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Many people who plan a trip to Jekyll Island, Georgia, do so because they want to visit Driftwood Beach, and this includes us!  While you may not have known the actual name of this popular Georgia beach, I am sure that you have come across some photos of Driftwood Beach Jekyll Island. 

The large pieces of driftwood (hence the name) that dot the coast in this area are something to marvel at, and during our visit last month, I told Matt repeatedly that this is way better than I expected. Visiting Driftwood Beach is #1 on my list of Fun Things To Do On Jekyll Island With Kids!

To be honest, in this Instagram VS reality world, I was expecting maybe 2-3 downed trees and assuming it was the same small area being photographed over and over again.  But it proved to be so much more, and I can confidently say that Driftwood Beach Jekyll Island is a MUST-DO on your Georgia travel bucket list!

Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia

Maybe the reason people are so enamored by this gnarly driftwood is that it’s quite imperfect.  Most vacation destinations would quickly “clean up” the beach, making room for another hotel or some Southern Living inspired vacation rentals, but Jekyll Island is different.   This unique barrier island is, in fact, owned and managed by the state of Georgia, and conservation efforts trump the desire for the next best thing. 

So, while this popular Georgia beach may seem otherworldly, maybe it’s just our coast and nature at its best.   Maybe this is something that everyone is looking for because Driftwood Beach continues to be rated one of America’s most romantic beaches year after year.

For me, romantic was a bit of a stretch; I mean, they filmed scenes for The Walking Dead at Driftwood Beach, but even if you don’t find this beach to be romantic, it is definitely magical!   

It was really fun to watch Jake run from tree to tree, lost in a world of make-believe, while Abby took photo after photo of the downed trees and gnarly roots.

History of Driftwood Beach

So, how did Driftwood Beach come to be?

Well, it really was a case of being at the right place at the right time, or maybe the wrong one.

This masterpiece of nature actually started out as a maritime forest, but after years of erosion, many of the trees were no match to the sand and saltwater.  They now lay scattered on the beach, a weathered mess, yet a beautiful one. 

You may wonder if Jekyll Island is unique or if this is simply a result of letting things be.   Also, I want to point out that the term beach driftwood may be a little misleading here.  These trees didn’t just wash up on the shore.  They were deeply rooted here on the coast for hundreds of years before finally succumbing to coastal storms.

Where is Driftwood Beach Jekyll Island?

Driftwood Beach is located on Jekyll Island, Georgia, and is the most popular among the beaches on Jekyll Island.

It is nestled against the Atlantic Ocean on the northeastern corner of Jekyll Island, Driftwood Beach, not far from the Jekyll Island Campground and the Clam Creek Picnic Area.  It is located near St. Simons Sound, and if you look to the northeast from Driftwood Beach, you can see St. Simons Island, another one of Georgia’s Golden Isles, and it’s a beautiful lighthouse.  Jekyll Island is small, so if you just head north on Beachview Drive (the main drag), you will end up there. 

Or just put Driftwood Beach into your Apple Maps or Google Maps.

Visiting Driftwood Beach Jekyll Island

There are two ways to access Driftwood Beach.  The most common way is to use one of the multiple beach access points off of North Beachview Dr.  Designated parking areas are located along the road, next to each beach access point.  And the other is to walk the beach until you get there.  Many hotels and vacation rentals on the northern end of Jekyll Island are within walking distance from this popular beach.

Driftwood Beach is a dog-friendly public beach (leash required).   Please do not take the Jekyll Island driftwood home with you. As always, leave only footprints and take only memories.

Driftwood Beach Map

Booking.com

Driftwood Beach Parking

There are a limited number of parking spots located on North Beachview Dr. adjacent to the beach access points.   We were able to grab on on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend without issue, but I would imagine that they will up pretty quickly at sunrise and during peak season.   Also, please be aware that all vehicles entering Jekyll Island must pay a daily fee upon arrival ($8 for standard vehicles).

You can also choose to ride your bike to Driftwood Beach utilizing the bike path that runs along Beachview Drive.

When should you visit Driftwood Beach?

Since Driftwood Beach is situated along the eastern end of Jekyll Island, most people choose to visit at sunrise.  I have seen the most magical photos showing the sky lit up in the most beautiful colors, with the driftwood trees in the foreground.  But others choose to come at night and create enchanting star-filled photographs.

But if you are like us, most of you will probably be visiting during the daytime, and in that case, any time works!  Some visitors enjoy bringing a picnic and making a day of it.  While others want to walk as far as they desire in one direction before turning back into the direction they came.  Being that we visited Driftwood Beach on a holiday weekend, we saw many families gathered together with full beach setups, coolers, and frisbees.

One thing you really do need to consider is the tide.  Low tide is the best time to visit Jekyll Island since it leaves more of the beach exposed.  At high tide, the water will cover quite a bit of the beach, leaving less room for visitors to explore.   

But I will point out that some of the most beautiful Driftwood Beach photos that I’ve seen look to have been taken during sunrise and at high tide as the driftwood seems to be floating on the water in them.  The tides change daily, so make sure to check out a tide chart before your visit.

Can you swim at Driftwood Beach Jekyll Island?

If you want to!  Obviously, there are a lot of downed trees and driftwood dotting the beach here, but you are more than welcome to swim.  I would recommend that you only do it at low tide or at least make sure to have form-fitting water shoes on just to be safe!  And remember, this is the Atlantic Ocean and a point where the river feeds in, so it will not be crystal clear water like you’d see on 30A or the Gulf of Mexico.

Hotels near Driftwood Beach

The closest accommodations to Driftwood Beach will be the campground and vacation rentals, as most of the hotels are located more toward the center of the island.  However, Jekyll Island is small, and you should be able to get there via a short 5-15 minute drive from any hotel.   If you are looking for the best place to stay on Jekyll Island, I have another blog post about full that is FULL of fantastic information and first-hand experience.

While Driftwood Beach is a must-see when on Jekyll Island, you will likely find other locations more desirable as they are closer to restaurants and a short walk to other attractions, such as the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.   

Read my latest blog post called 9+ Fun Things For Families To Do On Jekyll Island!

For a variety of reasons, I would recommend that you stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort on your trip to Jekyll Island.

More Pictures of Driftwood Beach Jekyll Island

My photos here were all taken between 8:30 am and 10:30 am, but if you want to see the magical sunrise and evening Jekyll Island Driftwood Beach photos I mentioned above, make sure to check out Driftwood Beach’s TripAdvisor page! It’s no wonder it’s one of the best beaches on the Georgia coast.

PIN my Driftwood Beach Jekyll Island Georgia blog post!