Weekend Guide to Jekyll Island’s Driftwood Beach for Atlanta Travelers

If you live in Atlanta and crave a salty breeze, quiet shoreline, and something more dramatic than a standard beach walk, Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island is one of the best weekend escapes you can make without getting on a plane. It’s wild, photogenic, and peaceful—about as far as you can feel from the city while still being a realistic Friday–Sunday trip.

This guide breaks down exactly how to visit Driftwood Beach from Atlanta, what to expect, and how to make a full Jekyll Island weekend out of it.

Why Atlantans Love Driftwood Beach for a Weekend Getaway

Driftwood Beach isn’t a typical “umbrella and boardwalk” spot. It’s known for:

• Sculptural driftwood trees scattered along the sand
• Otherworldly sunrise and sunset views
• A quieter, more natural, undeveloped vibe than most tourist beaches
• Being within driving distance of Atlanta but feeling far from city life

For many Atlanta residents, it’s an appealing alternative to busier options like Tybee Island or Panama City Beach when you want calm, photography, and a slower pace over nightlife.

Getting from Atlanta to Jekyll Island (Driftwood Beach)

Driving from Atlanta

From most parts of metro Atlanta, Driftwood Beach is about 5–5.5 hours by car, depending on traffic and where you start (Downtown, Buckhead, the suburbs, etc.).

Typical driving route from Atlanta:

1. Take I‑75 South out of Atlanta.
2. Merge onto I‑16 East near Macon.
3. Near Savannah, take I‑95 South toward Brunswick/Jacksonville.
4. Take the exit for Jekyll Island / Golden Isles Parkway (usually via US‑17).
5. Cross the Jekyll Island Causeway to the island.
6. Once on the island, follow signs toward the north end, where Driftwood Beach is located.

Jekyll Island has an entrance fee (per vehicle) at the causeway gate, which helps support the state park. Fees are posted on large signs before you pay.

Estimated Travel Time from Key Atlanta Areas

*Times are general expectations in normal conditions; Atlanta traffic, construction, and weather can extend travel.

If you’re leaving on a Friday, consider leaving before 2 p.m. or after 7 p.m. to avoid the worst outbound traffic on I‑75 and I‑285.

Flying + Driving (If You’re Visiting Atlanta First)

If you’re flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and then heading to Jekyll for the weekend, you’ll typically:

• Pick up a rental car at the airport
• Follow the same I‑75 → I‑16 → I‑95 route
• Plan for about 5 hours of driving from the airport

Some visitors choose to split their trip: a few days in Atlanta, then a weekend on the coast.

Where Driftwood Beach Is on Jekyll Island

Driftwood Beach is located on the northern end of Jekyll Island. It’s not a commercial strip—it’s more like a long shoreline dotted with twisted tree trunks and branches.

Look for public beach access points along the north end, often marked with signs that say “Driftwood Beach.” Parking lots are relatively small, so going earlier in the morning can help.

Best Time of Year for Atlanta Visitors

Seasons

• Fall (Sept–Nov): Often the most comfortable for Atlantans. Still warm, less humidity than summer, fewer crowds once school is back in session.
• Spring (March–May): Popular and pleasant; wildflowers and migrating birds can add extra interest.
• Summer (June–Aug): Hot and humid, but great if you want full “beach weather,” especially with kids out of school.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Cooler and quieter; good for photography, walks, and shelling, but less for swimming.

Weekend vs. Weekday

If you’re driving from Atlanta, a Friday–Sunday or Saturday–Monday works well.

• Friday arrival: Beat the Saturday morning crowd and get a sunrise or sunset in right away.
• Sunday midday departure: Gives you Saturday and most of Sunday for the beach, with enough time to drive back for Monday commitments.

What Driftwood Beach Is Really Like

Driftwood Beach is more about exploring and atmosphere than sunbathing. From an Atlanta perspective, think of it as a coastal version of hiking at Sweetwater Creek State Park or Kennesaw Mountain—except you’re on the sand with the ocean on one side and twisted driftwood on the other.

Expect:

• Packed, firm sand that’s easy to walk on
• Large, weathered trees and roots lying across the beach
• Tidal changes that can affect how much of the driftwood is exposed
• Fewer crowds than typical resort beaches, especially at sunrise

Because of the driftwood and tide, it’s not the best spot for traditional swimming or tossing a football around, but it’s fantastic for:

• Photography (portraits, landscapes, engagement shots)
• Strolling, exploring, and climbing over logs
• Bird watching and shell collecting
• Quiet time away from city noise

Packing and Prep Tips (Atlanta-Specific)

When you’re used to Atlanta’s conveniences (parking decks, walkable food options, and big-box stores every few miles), Jekyll feels simpler and more spread out. Plan ahead a bit.

