You might get lucky and discover treasure on Jekyll Island. Not gold, but perhaps a unique specialty store with fine art, handmade clothing, or unique souvenirs. Such stores are part of the character and history of the island and are well worth your visit!
Historic District Pier Road
Jekyll Island was once an exclusive winter retreat for some of America’s wealthiest families. It is now owned by Georgia’s State. Still, some of its earliest, most exclusive historical spaces remain. The Jekyll Island Club, a collection of cottages, is now a National Historic Landmark open to the public. It is a quaint and picturesque area, dotted with live oaks draped in Spanish moss. The unique stores only add to its character!
The Commissary is a beautiful place to find local jams, jellies, BBQ sauces, gourmet coffees, and a wide selection of regional cookbooks and Georgia-specialty food items. The Island House contains an eclectic display of jewelry, art, music, shells, and more. And no trip to the Historic District is complete without a stop at the Island Sweets Shoppe! Try old-fashioned candy, hand-dipped ice cream, fine chocolates, fudge, and more!
Beach Village
America’s most wealthy once spent small fortunes on Jekyll Island. With all the Jekyll Island shopping available, you just might, too! Beach Village is the best place to find local souvenirs and specialty Jekyll Island shops. You will find all the beach gear you need at stores like Snappy Turtle, the Whittle Gift Shop, and Life is Good. Tonya’s Treasures and The Collection Boutique are ideal places for stylish new clothing. For drinks, try Jekyll’s Beverage Center or the Jekyll Market, which also sells an assortment of specialty goods.
When searching for a unique local souvenir, visit Caroline’s Gifts Flowers. They have coastal items, jewelry, handmade artisan gifts, home, personal accessories, original cards, and cut flowers. Then there’s The Salt Table, which offers salts, seasonings, sugars, teas, honey, authentic Georgia grown jellies, and more.
Restaurants
Jekyll Island has its fair share of fine Southern dining. Head to The Wharf for the best of riverfront dining and entertainment. It features open-air dining, live music, happy hour, late-night bar, and a menu featuring Southern favorites, like shrimp and grits and low country gumbo.
Visit at 370 Riverview Dr. from Tuesdays through Sundays.
For a truly classy experience, try the Grand Dining Room, which has welcomed many of America’s stars for over a century. It is an award-winning restaurant and a cherished historical monument to a bygone era. Come for the history but stay for the Duck a la Orange and Veal Milanese.
The restaurant is located at 371 Riverview Drive.
Just minutes from Driftwood Beach, this low-country restaurant provides fine Southern Cuisine “with a twist.” It features the sweet Georgia Wild Shrimp caught locally, which is among the best in the world thanks to local wild grasses that make the shrimp sweet and tender. Other menu favorites include Catfish Filet, Blue Ribbon Meat Loaf, and Pot Roast.
Located in the Villas, you can stop by at 1175 N Beachview Drive from Monday to Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where to Stay
While staying on the island, look no further than our Jekyll Island rentals or nearby St. Simons Island rentals. We offer some of the best rentals on the island – comfortable, luxurious, fully-furnished homes with amenities such as private pools and seaside views. Contact our friendly and professional staff to learn more!
The Cottages