Jekyll Island, GA
A Toddler-Friendly Long Weekend at Jekyll Island, GA
An ideal spring beach escape in the Southeast with a two-year-old and pup in tow.
Why We Chose Jekyll Island for a Spring Weekend Getaway
We recently headed to Jekyll Island, GA for a long weekend over my birthday in late March. We picked this new-to-us location for a few reasons: we wanted a destination far enough south that we’d have a decent chance at warm spring weather, but still within driving distance of Charlotte, NC. That way, we could bring our dog along and skip the cost and logistics of flying.
Factoring that all in, we landed on Jekyll Island—and we really loved it!
We visited the last weekend of March, and the weather was gorgeous. March in the South can always be hit or miss, ranging from sunny and perfect to cool and rainy, but we lucked out with beautiful days for the majority of the trip.
One nice surprise was that the azaleas were in peak bloom and I now want to plan any future trips around the azeleas blooming! I loved how Jekyll Island combined beachy landscapes with southern charm—Spanish moss, green lawns, and colorful blooms. And because the island is so small, you can get totally different scenery depending on where you are—beach views on one side, moss-draped trees on the other.
Best of all, it wasn’t overly built up or crowded. We prefer quiet, laid-back beach destinations, and Jekyll Island checked all the boxes for a relaxing family-friendly vibe.
Where We Stayed: Villas by the Sea
We stayed at Villas by the Sea, a beachfront condo complex on the north end of the island. There was so much to love about it:
It’s right next to Driftwood Beach (a stunning spot to explore or photograph).
We liked the idea of one of us sneaking out for a solo sunrise or sunset stroll (though we didn’t actually do it!).
The landscaping was pretty, and our unit had a little porch—perfect for hanging during naps or early toddler bedtimes.
It was super dog-friendly with lots of space to walk our pup.
There was quick beach access, a playground, and a pool—great for families.
The only downside was that our unit didn’t have an ocean view, but we were still very happy with it. We booked the “Tipsea Turtle” unit through Airbnb, but in the future we’d consider booking directly through the resort to try and snag an ocean-view unit.
Other Lodging Options to Consider
Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island
This Holiday Inn looked nicer than your typical chain hotel! It’s beachfront, many rooms have partial ocean views, and it has a big pool, a playground, a restaurant onsite, and direct beach access. We had breakfast there one day—it wasn’t anything too special, but reviews of their dinner look good, and the location can’t be beat.
Jekyll Island Club Resort
A classic, southern-style option located on the western (sound) side of the island. While it’s not on the beach, it’s surrounded by beautiful mossy oaks and gardens and has sunset views over the water. It’s also right by the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and some of the island’s better dining spots.
They offer limited pet-friendly rooms (for small dogs only), so it wasn’t an option for us this trip. But if we ever return for a parents-only getaway, this would be at the top of our list. For trips with our daughter, we’d probably still opt for something right on the beach and bike to the restaurants.
Things to Do on Jekyll Island with a Toddler
Biking the Island
Renting bikes and covering the island this way was one of our favorite activities. While many visitors bring their own bikes, we didn’t have a rack setup so we rented for the day. The island is super bike-friendly with miles of paved bike trails that loop the island, with very little time spent on roads with cars.
We rented a bike with a toddler seat for our 2-year-old, and she loved it! In just two hours, we covered the northern half of the island and even stopped off at a beach access point. With your own bikes (or a multi-day rental), you could easily use them as your main transportation the entire trip.
Driftwood Beach
This is one of the island’s most iconic spots. Large, weathered driftwood pieces are scattered along the beach, making it a dreamy, photogenic place to explore. Our daughter loved climbing and walking around the logs—fun and free!
Georgia Sea Turtle Center
We visited on a rainy afternoon, and it was the perfect quick activity. You can learn about the rehabilitation work they do and see the turtles up close. It’s not a huge place, but it was educational and interesting for all ages.
Where to Eat on Jekyll Island and Nearby
Jekyll Island’s low-key charm means there are fewer restaurants directly on the island. For a short trip, eating out worked fine for us, but if we were staying longer, we’d definitely grocery shop and cook some meals at our rental.
Our Favorite Spots
The Wharf
Located on a dock along the western side of the island with pretty intercoastal views. We loved the fried shrimp basket and shrimp roll. Be prepared for gnats—they’re common and were the only downside to dining outside by the water.
The Pantry
A cute, quick breakfast spot located in the resort area. We stopped here almost daily for coffee, muffins, fruit, and breakfast sandwiches.
Tortuga Jack’s
A laid-back Mexican spot right on the ocean. We had breakfast here one morning and enjoyed the chill vibe.
Dining on Nearby St. Simons Island
We ventured to St. Simons Island two evenings, just a 30–40 minute drive away, for more restaurant variety.
Echo (at King and Prince Hotel)
We prioritized beachfront views here. The food was decent (not amazing), but the setting was beautiful and we enjoyed walking the beach after dinner.
The Half Shell
This spot in downtown St. Simons was our best meal of the trip! From oysters and fried shrimp to shrimp and grits and butter cake for dessert—everything was fantastic. Service was also top-notch. Highly recommend!
Final Thoughts: Why Jekyll Island is a Great Southeastern Family Beach Getaway
We loved Jekyll Island’s beautiful beaches, mossy trees, bikeable layout, and relaxed vibe. It was the perfect spring long weekend destination from Charlotte—warm, quiet, family-friendly, and scenic.
It’s a spot we’d absolutely return to, and a great option for other families looking for a laid-back southeastern beach trip with toddlers or young kids.