Exploring Jekyll Island by Horse: Our Carriage Tour and Beach Ride
From the grand cottages of the historic district to a horseback ride along the Georgia coast, two ways to discover a different side of Jekyll Island.
There's nothing wrong with exploring a destination from the comfort of your car. But sometimes, slowing down and leaving the car behind gives you a completely different experience.
During our anniversary getaway to Jekyll Island, Gina and I decided to explore the island in two rather old-fashioned ways.
First, we took a horse-drawn carriage tour through the historic district. Then we went horseback riding, following wooded trails and eventually making our way onto the beach.
Both experiences gave us a different perspective on the island, and neither required us to be in a hurry.
A Carriage Ride Through Another Era
Jekyll Island has a fascinating history, particularly the years when some of America's wealthiest families came here to escape the colder northern winters.
We were staying at the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort, so exploring the surrounding historic district seemed like a natural addition to our weekend.
Rather than drive around looking at buildings, we decided to take a horse-drawn carriage tour.
It turned out to be a wonderful way to see the area.
Our guide took us past the historic homes that once belonged to wealthy families who visited the island. The guide also shared stories about the people who stayed here and what life was like during the club's heyday.
And then there were the cottages.
When a Cottage Isn't Really a Cottage
The word cottage usually brings to mind something relatively modest.
Apparently, the families who vacationed on Jekyll Island had a different definition.
Some of these so-called cottages were enormous homes, built as seasonal retreats for families who were already accustomed to living on a grand scale.
Several even had separate quarters for their servants.
As we rode through the historic district, we found ourselves admiring the architecture and imagining what this part of the island must have been like when the club was operating as an exclusive private retreat.
The carriage tour offered more than a look at some beautiful old houses. It helped put the buildings and their history into perspective.
And traveling through the district at the pace of a horse-drawn carriage seemed especially appropriate.
The Pleasure of Not Rushing
One of the things we appreciated about the carriage tour was its pace.
We weren't navigating traffic, looking for parking, or trying to follow directions while also taking in the scenery.
We could simply sit back, listen to our guide, and enjoy the surroundings.
For anyone interested in architecture or history, that makes a difference.
It's one thing to see a historic building from the road. It's another to hear the stories behind it while moving through the same neighborhood at a leisurely pace.
The carriage tour was a particularly good fit for our weekend because we weren't trying to fill every hour with activities.
We were there to enjoy ourselves, spend time together, and experience a little of what makes Jekyll Island different.
Trading the Carriage for a Saddle
Our second equestrian experience was quite different.
This time, instead of sitting in a carriage, we climbed onto horses for a guided ride through part of the island.
The route took us along wooded trails and included a stretch of beach.
That combination made the ride particularly enjoyable.
The wooded sections offered a quieter, more sheltered experience, with the scenery unfolding around us as we followed the trail.
Then came the coastline.
Seeing the beach from horseback is a different experience from walking along it or driving past it.
We enjoyed the open scenery, the coastal atmosphere, and the simple pleasure of doing something together that wasn't part of our everyday routine.
The Beach Was a Highlight
Of the two activities, the horseback ride was probably the more adventurous.
And the beach portion was particularly memorable.
There's something about approaching the coast on horseback that makes you appreciate the setting a little differently.
You aren't looking for a parking space, carrying beach chairs, or checking your phone for the next stop on the itinerary.
You're simply enjoying the ride.
For us, that was exactly the kind of experience we wanted during our anniversary weekend.
We'd come to Jekyll Island to relax, but that didn't mean spending the entire visit sitting around the hotel.
The carriage tour and horseback ride gave us something memorable to do without turning the weekend into a packed sightseeing schedule.
Planning Your Own Horseback Experience
If you're considering either activity during a visit to Jekyll Island, a little planning is worthwhile.
For a carriage tour, check the current operator's schedule, departure location, tour length, and reservation requirements. Tours may vary by season, and the experience can depend on the route and guide.
For horseback riding, ask about minimum ages, weight limits, riding experience requirements, footwear, and what portion of the ride actually takes place on the beach.
That last question is worth asking. A ride advertised as a beach experience may also include wooded trails or other sections, and it's helpful to know what you're booking.
Weather and conditions can also affect equestrian activities, so confirm your plans directly with the operator before your visit.
We'd also suggest allowing a little breathing room in your schedule. Part of the enjoyment of both experiences is that they're not rushed.
Which Would We Recommend?
We enjoyed both, but they offer very different experiences.
🟢 Horse-drawn carriage tour: An excellent choice for visitors who enjoy history, architecture, and learning about the people who shaped Jekyll Island's past.
🟢 Guided horseback ride: A memorable way to experience the island's natural surroundings, especially if your route includes the beach.
🟡 Choosing just one: It depends on your interests. We'd lean toward the carriage tour for history lovers and the horseback ride for anyone looking for a more active outdoor experience.
For us, doing both was worth it.
The carriage tour helped us appreciate the history of the island. The horseback ride let us experience its natural beauty from a different perspective.
Together, they added something special to a weekend that was already about slowing down and enjoying time together.
And that's probably what we remember most.
Not how many attractions we visited, but how much we enjoyed the ones we chose.
For the complete story of our anniversary weekend, read Our Jekyll Island Anniversary: Sometimes the Best Getaways Are Close to Home.