Georgia Road Trip with Kids: Driftwood, Dreams, and the Drive West (Day 12)
Welcome to Day 12 Georgia Coast – Jekyll Island to the Okefenokee Swamp
Say goodbye to Georgia and the Georgia Coast with kids on Day 12 of our road trip—explore Driftwood Beach, the Cumberland Island Visitor Center, and the Okefenokee Swamp with faith-filled reflections.
If you’re reading along with Ethan and Oliver, today’s journey is a quiet farewell to Georgia’s coast—twisted driftwood at sunrise, a visitor center full of wild island stories, and the still, ancient waters of the Okefenokee Swamp. It’s a day for reflection, rooted in the idea that beauty often comes from endurance, and that God’s creation is both vast and deeply personal.
Itinerary Overview
Route: Jekyll Island ➡ St. Marys ➡ Okefenokee Swamp ➡ Westbound toward home
Total Drive Time: ~4 hours
Activity Time: ~6–7 hours
Start Time: Early morning
Stop 1: Driftwood Beach – Jekyll Island
Website: goldenisles.com/driftwood-beach
What to Expect
One of Georgia’s most unique beaches, Driftwood Beach is scattered with weathered tree trunks and tangled roots, shaped by tides and time into natural sculptures. It’s a favorite for photographers, but also a peaceful place to climb, explore tide pools, and watch the sun rise over the Atlantic.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In
- Science: Erosion, tides, and the natural formation of driftwood.
- Art/Nature Study: Observing patterns and textures in weathered wood.
Notebook/Conversation Prompt
- What’s something in nature that became more beautiful after it was changed or broken?
Faith Connection
Isaiah 61:3 – God gives “beauty for ashes.” Driftwood reminds us that even what seems broken can still be beautiful and purposeful.
Stop 2: Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center – St. Marys
What to Expect
Located in the historic waterfront town of St. Marys, this visitor center offers exhibits on Cumberland Island’s rich history—from Native American shell middens to grand Carnegie mansions. While the ferry is the only way to set foot on the island, the visitor center itself is worth the stop for maps, history, and your National Park passport stamp.
NPS Stamp: Yes
Educational Tie-In
- History: Indigenous peoples, early settlers, and Gilded Age estates.
- Ecology: Wild horses, maritime forests, and coastal barrier island ecosystems.
Notebook/Conversation Prompt
- If you could explore Cumberland Island for a day, what would you look for first?
Faith Connection
Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Some places remain wild and untouched until the right moment comes to visit.
Stop 3: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge – Folkston
Website: fws.gov/refuge/okefenokee
What to Expect
Spanning over 400,000 acres, the Okefenokee is a vast, ancient swamp filled with blackwater channels, cypress trees, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can walk the Chesser Island boardwalk, watch for alligators, listen for frogs, and learn about the cultural history of “Swampers” who once lived in the refuge.
NPS Stamp: Yes
Educational Tie-In
- Science: Wetland ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Conservation: Protecting fragile habitats for future generations.
Notebook/Conversation Prompt
- How does the stillness of a place like the Okefenokee help you notice more?
Faith Connection
Psalm 8:3-4 – God’s creation reminds us that we are small in the vastness of the world, but deeply loved by Him.
What We Learned
- Nature can create beauty from what’s weathered and worn.
- Islands and wild places keep stories alive until we’re ready to hear them.
- Stillness can be as powerful as action in helping us notice and remember.
Did We See State Symbols Today?
- None officially, though coastal landscapes and wildlife highlight Georgia’s natural heritage.
Plan It Yourself
You can map this exact route — and customize it for your own family’s adventure — using Roadtrippers Plus. It’s our favorite trip-planning tool for finding kid-friendly stops, tracking drive times, and keeping everything in one place.
View our full trip on Roadtrippers: Ethan & Oliver Adventures Georgia’s On My Mind Road Trip Map
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Unless otherwise noted, all destinations, attractions, and resources mentioned here are places we’ve personally chosen to visit and recommend. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by these locations — including Roadtrippers. We simply use and enjoy their trip-planning tool and share it as a resource for fellow travelers.
