Driftwood Beach Tours and Activities

Driftwood Beach featuring a sunset and general coastal views
Driftwood Beach which includes landscape views, general coastal views and a beach
Driftwood Beach showing a sunset, a sandy beach and general coastal views
Driftwood Beach showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and a sunset
Driftwood Beach which includes a beach, general coastal views and a sunset


Experience the otherworldly landscapes of this sandy beach and wander between the skeletons of gnarled trees and sun-bleached branches.

Driftwood Beach wraps around the northeastern tip of Jekyll Island, Georgia’s tiniest barrier island. The sandy beach has shifted and eroded over the years, forming an ethereal coastal landscape unlike anywhere else. Stroll around a graveyard of twisted oak and pine trees and take photographs of one of Jekyll Island’s most captivating spots.

Make your way onto the sandy stretch of beach and begin exploring the ocean-sculpted landscape. The northern end of Jekyll Island is impacted by strong currents, which erode and shift the sand banks and push sediment to the island’s southern end. A former forest of oak and pine trees became a sandy beach as the channel scoured farther into the coastline. Imagine how the forest would have appeared before the soil was swept away. Eventually these trees died and decayed, transforming into the sculptural driftwood monuments you see today.

Wander between the trees and take photographs of the otherworldly formations. The windswept coastal scenery has made Driftwood Beach a popular spot for wedding photographers. If the weather is pleasant, bring a picnic to enjoy on the beach or at the Clam Creek Picnic Area nearby. Kids will enjoy climbing on the gnarled old trees and exploring the driftwood forests. Go swimming at the beach but take care to check for submerged driftwood. Study the horizon and you might see dolphins playing in the channel.

Pitch your tent at the nearby Jekyll Island Campground or book a night at the neighboring resort to experience having this magnificent landscape on your doorstep.

Driftwood Beach stretches between the Clam Creek Picnic Area and the resort. From Clam Creek, you can reach the beach via a paved path and bridge. The beach is a short walk east from the fishing pier on Jekyll Island’s northern tip. Park at one of the designated parking areas located alongside the beach access trails. Driftwood Beach is free to visit any time of the day. Arrive early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds at this beach.

Plan a trip to see Driftwood Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
ANDAZ SAVANNAH, BY HYATT
Hotel Bardo Savannah
JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Driftwood Beach

Ocean Inn and Suites

Ocean Inn and Suites

2.5 out of 5
599 Beachview Drive, St. Simons Island, GA
Ocean Inn and Suites
Villas By the Sea Resort & Conference Center

Villas By the Sea Resort & Conference Center

3 out of 5
1175 N Beachview Dr, Jekyll Island, GA
Villas By the Sea Resort & Conference Center
Saint Simons Inn by the Lighthouse

Saint Simons Inn by the Lighthouse

3 out of 5
609 Beachview Drive, St. Simons Island, GA
Saint Simons Inn by the Lighthouse
Driftwood beach adjacent, POOLSIDE, Off season rate, 20% off weekly,

Driftwood beach adjacent, POOLSIDE, Off season rate, 20% off weekly,

Jekyll Island
Driftwood beach adjacent, POOLSIDE, Off season rate, 20% off weekly,
Villas By The Sea Resort - Oceanfront

Villas By The Sea Resort - Oceanfront

Jekyll Island
Villas By The Sea Resort - Oceanfront
Queens Court

Queens Court

2.5 out of 5
437 Kings Way, St. Simons Island, GA
Queens Court
Villa 208 - charming condo close to pool and beach

Villa 208 - charming condo close to pool and beach

Jekyll Island
Villa 208 - charming condo close to pool and beach
Driftwood Beach adjacent, off season rate, 20% off week, BEACH FRONT!

Driftwood Beach adjacent, off season rate, 20% off week, BEACH FRONT!

Jekyll Island
Driftwood Beach adjacent, off season rate, 20% off week, BEACH FRONT!
Beach Paradise in Jekyll Island

Beach Paradise in Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island
Beach Paradise in Jekyll Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Driftwood Beach

Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island offers stunning sunrises and sunsets, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. Visitors can explore scenic nature trails, enjoy a picnic in designated areas, and participate in local activities. For those seeking a bit of sport, there’s also a golf course nearby. A trip to Driftwood Beach promises a blend of relaxation and adventure amidst its beautiful landscapes.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is the Shops at Sea Island, located 8.0km away, offering a mix of family-friendly entertainment and local businesses. If you're up for a drive, visit Glynn Place Mall, 12.9km away, which features a variety of shops suited for all ages.

Recreation

Experience the Sea Island Golf Club, perfect for golfing enthusiasts seeking outdoor sports vibes, located 3.2km from Driftwood Beach. For family fun, visit Neptune Park, also 3.2km away, featuring a playground that encourages outdoor play. Don't miss Indian Mound, a scenic golf course just 6.4km from the beach.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Summer Waves Water Park, located 9.7km from Driftwood Beach, offering exciting water slides and family fun. For an adrenaline rush, try water sports with Captain Scott Owens, 14.5km away. Enjoy the great outdoors at Waterfront Park, situated 27.4km from Driftwood Beach.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Driftwood Beach offers a charming mix of culture and entertainment. Catch a romantic film at the Historic Ritz Theatre, or enjoy a captivating performance at the SoGlo Gallery Brunswick Actors' Theatre, both located a mere 8.0km away, perfect for a memorable evening out.

Find the best attractions near Driftwood Beach

Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for families and city explorers alike. Visitors can stroll along the picturesque beach, admire the unique driftwood formations, and explore nearby urban parks and jetties. This tranquil spot invites you to relax or engage in outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for a memorable vacation experience.

  • Saint Simons Island Pier: Located 3.2km from Driftwood Beach, this family-friendly pier offers a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy scenic views, watch the boats go by, and indulge in local excursions that highlight the charm of the area.
  • St. Simons Lighthouse Museum: Situated 3.2km away, this historic lighthouse provides a glimpse into maritime history and culture. Explore exhibits that narrate the story of the lighthouse and its significance to the community.
  • Jekyll Island State Park: A short 8.0km from Driftwood Beach, this national park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Experience thrilling adventures, stunning scenery, and ample opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.

Best time to go to Driftwood Beach

The best time to visit Driftwood Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April67.8°F (19.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
May73.9°F (23.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July81.7°F (27.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August81.5°F (27.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September78.4°F (25.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
November63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Driftwood Beach

When visiting Driftwood Beach, take advantage of the free entry and explore nearby attractions like Jekyll Island State Park and Horton House. For budget-friendly accommodations, consider visiting in January or October to November, with Tuesday being the least expensive day to stay. Use Expedia to filter searches by price and eco-certified options, and consider booking a package deal for added savings on flights and activities. Keep an eye out for flexible booking options and compare prices to secure the best deals for your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Driftwood Beach are January and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and June to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Driftwood Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Driftwood Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can easily arrange your search results from the lowest to the highest prices, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation options that are ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Driftwood Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.