Last month we visited the Jekyll Island ClubResort with the kids. It’s a spot I have been wanting to visit for a few years now. We spent the first half of the week on St. Simon’s Island and then took the quick drive over to Jekyll Island. The rich history of the Jekyll Island Club Resort along with the perfect amount of family friendly activities made it a vacation to remember. Here’s why I’d recommend the Jekyll Island Club Resort for families:
Jekyll Island Club Resort for Families
History
A few years ago I was on Jekyll Island with the kids for just a day. While we were exploring the island I spotted the beautiful Jekyll Island Club. As soon as we got home I looked it up and in addition to being beautiful I realized it had an amazing history. As someone that loves history as much as I love travel, I immediately added Jekyll Island Club to my travel bucket list.
The Jekyll Island Club opened in 1888 and became a retreat for the most wealthy people in the world. J.P. Morgan, the Vanderbilts and many more well known families in history were members of this private, exclusive club. Two of the most interesting facts I learned: our country’s first transcontinental phone call took while AT&T President Theodore Newton Vail was at Jekyll Island Club AND the modern day Federal Reserve was drafted at Jekyll Island Club.
The way that they have preserved the history of the Club is incredible. You feel like you’ve stepped back into time. From the original woodwork to the music of the past playing throughout the resort.
Activities
There’s a lot to do at the Jekyll Island Club for families. It’s really neat because you are staying at a resort that happens to be in the historic district of the island. There’s an adorable little bike shop on the resort property called Jekyll Wheels. We rented bikes and enjoyed biking all around the waterfront and through the historic district. There were bikes for all sizes: the 4 kids easily found a bike that fit AND there were bikes with toddler seats on the back. It was officially our first family bike ride!
There’s a pool at the Jekyll Island Club Resort and another pool at the Jekyll Ocean Club Resort. You can use both pools. There’s also the beach at Jekyll Ocean Club to enjoy.
There’s also Croquet on the front lawn of the Jekyll Island Club. You can reserve a spot and enjoy one of the Club;’s favorite pastimes. There’s also nightly s’mores and other daily events.
We happened to be there during an impending hurricane so we enjoyed time indoors too. The parlour of the club is cozy and filled with board games. We spent hours as a family playing checkers, Battleship, Clue and more. The kids would want to hurry back after dinner for “one more game” before bed.
The food options at the resort are wonderful. We honestly enjoyed every meal!
Grand Dining Room: We did the Grand Dining Room for breakfast one morning. It’s a gorgeous dining room and you feel like you’re dining back in the “old days” of the Club. But it’s also family friendly – kids meals, coloring pages, etc. There’s a buffet option which my kids love so everyone was happy!
The Pantry: We had breakfast here one morning and lunch here both days. You order and can take the food out onto the porch. There’s different sandwiches, grilled cheese, etc. It’s also a fun spot to grab a cup of coffee or sweet treat.
Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar: This spot is located at the Jekyll Ocean Club Resort and it was so good the first night that we opted to go back again (and we never do that on a trip!). The food, the staff, everything about it was perfect.
The Wharf: We ate at The Wharf last time we were on Jekyll Island and loved it. It’s great food and right on the water so you can spot manatees that swim right up!
The Rooms
The first question I always get when we are staying at a hotel: but how did you fit (ha!)? Our room was in the Jekyll Island Club Resort and just a quick flight up the beautiful old wood staircase. The room had a bedroom with 2 queen beds and plenty of space for a pack n play. There was a living room area with a pull out couch. It was nice because there was a door that shut between the 2 sleeping areas so when the little ones went to bed we didn’t all have to go to bed.
Inn vs Club
I also got a lot of questions asking if I would recommend staying at the Jekyll Island Club vs the Jekyll Ocean Club Resort with kids. We stayed at the Island Club but went to the Ocean Club for swimming, beach and dinner. Both are awesome. You can enjoy everything BOTH have to offer regardless of which you pick which is awesome. It’s a quick drive between the two or they offer a free shuttle all day.
If your family loves history, I’d recommend the Island Club as you really feel like you’re staying at the Club back in the day and there’s a lot of history to enjoy walking around to see the different cottages etc. If you want to be in a more modern space with beach access, then stay at the Ocean Club. You truly can’t go wrong with either!
Jekyll Island Club Resort Makes the Perfect Holiday Gift
If you’re still looking for a great holiday surprise for your family. Jekyll Island Club Resort makes the perfect holiday gift. There are some great offers here. You could also book now for Spring Break. The resort will have some really neat activities for families over Spring Break like Musical Bingo, Dive-In Movies at the Island Club Pool and the opportunity to swim with Mermaid Flamingo at the Island Club.
Email me with any questions. We loved Jekyll Island Club Resort!
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