5 Picnic Areas in Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is full of family fun activities, but one of the best things you can do with your loved ones is to take a picnic! There are a ton of delicious restaurants nearby where you can pick up a meal and bring it to a picnic area, or you can stop at a grocery store and get some food for yourself. Once you’ve decided on lunch, just select one of these Jekyll Island picnic areas to start chowing down! Here are five of the most convenient picnic areas located near our Jekyll Island vacation rentals.

Picnic spread of foods
Photo: Unsplash

Clam Creek

Clam Creek is located at the north end of Jekyll Island and provides guests with a stunning view of the Sidney Lanier Bridge. You’ll be adjacent to the fishing pier and Driftwood Beach, providing unmatched views of the water, especially at sunset! There are multiple picnic tables to enjoy, so even if some other families are around, you’ll have plenty of room. There are also grills if you decide that you want to bring some burgers or chicken! 

Convenient restrooms are available for your comfort, and when you’re done eating, there is immediate beach access for you to enjoy. If you want to try your hand at fishing, get your supplies at the fishing shop and head out to the pier!

Oceanview Beach Park

Oceanview Beach Park is one of the most family-friendly and technologically advanced locations on Jekyll Island. The park recently underwent extensive renovations and was reopened in May 2019. The area now features an ADA-accessible beach point complete with an abundance of shower facilities and a balcony style overlook. 

You’ll also find two group pavilions and four family pavilions with plenty of grills and picnic tables for everyone. There’s tons of parking available, and there are even seven electric vehicle charging stations! You’ll find Oceanview Beach Park in the middle of Jekyll Island with quick access to the beach and incredible views of the ocean.

Great Dunes Beach Park

Great Dunes Beach Park is by far the largest picnic area on the island and is right in the heart of the action. This 20-acre beachfront park has multiple picnic pavilions with tables and grills, perfect for the ample crowds that appear here every day. In addition, you’ll find play areas for the kids, bocce ball and volleyball courts for the family to enjoy, and public beach access to take advantage. Great Dunes Beach Park is one of the lunch spots on Jekyll Island.

There are also convenient restrooms and showers. If you have a large group, head to one of the six covered pavilions that will accommodate 10 to 20 people. You can even rent the Great Dunes Pavilion by contacting Jekyll Parks!

South Dunes Beach Park

South Dunes Beach Park gets its name because of the elevated boardwalk beach access across 20 foot high dunes. You truly can’t get a better view than you’ll find here!

Like all of the other beach parks, this location offers plenty of picnic tables and grills. 

There’s a variety of open-air and screened-in picnic pavilions, as well as public restrooms. If you have a dog, there are plenty of dog bag stations to clean up after your pet. Once you’re done eating, head to the observation deck or check out the fish in the freshwater pond!

Plan Your Visit

Contact us today to learn more about our variety of Jekyll Island rentals and find the best one for your family’s vacation!

St. Andrews Beach Park

Finally, St. Andrews Beach Park is located just steps away from Jekyll Point, the southernmost part of the island. This oceanfront picnic area is incredibly popular with birdwatchers and shell collectors. You’ll have a breathtaking view of the waves and sand dunes as you eat your meal, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin! Be sure to take some time to head towards the two-story wildlife viewing platform and check out the Wanderer historical marker.

When you’re trying to come up with things to do during the day on Jekyll Island, be sure to take some time for a picnic. It’s one of the best ways to get closer to the ones you love, and it’s a budget-friendly way to make memories that will last a lifetime.