It's time once again for families all over the U.S. to start planning summer vacations. Where can a family escape the everyday hustle and bustle, unwind and have fun together, but also enjoy individual interests?

For families seeking a summer vacation full of unforgettable adventure and discovery, as well as peace and relaxation, now is the time to explore Georgia's Jekyll Island – one of the Southeast's best-kept travel secrets.

"Few places in the country fit the bill for family fun and bonding like Jekyll Island," explains Meggan Hood, senior director of Marketing for the Jekyll Island Authority. "For summertime recreation and relaxation, for getting up-close with nature, and for an unbelievable number of unique educational experiences, Jekyll is an unbeatable family retreat. Families vacationing here find the experience beyond their original expectations – a haven for both recreation and education that is unlike any other."

Dynamic Setting

There's always fun in the sun on Jekyll, but the island is no one-trick beach town. In fact, with five distinct beaches – each with its own identity and feel – along 10 miles of shoreline, this coastal community offers an abundance of beauty to discover in one free-flowing, dynamic setting.

The visually stunning barrier island has three distinct geographies to explore: the scenic, expansive seashore; an ancient maritime forest dominated by majestic live oaks draped in Spanish moss; and a vast, golden saltmarsh famously immortalized by the 19th-century poet Sidney Lanier. More than 20 miles of bicycle paths, plus strategically placed wildlife viewing platforms, make off-road exploration of these various habitats a breeze.

Backdrop for Learning

The pristine coastal landscape is the perfect backdrop for the range of learning opportunities available on the island. For kids, four day camps throughout the summer – the Sea Turtle Camp (exploring Jekyll's many natural habitats), the Time Traveler Camp (diving into the island's eventful past), and the Golf Camp and Tennis Camp – guarantee something fun for all interests.

The wildlife on the island makes Jekyll a natural outdoor classroom of discovery. As a state park, Jekyll Island provides an array of hands-on, guided tours and exploration experiences featuring flora and fauna unique to the area. Families may opt for ranger-led nature walks, dolphin-watching boat tours, paddleboard and kayak excursions, and interactive visits to the renowned Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

"The entire island is like summer camp for the whole family, an invitation to the explorer in each of us," Hood says. "Kids can spend the day exploring and learning at camps created just for them, while their parents can do some exploring on their own, checking out some of Jekyll's many other points of interest. Everyone can do what they individually enjoy and then regroup in the afternoon, for shared experiences and family time."

An Island of Options

Jekyll Island's distinct heritage is a story from the pages of history. Visitors can view colonial ruins and learn of the local escapades of some of America's most-famous industrial pioneers, who made Jekyll their personal playground during the nation's Gilded Age more than a century ago. The legacy these business magnates left on Jekyll is showcased in the culturally rich, 250-acre National Historic Landmark District, one of the largest preservation projects in the Southeast.

In addition to various seaside experiences at the five sprawling beaches – Great Dunes, Saint Andrews, Glory, South Dunes, and the ethereal Driftwood – Jekyll Island features a family friendly water park; a recently updated oceanfront promenade with local shops and restaurants; golf and tennis; a marina; and numerous other options for recreation, cultural enrichment, and eco-tourism.

"The unspoiled beauty and historical intrigue of Jekyll Island provide the perfect setting for exploration as a family," says Hood. "Whether biking the trails, combing the beach for shark teeth, or exploring the island's vibrant history, Jekyll has something for everyone. It is a beautiful blend of serenity and discovery, a place where families can create their own stories."