With five distinct beaches, including the ethereal Driftwood Beach, more than 22 miles of bike trails, Summer Waves Water Park, and the Southeast’s only sea turtle rehab, research and educational facility, Jekyll Island is unquestionably a summer destination that provides endless opportunities for family fun and exploration. And if you haven’t visited lately, you’ll find that in addition to all of your favorite locales, now there’s a whole new side of Jekyll Island to discover! Shopping and dining at Beach Village, activities at Village Green, holiday celebrations, and summer programs will enhance your Jekyll experience this season.
Beach Village opened officially in November 2015. Located between the convention center and the Westin, this modern shopping center is home to both longtime island businesses like the Jekyll Market and Maxwell’s General Store and new eateries and retailers like Fuse Frozen Yogurt, Wee Pub Beach, Caroline’s Gifts, and Life is Good. Village Green, is a large green space in Beach Village that hosts a monthly farmer’s market, outdoor movies, holiday celebrations, and other family-friendly events.
July events begin on Sunday, July 3 with an oceanside movie under the stars at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 3. Bring your blanket and chairs down to Village Green and relive the doo-wop days of drive-in movies and sock hops with “Grease.” Other Movies on the Green in July are a special screening of “Caddyshack” at the Jekyll Island Golf Club on July 9, and “The Sound of Music” on July 30.
Kick off the 4th of July by celebrating America’s birthday with an old-fashioned patriotic parade through the Historic District. Island residents and guests are invited to decorate their bikes, golf carts, strollers, pets, and themselves to join the fun and maybe even win prizes. Line up at the Jekyll Island Museum beginning at 9:00 a.m. The procession up Pier Road to the Historic District starts at 9:30 a.m., ending on the lawn at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. This event is free, and all are welcome to participate or watch. Later in the day, pick a spot on the beach between the Holiday Inn Resort and the Days Inn on the island’s oceanfront side, to witness the most spectacular fireworks in the Golden Isles. The incredible pyrotechnic display will begin around 9:00 p.m. Early arrival for both the parade and fireworks is suggested. Learn more about other 4th of July weekend festivities and deals at jekyllisland.com/independence.
Other community activities in July include the Jekyll Island Farmer’s Market from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Village Green on July 16. Pick up products from local vendors as you stroll the green and listen to live music. On July 31, there will be a prayer service in historic Faith Chapel led by Rev. Buzz Yarborough of St. Richard’s of Chichester Episcopal Church.
With more than a thousand acres of maritime forest, 10 miles of shoreline, and best-in-class biologists and researchers, Jekyll Island is the perfect place for education summer adventures and one-of-a-kind eco-experiences with island experts. Be a part of sea turtle nesting season and monitoring with the Georgia Sea Turtle Center during Turtle Walks, Ride with Night Patrol, Egg-sperience Dawn Patrol, and Sunrise Walks. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, there’s a sea turtle program for you. To participate, visit gstc.jekyllisland.com. Join Ranger Bre on Saturday mornings for a beach walk. During Ranger Walks, you’ll learn about barrier island ecology, the history of Jekyll Island’s south beachfront community, sea turtle research efforts, and more. To reserve a spot, visit jekyllisland.com/rangerwalks.
So, come spend the day, the weekend, or, if you’re lucky, even longer, exploring the new face of Jekyll Island. Hit the bike trails and beaches. Try your luck at the fishing pier. Discover the new shopping and dining opportunities at Beach Village. Check out the monthly Farmer’s Market. Splash around at Summer Waves. Grab some fabulous finds in the unique gift shops along Pier Road in the Historic District. Take in some music at sunset over a delicious meal at Latitude 31 & The “Rah” Bar. Catch a movie under the stars. The opportunities are endless! The “new” Jekyll Island has everything you need to make your summer days sensational.
