Travel Guide: Jekyll Island Club Resort with the family!

JEKYLL ISLAND ITINERARY WITH KIDS

Looking for a laid-back beach getaway with equal parts historic charm and family-friendly amenities? The Jekyll Island Club Resort on Georgia’s Jekyll Island delivers just that! We spent a few wonderful weekdays here as a family of four with two rambunctious toddlers in tow, and this resort was the perfect basecamp for our island adventures.

After a quick trip to Melbourne, FL to see my grandma, I got the call from Jekyll Island Club Resort that they were in need of a family for some marketing shoots, for this coming week. I have never replied YES so fast! Haha Eric and I were just talking about how much we miss the low country – especially Hilton Head. You can read all about that trip here.

As we drove onto Jekyll Island we realized it is BETTER than Hilton Head for us, because it is a whole hour and a half closer (if you travel with toddlers you know how important that is) – plus it has a mix of old world and southern charm. We already loved it!

There is SO much to do on Jekyll Island, y’all! It’s such a versatile destination whether you’re looking for a romantic couples getaway or an action-packed family vacation with the kiddos. On our recent trip, we brought our two wild toddler boys, and the Jekyll Island Club Resort was the perfect home base for experiencing all the amazing family-friendly activities. I’m going to break down our fun-filled island itinerary, but you could easily swap out some of the kid stuff for more adult indulgences like golfing, spa days, and upscale wining and dining if you’re traveling kid-free!

DAY ONE
We opted to drive in for our Jekyll Island getaway since it’s just over a two-hour haul from our home. There is an airport about an hour away, but the drive was more convenient for us. We timed it perfectly and rolled onto the island just in time to snag some afternoon snacks from The Pantry cafe at the resort. Top tip – they also offer pre-made picnic baskets that you can grab and enjoy out on one of the lush lawns while taking in a casual croquet match!

After fueling up, we got settled into our suite before venturing off-property for dinner at Zachary’s Riverhouse. This local fish camp-style spot checked all the boxes – tasty margaritas, ice-cold beer, and hearty seafood dishes that hit the spot for these two tired parents. The laid-back riverside vibe was exactly what we needed to ease into full-on vacation mode.

With full bellies and relaxed vibes, we headed back to the resort excited to dive into all the activities and amenities in the morning. The hardest decision was going to be choosing what to do first!

DAY TWO
Our second day on Jekyll started with a cozy in-room breakfast courtesy of The Pantry. Eric was an absolute gem and picked up the goodies while the boys and I prepped for our family photoshoot that morning. My french vanilla latte was perfection, and the boys devoured their croissant breakfast sandwiches and a side of creamy grits – always a win for getting protein and carbs in those little bodies!

Before meeting up with our photographer, we explored the breathtaking historic Grand Clubhouse. Those iconic old-school vibes and lush grounds made for some incredible photo backdrops. The boys even got to play a round of croquet on the pristine lawns while I snuck in a bit of work.

Post-photoshoot hunger kicked in, so we headed over to The Wharf for a waterfront lunch. They had just reopened after a renovation, and the quaint new space was an Instagram dream with those stunning marsh views. In a brave move, we let the boys try raw oysters for the first time, and to our surprise, they were total naturals at slurping them down! A quick trip to the gift shop to reward them for their A+ smiling was definitely earned.

We spent the rest of the afternoon basking in that true island pace – a casual family game of croquet, some books in the swaying hammocks, and an early bedtime for our wiped-out kiddos. Eric and I rewarded ourselves by taking turns enjoying cocktails and apps over at The Alexander Bar in the clubhouse lobby. With its cozy sofas and historic charm, it was the perfect grown-up evening cap.

DAY THREE
For our final day on Jekyll, we made sure to savor every last second of that laid-back island bliss. We kicked things off right by swinging through our beloved Pantry cafe one last time to load up on travel snacks and a picnic breakfast spread. Those baked goods were simply too heavenly to pass up!

With provisions in tow, we meandered over to the stunning Crane Cottage surrounded by lush gardens. We staked out the perfect picnic spot beneath a canopy of vine-covered trellises next to a bubbling fountain. The gentle marsh breezes, chirping birds, and serene water views created such a tranquil alfresco morning vibe. Absolute paradise!