What to Pack from Atlanta

• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals (especially if you like climbing on driftwood)
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, reef-friendly sunscreen
• Insect repellent: coastal Georgia can have gnats and mosquitoes, especially at dawn/dusk and in warmer months
• Refillable water bottles and light snacks
• Beach towel or light blanket (there’s not much shade, so you may want to sit on the sand or a log)
• Camera or phone with plenty of storage for photos
• Small backpack or beach bag for hands-free walking

If you forget basics, you can find many items at Atlanta-area stores before you leave (big-box retailers around Buckhead, Perimeter, or Camp Creek Marketplace) to avoid hunting for them once you reach the coast.

Parking and Beach Access

Jekyll Island has public parking areas for Driftwood Beach, usually just off the main island road near the north end. From Atlanta, you’re used to structured parking; here it’s more simple surface lots near the tree line.

Key points:

• Parking is generally first-come, first-served.
• Most access points involve short walks through sandy/wooded paths before you reach the shoreline.
• There are usually no lifeguards at Driftwood Beach; it’s considered more of a nature beach than a swimming area.
• Basic trash receptacles may be present, but it’s smart to pack out anything you bring in.

Sample Weekend Itinerary from Atlanta

Day 1: Departure and Sunset at Driftwood Beach

• Morning/Afternoon: Leave Atlanta, aiming to arrive on Jekyll Island by late afternoon.
• Check-in: Drop bags at your lodging (on-island or nearby in Brunswick or the Golden Isles area).
• Evening:
  • Head straight to Driftwood Beach for sunset.
  • Walk along the shoreline, take photos, and get your bearings.
  • Dinner back near your lodging.

Day 2: Full Jekyll Island Day

• Sunrise at Driftwood Beach (optional but highly recommended):
  • The sun rises over the Atlantic, and the driftwood silhouettes can be dramatic.
• Late Morning:
  • Explore more of the north end or move to one of Jekyll’s more traditional swimming beaches.
• Afternoon:
  • Bike the island’s paths, visit historic areas, or simply relax.
• Evening:
  • Return to Driftwood Beach for a different light and tide, or enjoy other island activities.

Day 3: Slow Morning + Return to Atlanta

• Morning:
  • Final beach stroll, quick photos, or brunch.
• Late Morning/Early Afternoon:
  • Begin the drive back to Atlanta. Aim to arrive before evening rush if you have Monday obligations.

Is Driftwood Beach Kid-Friendly?

For families from Atlanta, Driftwood Beach can be a fun, imaginative playground—but with some caveats.

Pros for kids:

• Lots of natural structures to explore
• Great chance to talk about tides, erosion, and sea life
• Less intense commercial environment than big resort beaches

Things to watch:

• The driftwood can be slippery or have sharp edges, so close supervision is important.
• Tidal pools and incoming tides require awareness of water levels.
• There are typically no lifeguards, so swimming is more at-your-own-risk than at some designated swim beaches.

If you’re used to Atlanta’s playgrounds and fenced areas, keep in mind this is more like a wild, natural setting. Set expectations with kids in the car before you arrive, so they treat it like a nature adventure rather than a manicured beach park.

Comparing Driftwood Beach to Other Weekend Options from Atlanta

If you’re deciding how to use a rare free weekend, it can help to compare.

• Vs. North Georgia mountains (Blue Ridge, Helen):

  • Mountains offer cooler temps and hiking; Driftwood offers coast, ocean views, and salt air.
  • Driving time is similar or slightly longer for Jekyll, but the experience is completely different.

• Vs. closer beaches (Tybee, St. Simons, etc.):

  • Driftwood Beach is more rugged and serene, less commercial.
  • Jekyll overall is quieter than some other coastal towns.

If you live inside the Perimeter and feel constantly surrounded by concrete, Driftwood Beach’s natural, weather-beaten look may be exactly the mental reset you’re looking for.

Safety and Practical Considerations

A few basics that Atlantans may want to keep in mind:

• Weather:
  • Coastal storms and summer thunderstorms can roll in quickly. Check the forecast before leaving Atlanta and again during your stay.
• Heat and hydration:
  • Atlanta summers are hot, but the combination of sun + sand + humidity on the coast can feel stronger. Carry more water than you think you need.
• Tides:
  • Tides can change how accessible some driftwood areas are. If you’re venturing far along the beach, be aware of the waterline.
• Wildlife:
  • You may see birds, crabs, and marine life. Give all wildlife space; don’t feed or disturb them.

For general non-emergency questions when traveling in Georgia’s coastal areas, many visitors keep contact info for local visitor centers or park offices handy. Jekyll Island posts local information on signs and visitor kiosks around the island.

Making the Most of Your Atlanta-to-Driftwood Weekend

For someone based in Atlanta, Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island is:

• Far enough to feel like a true escape
• Close enough to do in a long weekend without burning extra vacation days
• Quiet and scenic, instead of crowded and heavily commercial

If you plan your drive to dodge Atlanta’s peak traffic, pack thoughtfully, and build in time for both sunrise and sunset at Driftwood Beach, you can turn a simple Friday–Sunday into a relaxing, memorable coastal break—without leaving the state.