Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia

 

“Heaven seems a little closer… when you are near the ocean."

Susan Greer

Driving on the nine mile Downing Musgrove Causeway, also known as the Jekyll Island Causeway is a beautiful ride with salt marshes for as long as you can see on both sides of the road. Looking out over the marshes, we saw much wildlife activity on that stretch of the road with Blue Herons, Roseate Spoonbills and white Egrets perched in the waters nearby. We passed a couple trees that were loaded with beautiful white egrets patiently waiting for dinner and taking in the sun. The coastal scrubs bent over with the wind whipping through them and the marsh waters and Jointner Creek shimmered as the sunlight mirrored the blue skies above. The bright colored green sea grass swayed as the water flowed through them. That first smell of salt air brought back fond memories of going to the Jersey Shore as a child.

We stopped and paid our $8 admission fee and headed over the Intra-coastal Waterway onto the island. As soon as we arrived on the island, it felt like we were on a tropical island. The beauty of this island with all the tropical plants and gardens along with the red cedars and live oaks covered with Spanish Moss, brought a feeling of peace and tranquility. We felt like we were truly on a vacation in a tropical paradise. This 5,700 acre island is stunningly beautiful. The island is one of the Sea Islands located off the Georgia coastline and is situated between Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida.

While driving around the island under beautiful shade trees, we noticed how well kept this island was and how lovely and well maintained the homes appeared. There is a spectacular bike trail that winds in and out the forest and also goes near the beach, forming a loop around the island. The island boast of having 20 miles of trails that go over the former carriage paths. They are nice landscaped and the trail goes by historic sites of interest such as the Horton House ruins built in 1743.

We drove to the north end of Jekyll Island where the fishing pier is located. Many fisherman were on the pier that day both fishing and crabbing. A lovely tree shaded picnic area and bathrooms are located near the pier. There is also a bait and tackle shop located there.   

Then we drove on to see the famous Driftwood Beach which was the main reason for our trip today. We stopped at a convenient parking lot and headed down a narrow, winding trail with trees and plants on either side and headed towards the beach. Fortunately, we timed our visit perfectly as the tide was low and we were able to walk the beach. The gnarled weathered trees looked desolate and foreign. Some of the trees looked like bleached sculptures with the sandy narrow root balls showing after the trees toppled over.

This is a very unique geography with much to see on this stunning beach that is now a tree graveyard. This has occurred from years of erosion as the north end is loosing sand which is being carried to the south end of the island. This erosion is causing the sea to take these huge trees down. The island has lost over 1000 feet on the north end of this island since the early 1900’s. This surreal beach is beautiful and yet sad with the loss of all those magnificent trees over time.

Driftwood Beach is visited by thousands of people each year who come to photograph this fascinating beach that is so well known and loved. It is a photographers paradise. When we were there, it was alternating sprinkling and then some sun so we still were able to get some great photos, some with even blue skies. The best times for great pictures is sunrise or sunset and at low tide. We couldn’t do either as we were just passing through before heading home. Maybe on our next visit.

Walking along the beach, we could look across St. Simon Sound and see the MV Golden Ray laying on it side. This 656’ ship capsized on September 8, 2019 after it listed and dropped 4,000 Hyundai Motor and KIA cars into the river. Fortunately, all twenty-three crew members on board survived. This ship is being sliced up piece by piece and removed from the river.

We enjoyed this unique and stunning beach. We loved watching the excitement of the children and adults as they climbed on the limbs and posing for amazing pictures that would last a lifetime. Some children splashed in the water while lovers walked on the beach, hand in hand taking in all the beauty that surrounded them. Who doesn’t love the beach and this one had just something extra special to see.

This is unique beach is one you must see. Come out to Jekyll Island and see all the beauty of this special island. We will be back for sure. Till next time. Bye for now.