The sun made a perfectly timed appearance just as we finished noshing, inviting us to soak up some rays poolside. We happily obliged and spent a few glorious hours letting the kids swim and splash around until they were delightfully tuckered out for the car ride home.

Before reluctantly bidding the island adieu, we took one final leisurely lap to drink in all the charming sights – the mossy oak trees draped in Spanish moss, the stately historic cottages, and the peaceful marsh landscapes. Those indelible images will be seared into our memories until we can return again soon.

OUR ROOM
We book a King Parlor Suite (it was perfect for our family) as it had a king bed, living room/coffee bar area behind a set of doors, a short hallway that led to a small room with two twin beds. It was right at the clubhouse, which made grabbing breakfast and visiting the pool SO EASY.

The club was originally built in 1888, I believe, so well before accessibility requirements were in play, so the less walking without a stroller the better for us. We actually did not bring a stroller at all this trip. If we wanted to, we could have rented bikes with a pull behind or baby seat attachment, but we never felt the need to stray too far from the clubhouse – there was plenty to do right there.

Next stay, we will head over to the Ocean Club. I really wanted to visit their beach & pool set up, as well as the 80 Ocean restaurant.

THE RESORT
What really sets this resort apart is how thoughtfully they’ve preserved the island’s Gilded Age legacy while still creating an approachable, family-friendly atmosphere. You’ll spot wild deer and bunny rabbits roaming the picturesque grounds. It strikes that perfect balance of Old World elegance and casual island whimsy.

Whether you’re visiting for a romantic couples’ getaway or multi-generational family vacation, the Jekyll Island Club Resort immerses you in warm Southern hospitality against an unforgettable historic backdrop.

SHARKS TOOTH BEACH
Shark Tooth Beach is located on the south west bend of Jekyll Island. You’ll park at the designated lot and then set out on a half-mile walking trail through the shaded maritime forest. The path is flat and easy enough for little legs, but bring a wagon or kid-carrier for younger children.

As you emerge from the trees, the wide sandy expanse of beach suddenly opens up in front of you. The dramatic driftwood-strewn landscape instantly makes you feel like you’ve discovered a secret coastal treasure.

The boys spent one afternoon day just beachcombing up and down the shoreline, taking in the sights and sounds of Complete serenity. No crowds, no development – just pristine nature all around us. Moments like that are exactly what family travel is all about!

If your crew loves interactive beach adventures and making those classic kid memories, put Shark Tooth Beach at the very top of your Jekyll Island must-visit list. Just be prepared to get your hands dirty and come home with buckets of prehistoric treasures!

ON OUR RADAR for next time…
Georgia Sea Turtle Center
Golf at one of these courses for dad
Smores & Stars at the Ocean Club
Spa day for mom
Carriage tour for mom & dad
Bike rentals – when the boys are older
Fishing Charter

WHAT WE PACKED
When it came to packing for our Jekyll Island getaway, I made sure our family’s wardrobe vibes matched the laid-back island lifestyle to a tee! Preppy, casual attire is completely acceptable (and embraced) all over the place.

For the boys, I curated a selection of adorably coordinated looks – think seersucker shorts sets, patterned polos, and lots of bright colors and patterns that just screamed “beach vacay!” Getting those two dressed in matching outfits made for some seriously frame-worthy photo ops.

As for my own ensembles, I loaded up on breezy linen dresses that could easily pull double duty as swimsuit coverups for our pool days. The flowy fits kept me cool but still pulled together. Eric stuck to his usual uniform of classic golf polos and crisp shorts – the perfect put-together yet casual resort dad look.

Our family packing list included:
Coordinating vibrant preppy shorts sets for the kids
Polo shirts in fun patterns and prints
Wide-brimmed hats to keep the sun off
Water-friendly sandals that could get wet
Versatile linen/cotton sundresses for me
A great beach tote to corral all our pool/beach essentials
Lightweight sweaters for breezy evenings
Crisp polos and shorts for Eric’s relaxed dad style

With our seaside-chic wardrobe sorted, we were ready to seamlessly blend from activity to activity while still looking completely put-together. No fussy boutique outfits required on this island paradise!