Merry Christmas from Jekyll Island, GA. Jekyll Island is located off the coast of the state of Georgia. It is one of the Sea Islands and one of the Golden Isles of Georgia barrier islands. The island is owned by the State of Georgia and run by a self-sustaining, self-governing body.
In the late 1800s, Jekyll Island became an exclusive hunting club for families with names like Rockefeller, Morgan, Vanderbilt, Pulitzer, and Baker. The once private retreat is now part of The Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District. It is one of the largest preservation projects in the southeast.
Christmas Lights on the Island
Every Christmas the Island is decorated with hundreds of thousands of lights. You can do a self-drive through the Island Historical District. See the homes that were once owned by the families of America’s Glided Age lit up for the holidays. Covered in over 35,000 lights, the Great Tree has more lights per square foot than the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York City. Along Shell road, visitors can glimpse the Twelve Days of Christmas light displays. They extend from the Great Dunes Beach Park to the Historic District.
The entire island is covered in Christmas lights during the holidays. The holidays are wonderful here- carriage rides, trolley tours, and a free museum & history movie. Not really “shopping’ on Jekyll, but on St Simons there are lots of quaint shops (about 20 min). No wonder the Vanderbilts & Rockefellers lived here all winter! Check www.jekyll.com frequently. There is a great, updated events calendar well in advance. Enjoy! It is extremely quiet, laid-back, and more residential. With history on one side, and then beach places on the other. But the entire island is a national park. So there are no go-cart rides or normal beach “strip” type of things. It’s an upscale & wonderful place.
Enjoy the beautiful ancient trees covered in lights and Spanish moss. Then head to the hotel for hot chocolate and pastries. This is the way to end a December evening on Jekyll.
Places to Stay on Jekyll Island
Here are some great hotel options on Jekyll Island, GA, each offering a unique experience depending on your preferences:
🌴 Beachfront & Resort-Style Stays
- The Westin Jekyll Island Beach Resort – Upscale with direct beach access, rooftop lounge, and ocean views.
⭐ 4.4 | 💬 2,045 reviews | 💰 ~$493/night - Jekyll Island Club Resort – Historic luxury with elegant rooms, three restaurants, and a pool.
⭐ 4.6 | 💬 2,320 reviews - Beachview Club Hotel – Intimate and charming, set in a 19th-century building with beach access.
⭐ 4.4 | 💬 320 reviews | 💰 ~$356/night
🏖️ Family-Friendly & Mid-Range Comfort
- Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island by IHG – Great for families with a pool, bike rentals, and a beachfront cafe.
⭐ 4.1 | 💬 1,735 reviews | 💰 ~$337/night - Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island – Oceanfront with free breakfast and a tapas bar.
⭐ 4.1 | 💬 1,541 reviews | 💰 ~$274/night - Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jekyll Island – Budget-friendly with free breakfast and a pool.
⭐ 4.3 | 💬 1,785 reviews | 💰 ~$242/night - Best Western Plus Jekyll Island – Casual and convenient with free breakfast and Wi-Fi.
⭐ 4.0 | 💬 857 reviews | 💰 ~$271/night
🌊 Modern & Relaxed
- Courtyard Jekyll Island – Oceanfront with a pool, fitness room, and on-site dining.
⭐ 3.9 | 💬 419 reviews | 💰 ~$473/night
Places to Eat on Jekyll Island
Here are some great places to eat on Jekyll Island, GA, offering a range of flavors from fresh seafood to Mexican favorites:
🍽️ Top-Rated Dining Spots
- Jekyll and Tide – A stylish spot with a 4.6⭐ rating, known for its elevated coastal cuisine and relaxed ambiance.
📍 1175 Beachview Dr N | ⏰ Open till 9 PM - 24 Coastal Grill – A modern New American restaurant with creative dishes and a 4.6⭐ rating.
📍 701 Beachview Dr N | 💰 $20–30 | ⏰ Open till 9 PM
🐟 Seafood & Southern Fare
- The Wharf – Nautical-themed with live music, seafood, and Southern comfort food.
⭐ 3.9 | 💬 2,395 reviews | 💰 $20–30 | 📍 371 Riverview Dr - Beach House Restaurant + Tap Room – Beachy vibes with seafood-focused Southern fare and craft beers.
⭐ 3.7 | 💬 2,029 reviews | 📍 715 Beachview Dr N
🌮 Casual & Flavorful
- Tortuga Jacks Jekyll – A festive Mexican spot with a covered patio and outdoor bar.
⭐ 4.1 | 💬 4,995 reviews | 💰 $10–20 | 📍 201 Beachview Dr N - Tribuzio’s Grille – A cozy, casual eatery with great reviews and affordable prices.
⭐ 4.4 | 💬 298 reviews | 💰 $10–20 | 📍 322 Captain Wylly Rd
🍸 Modern American & Cocktails
- Corridor Z Kitchen+Cocktails – A sleek spot for elevated American fare and craft cocktails.
⭐ 4.3 | 💬 153 reviews | 💰 $20–30 | 📍 41 Main St Suite 103 - Shore Restaurant – Located in the Courtyard Marriott, offering American classics with ocean views.
⭐ 4.1 | 💬 58 reviews | 💰 $20–30 | 📍 178 S Beachview Dr
About the Author –
James Carey is an avid world traveler, blogger, writer and award-winning theater and film director based in Atlanta GA. He writes about travel worldwide, entertainment, and lifestyles. You can find out more about him at his personal websites listed below.
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