Discover Historic Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Tours 

Tucked away on the Georgia coast, Jekyll Island is a breathtaking mosaic of pristine beaches, ancient maritime forests and the preserved elegance of the Gilded Age.  

While many visit, Road Scholar participants experience it on a deeper level. Our educational Jekyll Island tours are more than just a trip; they are immersive learning adventures designed to connect you with the heart and history of this incredible island. 

 

Jekyll Island Bridge: Cards, Camaraderie and Coastal Charm 

Imagine settling in for an afternoon of bridge, not in a community hall, but on the sun-drenched veranda of a historic hotel on Jekyll Island. Here, the intellectual challenge of the game meets the Gilded Age grandeur of a bygone era. The camaraderie of the card table is enhanced by the island's serene atmosphere, where the whispers of history are as present as the gentle sea breeze. 

This is an opportunity to sharpen your skills with expert-led lessons in the morning and put them into practice during friendly duplicate games in the afternoon. Between sessions, you can explore the island's storied past or take a reflective walk along its protected shores. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with fellow players who share your passion for both the game and for discovery, creating a journey that is as socially enriching as it is intellectually stimulating. 

 

Jekyll Island Bike Trails 

Feel the gentle sea breeze as you explore over 20 miles of pristine pathways on our guided trips along the renowned Jekyll Island bike trails. 

Pedal beneath canopies of ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss, discover the haunting beauty of Driftwood Beach, and trace the island’s shoreline with an expert leader who illuminates the unique coastal ecology and history at every turn. 

 

Quick Tips for Biking Jekyll Island:

1. Know the Trails

Jekyll Island has more than 25 miles of paved biking trails that take you through diverse and beautiful scenery. You can ride along the ocean, through a peaceful maritime forest, or around the island's iconic Historic District. Planning a route beforehand helps you make the most of your time.

2. Plan Your Ride

You can bring your own bike or rent one on the island. Several bike rentals offer everything from cruisers to tandem bikes to kids' bikes. It's also a great idea to download the official Jekyll Island bike map to help you navigate the different paths.

3. Pack the Essentials

Even on a leisurely ride, it's smart to be prepared. Be sure to bring:

• Water to stay hydrated.
• Sunscreen and a hat, as much of the path is in the sun.
• Bug spray, especially for trails through the forest.
• A camera to capture the beautiful views!

4. Go at Your Own Pace

The trails are mostly flat and well-maintained, making them perfect for all fitness levels. There’s no need to rush. The beauty of biking here is the ability to enjoy the scenery, stop for photos, and explore at a relaxed, leisurely pace.

5. Explore Key Sights

The bike paths connect to nearly all of the island's main attractions. Be sure to plan stops at key locations like the Historic District, Driftwood Beach, and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to turn your ride into a true learning adventure.

 

Jekyll Island Golf: A Golfer’s Coastal Paradise 

For over a century, Jekyll Island golf has been a celebrated tradition. The island is home to 63 holes of spectacular golf, including three 18-hole courses that wind through pristine forests and coastal marshes.  

While on your learning adventure, enjoy free time to play a round on these historic courses, or simply learn about their role in the island’s Gilded Age story, when America’s titans of industry designed and played these very same fairways. 

 

Experience a Jekyll Island Christmas 

There’s nothing quite like the magic of Jekyll Island at Christmas. During this special time of year, the entire Historic District transforms into a festive wonderland of twinkling lights and Victorian-inspired decorations.  

On our seasonal programs, you can experience this enchanting atmosphere, from festive evening light tours to learning about the holiday traditions of the island’s most famous residents. It’s a truly unforgettable holiday learning adventure. 

 

Jekyll Island vs. St. Simons: A Tale of Two Islands 

Along the sun-drenched shores of the Georgia coast, nestled among golden marshes and ancient live oaks, lie the Golden Isles. These barrier islands are steeped in history and natural beauty, but two of their crown jewels, Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island, offer distinctly different experiences for the curious traveler. While both promise unforgettable journeys, they present unique learning adventures. Are you drawn to the quiet grandeur of a bygone era or the vibrant pulse of a living, historic community?  

