Driftwood Beach
Driftwood Beach
4.5
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
26 within 3 miles
Attractions
33 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,051 reviews
Excellent
2,399
Very good
477
Average
132
Poor
33
Terrible
10
Brian M
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg491 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Visited the beach both during full sun light and again at sunset and sunset is definitely much better. The play of light and the contrast between water, sky, twilight and the dead trees are views that is only comparible to that of Namibia in my mind. One of a kind and a must for those into photography.
Excellent visit, recommend. Easy to get to from the road.
Excellent visit, recommend. Easy to get to from the road.
Written October 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pthomas156
Newport, RI1,233 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
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.
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.
Written October 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dog_Trainer24-7
Greater Cincinnati147 contributions
Jan 2022
If you are lucky enough to be here when the tide is out and the sun comes up, you will see a spectacular show by Mother Nature! Don't forget your camera! Just be aware that the dark stuff along the shore that looks like rock, may be super slick mud! Yup, I went down and was covered in it. Managed to cut my finger deep, on a shell filled rock, and bled all the way back to the vehicle. OUCH!
Written February 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lifetraveler1
Atlanta, GA133 contributions
May 2021
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.
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.
Written June 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tonya R
Carlsbad, NM302 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
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!!
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!!
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alisonnj
Princteon, NJ19 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
We went to this beach twice during our stay. I would recommend using the bike path, as it took us to an area where you could easily walk out to the water. Lots of people were walking up and down the beach, but there weren’t too many people set up with chairs for the day. We didn’t see any restrooms; apparently you had to drive down the road a few minutes.
Written September 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terence King
Mulberry, FL8 contributions
Nov 2022
""Leave the roads; take the trails." - Pythagoras
Driftwood Beach is a magical place created by nature where you can actively engage in the art of pareidolia. The trees seem to come alive in the imagination. It's definitely a path to go down when you are on Jekyll Island. I'd be hard pressed to name a place that is more instagramable.
Pro Tip: Check you smart phone for low tide. You want to visit at the lowest tide possible. High tide is no where near as magical.
Driftwood Beach is a magical place created by nature where you can actively engage in the art of pareidolia. The trees seem to come alive in the imagination. It's definitely a path to go down when you are on Jekyll Island. I'd be hard pressed to name a place that is more instagramable.
Pro Tip: Check you smart phone for low tide. You want to visit at the lowest tide possible. High tide is no where near as magical.
Written November 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A H
Bentonville, AR8 contributions
Aug 2022
This is such a beautiful, unique and magical place. My kids were going tree to tree, imagining each one was their secret lair. If you look at the trees closely, you can see all kinds of art-like designs in their branches and trunks. Seeing the dry root systems was so cool. There was a big stump that had a ton of little sea creatures living in it. Driftwood Beach is a great place for photos. I wish I could have been there at sunset; I'm sure it is so beautiful! Everyone in my family loved it here. (If you are looking for a beach to swim, I wouldn't go here. It is amazing for the experience though and there are plenty of other close beaches on Jekyll Island for swimming!)
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mforkner
Pataskala, OH585 contributions
Mar 2022
For us, about the most interesting thing on our visit to the Golden Isles. Easy access to a beach covered with huge trees and logs of driftwood. One of the few things that lived up to its hype on this trip. After paying our $8 day fee to gain access to the island, we drove around a bit and tried to determine what was so "valuable" - we stopped here and walked out to the beach. Not sure it justified the cost or the drive out, but certainly interesting and a fun site.
Written March 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carlton Collins
5 contributions
Feb 2023
Carlton Collins
Terrible idea - the sand gnats are terrible - you won't last 90 seconds on Driftwood beach. (This message brought to you by the "Let's Keep Jekyll a Secret" Society)
Truthfully, Driftwood Beach is sensational. I've had a home at Driftwood Beach for 6 years (1/2 mile down the road), and I walk my dogs almost daily on Driftwood Beach. It is well worth seeing, but you should know that there are no amenities there - no restrooms, no snack shops, no hotels. Also, there is not much beach there at high tide, so try to visit at low tide. The sand gnats can be terrible on a still day but usually the wind keeps them from bothering you much. 6 years ago, Driftwood Beach was very secluded, but since Trip Advisor has been ranking the beach high, we have smaller crowds come in from time to time. So set your expectations accordingly and you'll love it.
