January and February Ideas for Family Vacations

Jekyll Island, in southern Georgia near Florida, is one of the "Golden Isles of Georgia" group of barrier islands. State-owned and accessible by car, the island has beaches and scenic beauty, birds and other wildlife, and historic charm thanks to a heyday during the Gilded Age when wealthy families holidayed there.

Today, families can bike on trails, enjoy the beaches, take a guided tour of the Landmark Historic District, or try out a water park (in summer months.) Nearest big cities are Savannah Georgia, to the north, and Jacksonville Florida, to the south.

Of special note during January and February: kids can take part in "Island Treasures", a type of beach treasure hunt hosted by the Jekyll Island Authority. (Hand-crafted glass floats are hidden daily along the beach.)

The range of accommodations on the island includes the high-end Jekyll Island Club Hotel (built by the Rockefellers and Vanderbilt’s) and several affordable "Inn & Suites" hotels. By state law, 65% of the island must stay undeveloped, and a $150M revitalization plan promotes public parks, new hotels, and a retail village with one-of-a-kind proprietors.

• Read more about Jekyll Island's and its "Island Treasures" beach treasure hunts.
• Compare prices for hotels

See lots more ideas for January and February, in Winter Vacations: skiing in Utah, Wisconsin Dells Indoor Waterparks, Sandusky Ohio's Indoor Waterparks, Yellowstone in Winter Lodge and Learning programs, Hawaii, Orlando, and more.