Jekyll Island Treasures: A Fun and FREE Hide-and-Seek Game with a Beautiful Prize

You may not think about heading to the beach in January and February, but when it comes to Jekyll Island, GA, you should! 

In addition to the beauty and history of the area, you’ll also find the Island Treasures event taking place now through the end of February – a fun (and free!) hide-and-seek game that makes exploring Jekyll Island even more fun.

JEKYLL ISLAND TREASURES

So what exactly is Island Treasures?  Island Treasures is based on the fact that fishermen in the early 1900s would use hollow glass balls on their fishing nets as markers, which would occasionally break off and wash ashore. 

In the 1950s, searching for these glass floats on the beach became a popular hobby. Now, Jekyll Island brings that history to present day with their Island Treasures event!

Each day from January 1 through February 28, volunteers called Beach Buddies will hide 2-5 clear plastic globes a day around the island, with a note informing you of your find. 

If you find one, you can redeem it at the Jekyll Island Information Center for a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind real glass float that has been made by a hand-picked artist from across the country!

WHERE TO HUNT

Island Treasures can be found in common areas on the island, such as the Beach Village, the Historic District, Beach Parks, and along established paths.  You’ll find them “hidden” in plain sight – so there’s no need to go off the beaten path. 

Important to note: You will not find them on golf courses, on beach dunes, in a marsh, off established paths, or on residential property…so don’t go there!

My parents visited Jekyll last year to hunt for their own Island Treasure — and they found one in the Historic District on their second day. Their treasure is now prominently displayed in their home!

RULES?

The main rule is to have fun exploring the island!

Bring or rent a bike and explore some of the more than 24 miles of bike paths, looking for your Island Treasure along the way. Enjoy scenic walks on the beach, visit some of the popular spots (Horton House, Driftwood Beach…), stop for a meal at Tortuga Jack’s, Corridor Z, or Tribuzio’s Grille — and keep an eye out for those clear plastic globes.

This is free to do once you’re on the island (note that there is a $10 entry fee to the island), and there are no clues to follow…this is just a good, old fashioned seeking game. It’s pretty much all about luck and timing, so have fun and good luck!