Glynn: Coastal Landscapes, Nature and History

Glynn offers a variety of ways to shape your trip: coastal landscapes, nature experiences and places where the history of the Georgia coast and its islands comes to life. There is also a scenic route through Glynn County. Whether you prefer to spend time by the water, visit museums or explore trails on foot and by bike, each place has its own focus.

Coast, Beach and Water

Jekyll Island has ten miles of largely unspoiled coastline. At Driftwood Beach, old driftwood formations line the shore. Public parking is located near the beach access, just off Beachview Drive. Several public beach access points on Jekyll Island are accessible to people with physical disabilities and may provide beach wheelchairs free of charge. Since the wheelchairs may be available there, it is advisable to confirm availability for your visit.

Blythe Island Regional Park offers a different waterside setting: its 1,100 acres include recreation at freshwater Lake Cindee and marina access to the South Brunswick River.

Summer Waves Water Park is another water-based attraction. The seasonal park features a lazy river, fast water slides and views of the Jekyll River. Its attractions can accommodate visitors with differing accessibility needs; the park is IBCCES-certified. Since it operates seasonally, it is worth planning your visit around its operating period.

Explore Nature on Foot and on Two Wheels

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center combines indoor and outdoor programs offered year-round for guests of all ages. The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on select holidays. Since holiday hours may change, check the opening hours before your visit. Since 2007, the center has cared for more than 3,000 sick, stranded or injured turtles, offering a glimpse into its long-standing work with these animals.

The 4-H Tidelands Nature Center offers kayak tours, coastal ecology programs and nature walks on the island. The exhibit gallery features live sea turtles, fish, invertebrates, horseshoe crabs, snakes and alligators. This lets you explore nature through both activities and a variety of animal groups.

Those wishing to explore Jekyll Island by bike will find more than 24 miles of paths and trails that wind through sand dunes, along beaches and past historic sites. Bike Jekyll rents adult and children’s bicycles, two- and four-seat surreys, tricycles, bike trailers and accessories.

Island History and Museums

The St. Simons Lighthouse Museum consists of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse and the adjoining Keeper’s Dwelling in Pier Village at the southern end of St. Simons. Visitors can climb the 129 steps to the top of the lighthouse. The museum explores the history of Georgia’s coast through rare artifacts, historical photographs and interactive exhibits for the whole family.

Fort Frederica National Monument offers a different historical perspective, exploring Georgia’s colonial history and the centuries of history that have shaped Saint Simons Island. The site has about two miles of grass and sand trails, including the Yacht Club Trail, the Marsh Trail and the Oglethorpe’s House Trail. Seasonal conditions may affect hiking. On the ranger-led Town Tour, the route follows Broad Street to King’s Magazine on the Frederica River; it is a quarter mile one way.

The World War II Home Front Museum is located in the historic Coast Guard Station at East Beach. Its immersive exhibits and interactive experiences cover topics including blimps on anti-submarine patrols, radar training to guide fighter planes and the construction of Liberty ships.

A Route Through Glynn County

The Altamaha Historic Scenic Byway runs for 17 miles through Glynn County. It connects the cultural heritage of Georgia’s coast with diverse marsh ecosystems that visitors can explore along the route.

Discover More Destinations

Jekyll Island, Sea Island, St. Simons Island, Country Club Estates, Brunswick, White County, Macon County, Putnam

For the main travel overview: Georgia.