OT: Quick thoughts on Jekyll Island?

[Prediction? Pain.]

My wife is pushing for a last-minute trip to the beach next week, and we're considering Jekyll Island. But we've never been. Any thoughts on the place in general? And how about the weather, water, and crowds this time of year? Also, we've got a couple of very small children (a 3-years-old and 10-month-old). From what I've read, the island seems pretty family friendly, but if any of y'all have thoughts on that too, I'd appreciate it.


Context -- I'm a pasty hiker who's much more accustomed mountains and forests than beaches and coastal areas. So, seriously, even the most basic info is welcome.

 

[dickiedawg]

Never heard of it. But based on the Wikipedia article about it seems like a cool place to visit.

 

[Hoover Dawg]

Went to a wedding there in October 2008. Was pretty awesome. Beaches are not as clean as the gulf ones, but that is made up for in the historical 'look' of the area. Stayed here: http://www.jekyllclub.com/

 

[THE Bruce Dickinson]

I have been, but it has almost been 15 years since. It seemed like a quiet place that would be good for small children. I have no idea about dining and attractions since it has been so long, but it is an Atlantic Coast Beach. The sand is compact, and not similar to the gulf coast beaches (Destin, PCB, Pensacola, etc), so don't be surprised by that.

 

[CochiseCowbell]

I haven't been in years (field trips as a child) but from what I can remember it was very family friendly with a very interesting history.

Nearby Hyde Island on the other hand is a nightmare.

 

[Augustus McCrae]

It's a nice place and very family friendly. You and your family will like it, I think. I've been going there since I was a kid and was there most recently for a wedding at the Jekyll Island club hotel back in March. It's an old historic hotel and property. There are other places to stay as well, as I believe there is a Westin and a Holiday Inn. The Westin is in beach village which is relatively new. Beach Village is a collection of shops, restaurants, etc. Jekyll has grown some since I was a kid but is still not overly commercialized. That was one of the things I always liked about it. They also have a big water park there that your kids will enjoy. As for crowds, I don't think I've ever seen it really crowded. Overall it is a nice place and I think you would enjoy the visit.

 

[P. Ness]

I live in Savannah and go down every year for a couple of weekends. You should have a decent time and the kids will have miles of beach to run on. Never really crowded. There is a small sea turtle rescue place, little cheap putt-putt place and the water park for the kids. The historic district has a little museum as well. You can rent bikes and ride around the island or charter a boat if you want. Dining options are limited, but you can easily drive to any of the other islands for more options. Southern Soul BBQ on St Simons is popular. The island has grown quite a bit over the last 10 years, but it is still better than any developed area.

 

[BrunswickDawg]

I live on the mainland and worked on Jekyll for 15 years as Director of Historic Resources (left in 2015). Augustus McRae's post sums it up pretty good. The biggest thing is that it is a slow pace, limited service (i.e. numbers of restaurants, night life shuts down early, etc.). But, if you are looking for a low-key, nature and history oriented family friendly vacation, it is tough to beat. Look into renting a house for a week. It is significantly cheaper that Gulf Coast beach rentals, and you can save a lot by not going out every meal - Jekyll Realty -http://www.jekyllrealty.com/ has the best houses. Fell free to PM me for more info.

 

[stateguy]

GO!

 

[colodawg]

You might want to check out the next island, St. Simons. More laid back - more family friendly - less expensive - very historic. The historic King and Prince hotel is owned by Mike Sturdivant and family. Great place to vacation.

 

[garndawg]

Several thoughts:

- I proposed to my wife on top of the lighthouse there
- Nice little fort to tour, as well
- You can ride bikes on the beach. The sand is packed plenty hard for it, as long as you stay on the seaward side. Bay side gets _really_ soft!
- If you go, there is only one MUST DO: The. Crab Shack.

Seriously, you _must_ go to The Crab Shack. At night. For dinner. As long as it's not raining...

 

[Augustus McCrae]

Do you mean the Crab Trap? It's ok, but Crabdaddy's is far better in my opinion.

 

[BrunswickDawg]

Do you mean the Crab Trap? It's ok, but Crabdaddy's is far better in my opinion.

The Crab Trap's beer battered shrimp and battered fries are legend, but other than that I'm not fond of either one. There are many other places with better overall seafood and service in the area now. The Half-Shell in the Pier Village, Coastal Kitchen (where Emmeline & Hessie's was at the marina), Blue Water down at the Pier, Catch 228 and Blackwater in Redfern are all great choices.

 

[Augustus McCrae]

The Crab Trap's beer battered shrimp and battered fries are legend, but other than that I'm not fond of either one. There are many other places with better overall seafood and service in the area now. The Half-Shell in the Pier Village, Coastal Kitchen (where Emmeline & Hessie's was at the marina), Blue Water down at the Pier, Catch 228 and Blackwater in Redfern are all great choices.

Appreciate the info on those places. I'll check them out next time I'm down. I've always been partial to Crabdaddy's due to always having good food and service there. I'm not a fan of bread pudding but there's is crazy good.

 

[garndawg]

Do you mean the Crab Trap? It's ok, but Crabdaddy's is far better in my opinion.

D'oh! Wrong island...

I was thinking of Tybee Island on my post. Just a little bit to the north of your target, I'm afraid.

I'm not _really_ stupid...unless you ask my wife!

I've been to Jekyll, but don't really remember much.

Sorry for the confusion!

 

[FQDawg]

I prefer Hyde Island

#DadJoke

 

[BrunswickDawg]

Appreciate the info on those places. I'll check them out next time I'm down. I've always been partial to Crabdaddy's due to always having good food and service there. I'm not a fan of bread pudding but there's is crazy good.

Crabdaddy's suffers from being "the" place, and the service gets overwhelmed sometimes. My daughter has friends who work there, and they complain they are always understaffed mid-season and can't handle their sections. I digress though.....

Since you are checking out places - if you really want great fried seafood and a little scenic tour - take the drive up to Darien and hit Skipper's Fish Camp or B&J's Steak and Seafood. They have some long waits during the tourist season, but off season they are great places to hit.

 

[Junction John]

I used to drink a lot of beer down by Tybee Bridge.**

It's amazing how little it takes to have fun when you're in college.

 

[Augustus McCrae]

Crabdaddy's suffers from being "the" place, and the service gets overwhelmed sometimes. My daughter has friends who work there, and they complain they are always understaffed mid-season and can't handle their sections. I digress though.....

Since you are checking out places - if you really want great fried seafood and a little scenic tour - take the drive up to Darien and hit Skipper's Fish Camp or B&J's Steak and Seafood. They have some long waits during the tourist season, but off season they are great places to hit.

Great minds think alike, sir. I'm all too familiar with Skipper's in Darien. Good food, for sure. I've never been to the other place but may try it sometime. Thanks.