If you live in or around Jacksonville, you’re in one of the luckiest positions in the Southeast — two of the most charming island getaways on the East Coast are practically in your backyard. Jekyll Island, Georgia and Amelia Island, Florida each have their own distinct personality, and honestly, choosing between them isn’t easy. So let’s break it down.
Historic Escape vs. Coastal Sophistication
Jekyll Island feels like stepping back in time — in the best possible way. Once the private playground of America’s wealthiest families (think Rockefellers and Vanderbilts), the island still carries that old-money elegance without the velvet ropes. About 65% of the island is protected by the state of Georgia, so you’ll find wide-open beaches, moss-draped oaks, and a pace of life that forces you to slow down. It’s understated, peaceful, and genuinely beautiful.
Amelia Island leans into a different kind of charm. The 50-block historic district of Fernandina Beach is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the island’s 13 miles of beaches are some of the most unspoiled in Florida. Add in world-class resorts like the Ritz-Carlton and the Omni, upscale dining, and a thriving arts scene, and you’ve got a destination that feels both laid-back and luxurious at the same time.
If you want total seclusion and a nature-forward escape, Jekyll wins. If you want a little more to do — great restaurants, boutique shopping, and resort amenities — Amelia Island is your spot.
The Beaches
Both islands have gorgeous beaches, but they’re different experiences. Jekyll’s beaches are wide and uncrowded, with a wild, almost untouched quality. Driftwood Beach, where ancient sun-bleached trees rise out of the sand, is one of the most photographed spots in Georgia — and rightfully so.
Amelia Island’s beaches are equally stunning and a bit more accessible, with options ranging from quiet, residential stretches to the more lively areas near Fernandina Beach. The surf is gentle enough for families but interesting enough for those who just want to sit and watch the waves roll in.
Things to Do Beyond the Beach
Jekyll Island keeps it simple. You’ve got a 20-mile bike trail system, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, historic district tours, and some of the best bird watching on the East Coast. There’s a reason families come back year after year.
Amelia Island offers a bit more variety — kayaking through tidal creeks, carriage tours through downtown Fernandina, craft brewery stops, and farm-to-table dinners that would impress even the most well-traveled foodies. Fort Clinch State Park on the northern tip of the island is worth the trip alone.
Getting There: Skip the Stress, Ride in Style
Here’s where most people drop the ball on an otherwise perfect trip — the drive. Traffic around Jacksonville can be unpredictable, parking at island destinations is always a headache, and if you’re traveling with a group, coordinating multiple cars is a logistical nightmare nobody wants.
That’s exactly where Mike’s Shuttles comes in.
Whether you need transportation from Jacksonville Airport to Jekyll Island, car service from JAX airport to Amelia Island, or a private car to pick you up right from your front door, we’ve got you covered. Our fleet of black cars, SUVs, limousines, and multi-passenger buses means there’s a vehicle for every group size and every occasion. Traveling solo or as a couple? Our private cars and sedans offer a smooth, comfortable ride. Coming in with the whole crew? Our bus and van options handle groups with ease.
We also serve travelers coming from outside the area. If you’re flying into JAX and need car service from Jacksonville Airport to St. Augustine before heading north to Jekyll, or if you need private shuttle services connecting you from further afield, our team handles the details so you don’t have to.
And it’s not just these two islands — Mike’s Shuttles provides sea island transportation throughout the region, including Sea Island and St. Simons in Georgia, along with service to Orlando, Gainesville, Tallahassee, Ponte Vedra, and Orange Park.
So, Which Island Should You Choose?
The honest answer is: you can’t go wrong with either. But why not plan both? Book a weekend on Amelia Island this season and put Jekyll Island on the calendar for next time. With Mike’s Shuttles handling your transportation both ways, the only thing you need to focus on is which beach chair you’re claiming first.
