We stayed at Jekyll Island on our way to Florida specifically to see this beach, which is known as one of the best driftwood beaches in the country. Jekyll has extensive bike trails, but you’d never know this beach is there from going along the trail nearby. You have to go in on one of the beach access paths to see all the magnificent toppled trees that lay like twisted sculptures all over the beach. This beach faces East so I’d suggest going earlier in the day than we went, which was about an hour and a half before sun set. At about 2, we had checked out St Andrews beach on the south end, and the light was great for photography there as that beach surprisingly also has quite a bit of driftwood. We were on Jekyll Oct 30-31, and it was not very busy, happily for us. I could see parking being a problem at busier times, especially at Driftwood Beach, which has no actual lot. Our bikes, which are road bikes, could not go on the path around the north end because we encountered too much sand on the path (not sure if that eventually clears up; we gave up). But in any case much of the interior of the north end is roped off for dune protection, so it’s best to take your bike in at the first beach access sign after you pass Villas By The Sea Resort. Driftwood Beach is between that access point and the Clam Creek Pier on the west side. We walked a portion of the beach (which is hard-packed by the way) and then got back on our bikes and biked on the actual road til the entrance to Clam Creek. The sunset there is beautiful; we also watched a giant car carrier making its way into port.

Showed up for sunset and then sunrise the next morning. Sunset was ok but getting there way before sunrise to pick our spots was amazing. Quiet: relatively isolated- other photographers were there but everyone maintained their distance/ Gorgeous photos brilliant sky uncluttered beach (well, other than the driftwood!) Plenty to explore, fun for all ages. Tons of access points. Definitely was on our list as it’s a photographers’ dream! We watched weather reports for sunrise and sunset times and got there about an hour before each time so that we could explore and enjoy!!

As an avid photographer, one of my favorite places to go on the Georgia Coast, is Driftwood Beach. It is located on Jekyll Island, Georgia, at the NE corner of the island. Because it is a distance from the main beach parking lot, this place is usually never very crowded, even on holidays like this past Memorial Day Weekend. There are three main attractions in the area. The fishing pier for the island is located here. There is a beautiful marsh like swamp nearby, which when it is hit correctly by the sun, creates some beautiful color. Lastly there is a Driftwood Beach. Which is a beach that has lots of petrified looking driftwood on it. Oh there's also a horse rental stable nearby, so that you can ride a horse along the beach... The location also is a good spot at the moment for watching the demolition of the Golden Ray, the car carrier, which sunk in the channel leading out to the ocean. Parking- You only have to pay an $8 parking fee to get on the island, after that you can park almost anywhere. Driftwood Beach, however, does not have a lot of parking. So you should get there early if you can. Otherwise, you have to park out on the main road and walk on down to the beach. Note-The bathroom facility at Driftwood Beach was 'closed' this past weekend. However, there is a campground across the main road and you are allowed to use their facilities. Summary- Looking for a quiet beach where you can walk a short distance and pretty much have that part of the beach to yourself? Then head on over to Driftwood Beach. It's quirky driftwood art will surprise you.