Jekyll Island is the southernmost island of Georgia's Golden Isles, which are also comprised of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Little St. Simons Island.
In 1886 the whole island was bought by a group of wealthy families as a private getaway, which, by 1900, included well-known names such as the Rockefellers. The island was purchased by the state of Georgia in 1947, and is far more egalitarian today, though many of the opulent mansions remain, as well as a 250-acre Historic Landmark District.
Visitors can swim with loggerhead turtles, go whale-watching, collect shells, or relax at one of the island's many beautiful beaches. Since by law development on the island is limited to 35%, the island is uncrowded and features an abundance of wildlife and lush flora.