Driftwood Beach | Jekyll Island, GA

Y’know how sometimes you figure out where you want to go and then decide what you want to see while you’re there? Well, for our visit to Driftwood Beach in Jekyll Island, Georgia, I did just the opposite. After seeing pictures of Driftwood Beach online, I knew I wanted to check it out and planned a trip just so that we could visit!

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exposed tree roots Driftwood Beach sunburst

Driftwood Beach, located on the north end of Jekyll Island, is part of Georgia’s famed Golden Isles and is considered one of the top beaches in the country. What was once a forest by the sea is now a sandy beach full of driftwood.

climbing on driftwood sunburst georgia

Decades of erosion led to these pine and oak trees falling and decaying gradually over time. The bleached and weathered wood is perfect for climbing – the kids thought the downed trees were their own personal playgrounds.

smiling kids on driftwood beach jekyll island

We arrived from nearby St Simons Island where we were staying at the King and Prince Resort just in time to watch the sun set behind the trees.

smiling girl driftwood

The kids had a blast climbing on the massive driftwood branches – honestly, they probably could have spent the day here climbing around and exploring.

visiting driftwood beach with kids

Once the sun dipped below the horizon, the skies looked like they were painted with the colors melting into each other. The beach cleared out quickly after sunset and it felt like we had the beach to ourselves.

driftwood beach jekyll island georgia with kids

With as beautiful sunset was at Driftwood Beach, next time I want to make sure to visit for sunrise. Driftwood Beach is a favorite spot for photographers and weddings and it’s very easy to see why!

moon over driftwood beach jekyll island

The driftwood closer to the water was covered in barnacles so be careful if climbing barefoot because they can be sharp. Ellie HATED the barnacles and refused to go anywhere near them – hence a picture with 4/5 of the kids.

moon over driftwood beach

Goodnight from Driftwood Beach. I’ve heard that Driftwood Beach is great for night sky photography so that’s on my list for a future visit, too! Have you been to Driftwood Beach before?? Or the Golden Isles??

TIPS FOR VISITING DRIFTWOOD BEACH

  • Parking for Driftwood Beach is right off of N. Beachview Drive and is free – it does cost $8 to access Jekyll Island per vehicle/per day.
  • Check a tide chart before you visit. The best time to explore Driftwood Beach is on an outgoing tide or at low tide.
  • Wading and fishing are allowed though the water is kind of a murky brown color from the surrounding marshes, swamps, and rivers. Swimming is not recommended due to the currents.
  • Keep an eye out for alligators. We didn’t see any but I’ve always wanted to see one strolling along the beach!
  • Driftwood is protected so you need to leave it on the beach.

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4 Comments

  1. May 21, 2021 / 8:46 am

    this is 10000% one of the coolest places I have ever been – I have never seen anything like it! Great idea to do a sunset shoot – we went mid day and we did get some good pics as well

    • Jennifer
      Author
      May 24, 2021 / 11:21 am

      It’s absolutely amazing – I can’t wait to visit again!

  2. Brandi Smith
    March 22, 2022 / 1:59 am

    It’s amazing, relaxing, and dog friendly!!!

    • Jennifer
      Author
      March 29, 2022 / 2:07 pm

      Yes! Such a fun place to visit!

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