make you question what spirits are swirling around.

Following the Hortons, the DuBignons owned Jekyll Island from 1790 to 1886. They occupied the Horton House from 1790 to the middle of the 1800s. The site at Horton House includes the DuBignon family cemetery. Locals describe periodic cemetery hauntings, with lights and shadows appearing and vanishing just as quickly.

The patriarch of the DuBignon family, Christophe, is believed to be elsewhere on the property in an unmarked grave. There are five graves in total, with three belonging to members of the DuBignon family and two employees of the Jekyll Island Club.

  • Ann Amelia (Nicolau) DuBignon: Ann (from Bordeaux) married Henri Charles DuBignon in 1808 and gave birth to nine children.
  • Joseph DuBignon: One of Ann and Henri’s children, born on Jekyll Island.
  • Marie Felicite Riffault: Joseph’s mother-in-law was born in the French colony of Saint Dominique.
  • Hector DeLiyannis: A Jekyll Island Club hotel employee drowned in the river on March 12, 1912. Hector was from the ancient Greek city of Smyrna.
  • George F. Harvey: George, a staff member from England, drowned on the same day as DeLiyannis.

If you love ghost tours, check out our visit to Haunted Denver.

Are there Jekyll Island ghosts?

Aside from Horton House, Jekyll Island has been home to pirates, a hunting club, and wealthy visitors over the years. Travelers have even seen a ghost ship sailing along the Atlantic shore. There are many other ghost stories, particularly featuring the Jekyll Island Club. While these stories can’t be proven, they’re part of the local lore and add a layer of mystery to the historic grounds.

  • The president of the Southern Railroad Company haunts the Jekyll Island Club. Samuel Spencer, a former guest at the Jekyll Island Hotel, would have the Wall Street Journal delivered to his room to read while drinking his morning coffee. He died in a train accident in 1906, but the legend is that he continues to partake in his newspaper and coffee ritual. When left unattended, guests in Spencer’s room report that their newspapers are moved or folded, and that coffee may be poured or drunk.
  • A former bellman also makes appearances at the Jekyll Island hotel. Particularly, he visits the second floor of the building and knocks on the door of the soon-to-be grooms.
  • If you’re looking for a friendly ghost who loves to help, visit room 3101 of the Annex. Charlotte Maurice haunts this room and wants you to live your best life.
  • Suite 2416 on the second floor of the Clubhouse features doors that blow open with a bright light and slam shut.

Can you rent out the Horton House at Jekyll Island for events?

It appears that you cannot curate a dream event underneath the sweeping trees at Horton House. While the venue was listed at $1000 for 7 hours in 2023, it is no longer listed as a historical venue to rent on Jekyll Island.

Is there a webcam on Jekyll Island?

Yes, there is a Holiday Inn Jekyll Island webcam at the resort. Whenever you’re on the fence about whether you want to visit or simply miss Jekyll Island, you can take in the sweeping views of Great Dunes Beach or admire the sunrises over the ocean.

What are the drawbacks of the Jekyll Island Holiday Inn resort?

While the price is right, the resort has not been renovated yet, and the furnishings look worn and dated. The Holiday Inn resort at Jekyll Island needs to be updated. There is a musty smell that permeates the room.

What is the Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island Pet Policy?

The Holiday Inn Jekyll Island hotel is pet-friendly across all room categories, with a nightly pet fee. Notify the registration desk at check-in if you have a pet. If you are leaving the room, you must crate your pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island?

The accommodation rates at Jekyll Island’s Holiday Inn Resort vary by season. 

How many guest rooms does the Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island have?

The Holiday Inn Resort on the beaches of Jekyll Island has 158 guest rooms.

Where is your ideal seaside retreat?

Drop in the comments your favorite things to do at Jekyll Island!

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Horton House in Jekyll Island, GA: history and hauntings

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10 Comments

  1. I have been wanting to try out the camping on Jekyll Island, but everytime we try to make plans, it is all booked up. Now I have an renewed drive to make that vacation work since there are so many fun activities in your list!!

  2. Oh! This is so beautiful! I love everything about it. Imagine it in winter, with a big stove to burn driftwood from the beach and the sound of stormy seas.. Your photographs are wonderful. The last one looks like a picture from a fairy tale. I love your work ???? Steph

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