Chasing the Perfect Jekyll Island Sunset at St. Andrew’s Beach

If you’re searching for the perfect Jekyll Island sunset, skip the busy oceanfront and head to the quiet west side of the island. St. Andrew’s Beach (not to be confused with St Andrew Beach on the east side of the island), is one of the best places to watch the sun sink into the water, with scattered driftwood trees, wide-open views, and a peaceful, unhurried atmosphere.

Here, golden light spills across the sound, driftwood stretches like sculpture along the shoreline, and the day ends with a soft glow instead of a crowd. It’s simple, wild, and unforgettable.

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Why St. Andrews Beach Is the Best Place for a Jekyll Island Sunset

Most of Jekyll’s beaches face east, making them perfect for sunrise. But for sunset, you want to be on the west side—and that’s where St. Andrew’s Beach quietly shines.

What makes this spot so special:

West-facing views over the water for true horizon sunsets
Driftwood trees scattered along the beach, ideal for moody silhouettes
A calmer, more secluded vibe than the main resort and hotel beaches
A small observation tower for a higher, sweeping view of the water and sky
A nearby bridge to the north that’s worth a view for another unique vantage point of the possible cotton candy skies

This isn’t a “pack-the-umbrella-and-stay-all-day” beach. It’s a “take a slow walk, breathe, and stay for sunset” kind of place.

How to Get to St. Andrew’s Beach

One of the easiest things about visiting St. Andrews is how quickly you can reach it once you arrive on Jekyll.

After you come onto the island through the causeway and gate,
Take the very first road on your right.
Follow that road all the way down, and you’ll come to St. Andrew’s Beach Park / St. Andrew’s Picnic Area.

When you arrive, you’ll find:

A convenient parking lot
Restrooms and a shaded picnic area right by the parking lot, tucked at the edge of the trees
A short path and boardwalk that lead from the parking lot through the trees and out to the sand

When you step out of the trees, the beach opens up into a wide, flat shoreline, studded with fallen driftwood trees, shallow water, and big sky—perfect for a peaceful Jekyll Island sunset.

Tips for Photographing a Jekyll Island Sunset at St. Andrew’s Beach

St. Andrews is a photographer’s playground, especially if you love natural, slightly wild coastal scenery.

1. Arrive Early for Golden Hour

Aim to arrive 45–60 minutes before sunset so you can:

Walk the shoreline and scout your favorite driftwood trees
Notice how the light hits the water and where the sun will set
Try a few test shots before the color really kicks in

Don’t rush off the second the sun dips below the horizon—often, the best color happens 10–20 minutes after sunset in the afterglow.

2. Use Driftwood as Your Foreground

The star of the foreground is the driftwood:

Frame the sun beyond a twisted tree, using the branches to “point” toward the sky
Get low and close to the wood so its texture fills the front of your frame
Look for shallow pools or wet sand that reflect the sky and the driftwood shapes

Try both horizontal (landscape) shots for sweeping views and verticals for social media and Pinterest.

3. Climb the Tower for a Higher View

The observation tower is small but mighty for photos:

From the top, you can capture wider views of the shoreline, driftwood, and sky
It’s great for watching how the light spreads across the water
If you’re with someone, have them walk along the beach below while you shoot from the tower for a fun, storytelling shot
Sometimes you can catch locals casting nets below the towers when the tide is just right

4. Simple Camera & Phone Settings

If you’re using a camera:

Use a tripod if you want smooth water and longer exposures after sunset
If you want to get really creative and are comfortable with your exposure triangle stop your aperture as tight as you can go f/22 is probably what most common lens will go and you can get the sunburst effect as shown in the photo below. If interested in how and not too confident in your exposure triangle, reach out and I would be happy to walk you through how to do it. I do offer one-on-one photography mentoring sessions; lets get you comfortable with your camera!

On a phone:

Tap on the brightest part of the sky, then drag exposure down slightly to deepen the colors
Be sure to download editing software such as photoshop express and try your hand at editing your photos to really make them pop!
Try panorama mode to capture the whole sweep of the beach and sky
Experiment with portrait mode using a driftwood tree as your subject

5. Capture Silhouettes

This beach is perfect for dramatic silhouettes against a glowing sky:

Have someone stand at the waterline or near a driftwood tree
Position them so their shape is clearly outlined against the light
Darken the exposure a bit to get rich color and crisp outlines

Tips for Enjoying the Beach and Tower (Even If You’re Not a Photographer)

You don’t need to be into photography to fall in love with a Jekyll Island sunset at St. Andrew’s Beach.

1. Footwear & Beach Conditions

The sand is generally flat but can be uneven with driftwood pieces
Sturdy sandals or water shoes are more comfortable than going barefoot, especially near the wood and at low light. The sand is pretty packed and tennis shoes can be easily worn too.

2. Picnic-Friendly Spot Near the Parking Lot

Right next to the parking lot, you’ll find:

Picnic tables in a shaded area
Restrooms conveniently close by

It’s the perfect setup if you want to:

Enjoy a simple dinner or snacks before heading down to the beach
Let kids or family take a bathroom break before you settle in for sunset
Keep your cooler and gear close to the car while still being just a short walk from the water

3. Be Mindful of Tides & Nature

The tide will change how much of the driftwood is exposed and where you can walk
Don’t climb on unstable pieces of wood, especially with kids or in low light
Respect any birds or wildlife feeding along the shoreline and give them space

Practical Tips for Visiting St. Andrews Beach for Sunset

To make the most of your Jekyll Island sunset experience:

Check sunset time on app like Photopills and plan to arrive early
Pack bug spray, especially in warmer months—marshy coastal areas and dusk often go hand in hand with mosquitoes or no-see-ums. When we visited around Easter, the bugs ate us alive, not so much in November. But it is better to be safe than sorry. Weather is unpredictable in Georgia and sometimes the cold doesn’t kill off the bugs until later in the year.
Bring a light jacket or wrap; it can cool down quickly once the sun drops
Use a flashlight or phone light for the walk back through the trees and parking area after dark to prevent tripping on any driftwood stumps sticking up out of the ground
Follow “leave no trace” principles—take your trash with you and leave the driftwood where it lies

If you only have time to enjoy one Jekyll Island sunset, choose St. Andrew’s Beach.

Come onto the island, take that first right, follow the road down, park by the restrooms and picnic area, and walk out along the short path, down the boardwalk to the sand. Wander among driftwood, check out the bridge to the north, climb the tower, and watch as the sky fades from bright gold to soft pastels over the water.

Open shoreline, sculptural trees, and the quiet beauty of the Georgia coast at the end of the day.

Be sure to check out Driftwood Beach: #1 Breathtaking Beach on Jekyll Island for the best sunrise experience on the island. It is the most well-known spot for driftwood trees on the island and is a beautiful spot to watch the sun rise.

-S