Driftwood Beach
Driftwood Beach
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Driftwood Beach is an escape to another world. Ancient driftwood monuments line the waterfront, creating an unforgettable backdrop.
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See what travelers are saying
- Carrie D.Cleveland, Ohio2,418 contributionsOtherworldly!Driftwood Beach was like something from another world—it was simply breathtaking. We came in the mid-afternoon and it was very hot. It was also very, very crowded, which made taking photos a challenge. We were so glad we came because it was truly a spectacular thing to see, but next time we’d come earlier in the morning when it was a little cooler…and hope for smaller crowds!Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 12, 2023
- KKLMinnesotaBaxter, Minnesota1,718 contributionsWow! Wow! Wow!I wanted to take a drive from Amelia Island. We 4 women drove there. You do have to walk aways on a path to get to the beach. The other 3 ladies had no idea what to expect!! We were ALL AMAZED!! It’s just mind boggling how gorgeous and beautiful this beach area is!! The pictures don’t do it justice!! We were there for an hour just walking around and looking at the sea, the dunes, the skeletons of the trees!! Wow! Wow! Wow!!Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 26, 2023
- R ChampOro Valley, Arizona37 contributionsA nature photographer’s dreamVery unique beach and well worth the trip. I saw Driftwood Beach in a movie and thought it was fake. When I found out it actually exists I wanted to go visit. My husband and I walked around for a couple of hours and took many photos. I’d recommend if you are in the area.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 30, 2023
- Kacey TLakeland, Florida40 contributionsBeautifulI came in the afternoon on my first visit and it was a little busy at the time but who wouldn’t want to visit this beautiful location? I returned the next morning to watch the sunrise. I definitely recommend watching a sunrise here.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 19, 2024
- slalemandAuburn, Maine477 contributionsA must stop if you are a photo nutA photographers dream. Simply Awesome place. A weird kind of beauty not found anywhere else. Took plenty of photo's and had a great time. None on this computer or I'd post a few. 100's of great photo's on goggle It's on our plans to take family there this MarchVisited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 27, 2024
- Ronald NPittsford, New York302 contributionsWell worth a visit. Dramatic and picturesqueOn the northern part of island. This beach has an amazing collection of large , and many intact, driftwood trees. It’s an eye- catching site. There are a couple different Entrances from the main road and plenty of areas to park your bike (it’s a good idea to bring a bike lock).Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten February 25, 2024
- momE1Front Royal, Virginia335 contributionsBreathtakingly beautiful!Oh my - this is an absolute MUST stop! Honestly the driftwood is beyond description - I've never seen anything like it. Easy walk to the beach, and easy walk on the beach. These huge live oaks and palm trees that are on the shore are nature's artistry at it's most interesting. Definitely worth the trip!!Visited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 2, 2024
- OWWTFO86 contributionsFavorite spot on Jekyll IslandWe arrived mid morning and basically had the beach to ourselves. We walked all the way to the fishing pier. Our dog loved running on the beach and playing in the water. Was able to see the nesting bald eagle way up in one of the pines. The nest is huge! This is truly a beautiful beach.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 14, 2024
- Andy T13 contributionsJekyll Island Driftwood BeachAmazing natural views of God’s creation on display here. Sunrises are hard to put into words and pictures don’t do the scenery justice. Make sure to put on insect repellent before hitting the beach.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 17, 2024
- Alison SSpringfield, Massachusetts1,039 contributionsUnique and appealing beachLovely spring day when we walked in to this beach. (Unmarked, near the northeast tip of the island - ask the locals.) Parking free alongside the road. Hundreds of busy little land crabs at work under the sandy path and in surrounding marsh. Walk from road to beach is easy and short. The beach is very cool. Over the years, the beach has eroded leaving behind trees that have turned to "driftwood". All long the beach, these trees create endless photo opportunities and also many little semi-private nooks for laying down your beach towel. Beach is flat and hard therefore bike-able. Very pretty spot.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 7, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,109 reviews
Excellent
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Road Trippin Xie
Pittsburgh, PA564 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
We all really enjoyed our visit to Jekyll Island. Even if it was only for 1 day. We got to the beach around 4:30PM & the kids walked in the water & splashed around. It was cold but they didn’t care. The beach was pretty empty which was nice. We saw a few sea creatures & found some shells. It should be noted that the mosquito/bugs were insane! Bring bug spray! We walked from the beach area to the tree area. All the trees are so beautiful. You can also see the capsized boat & St. Simons lighthouse from this area. You don’t have to pay specifically to go to the beach but you have to pay $8 to get onto the island initially. There’s no way around it. This $8 is basically beach parking. Low tide equals no water on the beach. We were there in the evening & then the next day around 9:30AM which was higher tide. I’d love to have gone for sunrise for some awesome pics but we were so tired. Maybe next time.
