Georgia

Best of St. Simons, Sapelo, Jekyll: An Island-Hopping Adventure

Program No. 1384RJ
Discover Georgia’s Atlantic Coast islands from different perspectives as you explore a historic fort and grand homes while also learning about island ecology and Gullah Geechee culture.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

In the late 1800s, the beautiful beaches and lush landscapes of Jekyll Island became a private playground for the elite. Today, relics of the Rockefellers, Morgans, Vanderbilts and Pulitzers still stand on this island-turned-state-park, and provide a fascinating window to the past. Explore the barrier island with an expert to gain insight into this world of wealth as well as the Gullah Geechee and their history in the region. On this educational adventure to three of Georgia’s barrier islands, explore historic homes, preserved forts, driftwood beaches and Gullah Geechee landmarks as you gain a well-rounded perspective of this region’s unique history.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to one mile, including beach and marsh walks; ferry ride to Sapelo. School bus or park van for field trips on Sapelo.

What You'll Learn

  • Explore the famed Jekyll Island Club hotel and learn how the island was made into a retreat for the Rockefellers and Pulitzers.
  • Venture to St. Simons’ battlegrounds, evocative churches and a lighthouse, and then board the Lady Jane shrimp vessel for a hands-on opportunity to study the catch of the day.
  • Enjoy a ferry ride to Sapelo Island and join a local expert to learn the unique history of this remote place.

General Notes

Select dates are designated for small groups and are limited to 24 participants or less.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Fred Collins
Fred Collins has lived full time on St. Simons Island since 1971 and has been leading cycling rides on the island for a half-dozen years. With his family roots an hour away in Baxley, Ga., where his family lineage goes back to the Revolutionary War and Civil Wars eras, Fred is passionate about sharing his knowledge of the history of the area. He made his living in the banking and finance industry.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Fred Collins
Fred Collins View biography
Fred Collins has lived full time on St. Simons Island since 1971 and has been leading cycling rides on the island for a half-dozen years. With his family roots an hour away in Baxley, Ga., where his family lineage goes back to the Revolutionary War and Civil Wars eras, Fred is passionate about sharing his knowledge of the history of the area. He made his living in the banking and finance industry.
Profile Image of Stephanie Chewning
Stephanie Chewning View biography
Stephanie works with One Hundred Miles as a coastal education coordinator. She is responsible for developing hands-on environmental education programs for all ages. Stephanie’s love for the ocean started at a very young age on the beaches of Stone Harbor, New Jersey. She earned her degree in marine science from the American University. After college, Stephanie spent time teaching grade school students environmental science in Florida, California and Georgia. Stephanie spends her free time running, reading and going on adventures with her husband Richard.
Profile Image of JoAnn Buisson
JoAnn Buisson View biography
JoAnn Buisson was born in Boston and moved to Georgia in 1990. Graduating from Boston State College with a degree in early childhood education and a minor in art, she taught elementary art for eleven years and second grade for nine years. After 20 years of teaching, she retired to Jekyll Island, where she is very active in the Jekyll Island Arts Association and the Jekyll Island Pottery Guild. She has worked with Road Scholar since 2015.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





Recommended For You

loading spinner