Each Golden Isle has its own distinct charm. Discover what makes each Golden Isle a one-of-a-kind destination below. 

 

Jekyll Island 

Highlights: 

• Historic Gilded Age Legacy: Explore the famed Jekyll Island Club and learn about the island's past as an exclusive retreat for influential families like the Rockefellers and Pulitzers. 

• Unspoiled Natural Beauty: Experience serene and protected landscapes, including the iconic and picturesque Driftwood Beach. 

• Peaceful & Restorative Atmosphere: Enjoy a quieter, more tranquil environment ideal for reflection, photography and gentle exploration. 

 

To step onto Jekyll Island is to journey back in time. Once the exclusive winter playground for America’s most powerful families — the Rockefellers, Morgans, and Pulitzers — the island still echoes with a sense of quiet prestige. The heart of this legacy is the magnificent Jekyll Island Club, a sprawling Victorian masterpiece that once served as the private clubhouse for the nation's elite. Today, you can walk the same halls and explore the grand "cottages" where a sixth of the world's wealth once gathered. It’s a fascinating exploration of history, power and the allure of an exclusive retreat. 

But the island's allure isn't confined to its storied past. Jekyll is a sanctuary of protected land, offering a peaceful immersion into nature. Its most famous natural treasure is Driftwood Beach, a hauntingly beautiful boneyard of ancient trees sculpted by wind and tide. This stunning landscape is a paradise for photographers and a perfect spot for quiet contemplation. For the history buff, the nature lover or the traveler seeking a truly restorative journey, our Jekyll Island tours offer a learning adventure in a class of its own. 

 

St. Simons Island 

Highlights: 

• Rich Colonial & Maritime History: Discover a deep history through sites like historic battlegrounds, evocative churches and the working St. Simons Lighthouse. 

• Hands-On, Experiential Learning: Engage in unique local activities, such as boarding a shrimping vessel for a hands-on lesson in marine ecology. 

• Vibrant Community Atmosphere: Explore a livelier and developed village area, offering a dynamic blend of learning, local culture and activities. 

 

Where Jekyll whispers of Gilded Age secrets, St. Simons tells a broader tale of centuries of life and history. This is a vibrant, living community where history is woven into the fabric of daily life. Your exploration can take you from historic battlegrounds that decided the fate of Georgia to the serene grounds of Christ Church and the iconic St. Simons Lighthouse, which has guided sailors since 1872. The island feels alive with a bustling pier and village that invite you to stroll, learn and become part of the scene. 

What truly sets St. Simons apart is the opportunity for hands-on discovery. It’s one thing to read about the coastal ecosystem, but it’s another to roll up your sleeves and join the crew of the Lady Jane shrimping vessel. This unique experience offers a hands-on lesson in marine ecology as you help sort and study the catch of the day. It’s this blend of active participation and rich history that makes St. Simons perfect for the active explorer, the cultural enthusiast and the Road Scholar who thrives on a dynamic mix of learning and community connection. 

 

Why Choose Road Scholar for Your Jekyll Island Tour? 

With Road Scholar, you’re not a tourist, you’re an explorer. We handle all the details so you can immerse yourself in the experience. Our unique approach to educational travel sets our Jekyll Island tours apart. 

• Learn from Experts, Not Just Guides: Journey alongside local historians and naturalists who share firsthand knowledge of the island’s ecology, culture and storied past. They don’t just show you the sights; they reveal the stories behind them. 

• Go Behind the Scenes: Our programs often grant you access to places and perspectives you might otherwise miss, from private discussions in historic homes to exclusive walks through protected habitats. 

• A Community of Curious Minds: Share your discoveries with a warm and welcoming group of fellow lifelong learners. The friendships you forge are often as memorable as the places you explore. 

 

Start Your Jekyll Island Discovery 

Every Road Scholar journey on Jekyll Island is rich with moments of discovery. From its iconic entrance to its serene natural paths, you’ll explore the island’s most fascinating features. 

The stories, landscapes and friendships of Jekyll Island are waiting. Join us on a learning adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime.