Tips for visiting Driftwood Beach Jekyll Island GA

This post may contain affiliate links. Click here to see what that means.

ByKaren Dawkins

When visiting Georgia’s Golden Isles, a stop at Driftwood Beach Jekyll Island is definitely one of the best things to do!

We have been to Georgia’s Golden Isles many times, and a stop at Driftwood Beach Jekyll Island many times.

It’s one of my favorite spots in the United States, unlike anyplace else I have ever been!

Driftwood Beach Photography: A tree fallen on the sand with blue sky above and shadows on the ground.

How to get to Driftwood Beach if staying on Jekyll Island

The bike paths on Jekyll Island make it very easy to explore the island. For how to get to Driftwood Beach, head north on the island’s bike trails (from where most of the hotels and house rentals are).

Specific directions for how to get to Driftwood Beach by bike:

  • Head north on Beach View Drive (the bike trail goes alongside the road).
  • Pass by the Villas by the Sea Resort and Conference Center on the right.
  • About a quarter mile further on the right, you’ll see the N Loop Trailhead.
  • Take the trail to the right, and watch for the path to Driftwood Beach (the beach is to the right and the trail continues to the left).

Specific directions for how to get to Driftwood Beach by car:

The directions are essentially the same as the bike directions for people staying near the Atlantic Beaches.

  • Head north on Beach View Drive.
  • About a quarter mile past the Sea Resort and Conference Center, you’ll see Driftwood Beach parking on the left.
  • Park there, then take the N. Loop Trail that’s across the street.
  • The trail branches to the left and Driftwood Beach is to the right.

How to Get To Driftwood Beach if you are NOT staying on the island:

If you are coming to Jekyll Island to enjoy some of the attractions and/or to see Driftwood Beach, use these directions for how to get to Driftwood Beach:

  • Take the Jekyll Island Causeway (Route 520) onto the beach. There is a day fee to visit the island.
  • At the end of the causeway, turn left onto Beach View Drive. (There’s a shopping area across the road at the intersection)
  • Drive north on Beach View Drive for about 4 miles.
  • About a quarter mile past the Sea Resort and Conference Center, you’ll see Driftwood Beach parking on the left.
  • Park there, then take the N. Loop Trail that’s across the street.
  • The trail branches to the left and Driftwood Beach is to the right.
Driftwood Beach Photography: Girl balances on a fallen driftwood beach tree.

Driftwood Beach can’t be seen from the road. But, you’ll most definitely know when you have arrived!

Driftwood Beach photography: Trees blown by steady sea breezes grow leaning inward. These died and are petrified.

What will I see at Driftwood Beach Jekyll Island?

Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, GA stretches a couple football fields long north and south along the Atlantic Ocean. 

Gnarled, bleached silver tree trunks stretch across the sand begging for photos.

Roots stand, tall and proud, inviting climbers.

Driftwood Beach photography: a cheesy grin from atop a massive, fallen tree

When you arrive at Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, GA, allow yourself the time to take it all in.

Explore the ancient trees. They’ve withstood the years, the wind, the rain, hurricanes, floods and just about everything else.

This massive playground of petrified trees is yours to enjoy.

Driftwood Beach photography: Ducking under a fallen tree arch, giggling as we play.

Our kids climbed the fallen trees. We took photos — so many Driftwood Beach photos.

We felt the wonder of this petrified forest.

Eventually, we pulled each other away from the trees, sneaking “just one more picture” a few dozen times, to bike back down the beach, the wind at our backs pushing us along to lunch.

Driftwood Beach photography: Taking a photo of the men taking photos of the trees

Tips for visiting Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, GA

When Should I go to Driftwood Beach?

  • Hours: Driftwood Beach is always open, but it’s best to visit during low tide.
  • Cost: There is no fee to visit, but there is a daily vehicle fee to visit the island (Currently $8/24 hours)

While Driftwood Beach is always open, it’s best to go during low tide so the trees are not submerged. Here’s a link to the local tide chart to help you plan!

If you’re visiting the Golden Isles during the summer months, expect crowds. Get there early (as the tide is going out) to see the trees without crowds. It also helps to go midweek instead of on weekends or holidays.

Driftwood Beach Photography: The petrified end of the tree with people in the background.

If you’ll be in the area other times of the year, the beach is less crowded. We went during spring break and had Driftwood Beach all to ourselves!

Is Driftwood Beach dog friendly?

Your dog is welcome to join you at Driftwood Beach as there are no pet restrictions. However, to be a good pet neighbor, please keep your dog on a leash if others are also visiting the beach AND clean up all messes to preserve this pristine beach.

What should I take to Driftwood Beach?

It’s a lot like going to any beach. Take sunscreen, beach towels, and bug spray. The no-see-ums can be pretty intense at Driftwood Beach, so bug spray can help.

ONE IMPORTANT ADDITION, bring close toed shoes for climbing the trees. They can be slippery so sturdy shoes are a big help.

Learn more about Georgia’s Golden Isles

For more on what to do on Jekyll Island, read our Jekyll Island Vacation Guide.

For more on what to do at nearby St. Simons Island, read our vacation guide.