Written March 21, 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.
bunnyyoop
Bluffton, SC663 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
A little tricky for us senior citizens to maneuver down a short path to the beach but the beautiful pieces of driftwood and toppled trees bleached from years in the sun is breathtaking. It’s a great photo opportunity. Be careful with small children who love to climb because there are a million ways to get hurt climbing the rocks and trees. Plenty of people walking their dogs, many unleashed. Not for everyone but still an amazing sight.
A side note is the sight of the Golden Ray salvage operation still taking place in St Simons Sound just across from Driftwood Beach. The Golden Ray is an automobile carrier that went aground in Sept 2019 with 4300 new Hyundai and Kia cars loaded on it. Makes fascinating reading.
A side note is the sight of the Golden Ray salvage operation still taking place in St Simons Sound just across from Driftwood Beach. The Golden Ray is an automobile carrier that went aground in Sept 2019 with 4300 new Hyundai and Kia cars loaded on it. Makes fascinating reading.
Written December 30, 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 Cincinnati155 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.
Glendawpb
Ocala, FL239 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
Driftwood beach is an unusual area with various fallen trees & rocky shore areas. The driftwood viewed against the ocean provides exceptional opportunities for photos. The sunrises & sunsets are supposed to be exceptional. The weather was overcast the several times we visited. It was cool & refreshing.
There is limited parking along the road. Get there early, explore the tree formations for small snails & crabs. Feel the tree textures & observe the various, intricate root formations. Enjoy the beauty of this unusual beach setting.
There is a paved walk along the marsh where various birds were wading & feeding. We even got to see several Rosie Spoonbills.
Enjoy & appreciate the views & peacefulness of Driftwood Beach.
There is limited parking along the road. Get there early, explore the tree formations for small snails & crabs. Feel the tree textures & observe the various, intricate root formations. Enjoy the beauty of this unusual beach setting.
There is a paved walk along the marsh where various birds were wading & feeding. We even got to see several Rosie Spoonbills.
Enjoy & appreciate the views & peacefulness of Driftwood Beach.
Written October 7, 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.
David M
West Vancouver, Canada149 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Long stretch of sandy beaches makes for long leisurely walks. As well the driftwood trees are like man-made sculptures. If this is not enough then also partake of the marsh walk with abundant wild life which you are encouraged not to feed.
Written January 3, 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.
KaraXYZ
New York City, NY161 contributions
Feb 2020
I'd never heard of this beach which is evidently emblematic of Jekyll Island. It's amazing!!! It's so easy to park along the road and then hike the beach a bit. It's hypnotic to walk among the driftwood trees and admire the sculptural beauty. A MUST SEE!
Written February 18, 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.
bli1220
Eustis, FL312 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
Definitely earns the awards. So unique to see formations of old trees. Couple times the waves were really up high but managed one day to ride our bikes thru the driftwood. Took the bike path several times on backside of the beach so much to see if one takes the time to look.
Written June 5, 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.
Terry K
Winterville, GA5 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
My wife and I walked Driftwood Beach earlier this week. We had heard many good things about it and seen pictures. It did not disappoint. We came away with some wonderful pictures of our own, a strong appreciation of God's handiwork in His creation, a little exercise, and our handful of shells. All in all a wonderful experience.
Written June 10, 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.
Charlene A
Bloomington, IN657 contributions
Apr 2021
This restaurant is a lesson in how to feed many people good food and very efficiently. We enjoyed dinner last evening as much as the first time. Better get in line before 5 p.m. unless you don't mind waiting. No reservations or call ahead, and that's okay.
Written April 3, 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.
Brian M
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg552 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.
Didn’t cost anything. Was just open access of the side of the road. We saw lots of dogs and don’t remember any signs about not having dogs on the beach. If they were there, we missed them
Written April 17, 2023
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.
Written March 27, 2022
Can people collect small pieces of driftwood from Driftwood Beach on Jeckyll Island?
Written March 24, 2022
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.
Written June 4, 2022
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
Written June 19, 2020
I’m sorry I don’t know. I would be interested in getting a crystal ball myself if you get the answer.
Written May 18, 2021
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...
Written February 29, 2020
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.
Written February 29, 2020
Hi everyone,
How much time should my family of 4–2 teens—set aside to explore Driftwood Beach? We have 2 full days on Jekyll Island in April.
Thanks a lot!
Written January 8, 2020
I would say an hour or two.
Written January 14, 2020
What is the best time to go, is early morning okay?
Written November 19, 2019
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.
Written December 6, 2019
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!
Written July 8, 2019
We did not encounter any "burrs" or sand spurs. We kept to the beach and the sandy trails.
Written February 20, 2020
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