Terrible idea - the sand gnats are terrible - you won't last 90 seconds on Driftwood beach. (This message brought to you by the "Let's Keep Jekyll a Secret" Society)
Truthfully, Driftwood Beach is sensational. I've had a home at Driftwood Beach for 6 years (1/2 mile down the road), and I walk my dogs almost daily on Driftwood Beach. It is well worth seeing, but you should know that there are no amenities there - no restrooms, no snack shops, no hotels. Also, there is not much beach there at high tide, so try to visit at low tide. The sand gnats can be terrible on a still day but usually the wind keeps them from bothering you much. 6 years ago, Driftwood Beach was very secluded, but since Trip Advisor has been ranking the beach high, we have smaller crowds come in from time to time. So set your expectations accordingly and you'll love it.
Written March 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can people collect small pieces of driftwood from Driftwood Island?
CanuckAlberta
Alberta549 contributions
If you are referring to Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island it is not a state or national park so technically I think you could collect driftwood. Personally I would not as it is such a unique place and it should be left as you found it for the next person. I think other visitors will give you a hard time as well due to how amazing this place is. Perhaps it is best to pick driftwood somewhere else.
Can people collect small pieces of driftwood from Driftwood Beach on Jeckyll Island?
Rob K
Suwanee, GA141 contributions
That's probably OK as there aren't any signs saying you can't. Keep in mind that 'Driftwood Beach' is somewhat of a misnomer as what you see there isn't driftwood at all, just dead trees. They didn't 'drift' in from anywhere else.
Are they still doing the beautiful glass Balls in January-Feb for the St Valentines ball? They are so beautiful I have mine in a china cabinet for safety
Kimberly B
6 contributions
I’m sorry I don’t know. I would be interested in getting a crystal ball myself if you get the answer.
Is Driftwood beach or other beaches on Jekyll island wheelchair accessible or is there beach wheelchairs available for rent near by? My grandma and I are looking to visit Jekyll in October and I want to take her as close to the water as she can get...
Cindy E
9 contributions
I do remember seeing a few there. It’s so pretty, you’ll love it! Found this on Jekyll Island’s website for you.
Jekyll Island has public beach access points that are accessible to people with disabilities. Here is the list of those locations:
Oceanview Beach Park, crossover #26
Great Dunes Park, crossover #32
Beach Village, crossover #38
Corsair Beach Park, crossover #43
Glory Beach, crossover #60
St. Andrews Beach, crossover #67
Jekyll Island’s new Oceanview Beach Park features a wheelchair-accessible observation deck with two ADA-accessible benches, to allow visitors to take in breathtaking views of the beach.
The ramp at St. Andrews Beach provides access directly to the hard pack sand on the shore. Please note, because of the large tidal differentials and shifting dunes on Jekyll Island, the mats at crossovers #32 and #38 may not always reach the hard pack sand.
Briana Hernandez
San Antonio, TX41 contributions
What is the best time to go, is early morning okay?
Bryan L
Oak Ridge, TN1,358 contributions
As everyone has pointed out, low tide is very beneficial. Early morning, even sunrise will give you some beautiful colors and contrast for your photos. And it will be the best time to look for shells and go beachcombing.
Can you collect small pieces of driftwood at this beach?
Emma Ford
Athens, TN8 contributions
No this is not allowed. If everyone carried the driftwood away there wouldn't be anything to see.
karengo911
Cumming, GA32 contributions
I know Driftwood Beach is pet friendly but I have heard that the burrs to the beach are a problem to pets especially when they get into their paws. I would appreciate any comments regarding this!
Bruce M
Athens, Georgia, United States33 contributions
We did not encounter any "burrs" or sand spurs. We kept to the beach and the sandy trails.
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Driftwood Beach (Jekyll Island) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Driftwood Beach
- Hotels near Driftwood Beach:
- (0.02 mi) BEACHWALK 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
- (0.04 mi) BEACH OAKS 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
- (0.04 mi) ISLAND PINES 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
- (0.17 mi) The Beachview Club
- (0.05 mi) AMERICAN PIE 3 BR, 2 BA Easy access to Beach, Spacious, and Pool Access
- Restaurants near Driftwood Beach:
- (0.25 mi) Beach House Restaurant + Tap Room
- (1.39 mi) Grand Dining Room
- (1.39 mi) The Pantry
- (1.72 mi) Driftwood Bistro
- (1.51 mi) The Wharf
- Attractions near Driftwood Beach:
- (0.00 mi) Great Dunes Park
- (1.52 mi) Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours
- (1.28 mi) Golden Isles Carriage and Trail at Three Oaks Farm
- (1.17 mi) Georgia Sea Turtle Center
- (0.39 mi) Island Catch Charters