Horton House Tours

Horton House featuring a ruin and heritage elements
Horton House which includes building ruins and heritage elements
Horton House featuring a garden, a ruin and heritage elements
Horton House showing a park
Horton House which includes building ruins and heritage elements


Discover Jekyll Island’s colonial history when you explore the crumbling ruins of a grand old home that formerly belonged to one of Fort Frederica’s military leaders.

Horton House is a superb colonial-era ruin and one of the oldest surviving buildings in Georgia. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the old house embodies some of Georgia’s captivating colonial history. Check out the building’s preserved tabby architecture and explore the site’s interpretive markers.

The house stands within pretty woodland. As you approach the old building, note its ruined state. Only the four external walls remain, so daylight streams in through the open roof and empty windows. The tabby house was constructed in 1743 by Major William Horton, one of General James Oglethorpe’s chief military aides. Horton cleared the land and sowed hops and barley to produce Georgia’s first beer. Try to find the remains of the brewery, located a short distance down the road.

Wander around the old building, noting its solid structure and mottled tabby walls. Tabby is a concrete-like material used by colonialists in the 18th and 19th centuries. The material was made by burning oyster shells to make lime, which was mixed with sand and water. Read the interpretive signs that tell the story of Horton House. The original house was burned down by Spanish troops and rebuilt as the structure that stands in ruins today.

Learn about the du Bignon family, who moved into the house after the American Revolution. Sea island cotton was produced on the estate’s plantation until 1886, when the land was sold to the Jekyll Island Club. Stroll along the pathways that loop around the house and make your way to the du Bignon family’s cemetery, located across the road from the house. From here, enjoy beautiful views of the Marshes of Glynn.

Horton House is located north of Jekyll Island’s historic district. The historic site is free to visit and open daily. Add Horton House to your cycling tour of Jekyll Island or park your car on the roadside nearby to access the site.

Plan a trip to see Horton House

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Best Lodging Options Near Horton House

Villas By the Sea Resort & Conference Center

Villas By the Sea Resort & Conference Center

3 out of 5
1175 N Beachview Dr, Jekyll Island, GA
Villas By the Sea Resort & Conference Center
Driftwood Beach adjacent, off season rate, 20% off week, BEACH FRONT!

Driftwood Beach adjacent, off season rate, 20% off week, BEACH FRONT!

Jekyll Island
Driftwood Beach adjacent, off season rate, 20% off week, BEACH FRONT!
Villas By The Sea Resort - Oceanfront

Villas By The Sea Resort - Oceanfront

Jekyll Island
Villas By The Sea Resort - Oceanfront
Driftwood beach adjacent, POOLSIDE, Off season rate, 20% off weekly,

Driftwood beach adjacent, POOLSIDE, Off season rate, 20% off weekly,

Jekyll Island
Driftwood beach adjacent, POOLSIDE, Off season rate, 20% off weekly,
Villa By The Sea #229 - Islandside

Villa By The Sea #229 - Islandside

Jekyll Island
Villa By The Sea #229 - Islandside
VILLA 159 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

VILLA 159 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

Jekyll Island
VILLA 159 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Villa 255 Getty Building

Villa 255 Getty Building

Jekyll Island
Villa 255 Getty Building
Villa 129 - Beautiful oceanfront condo with gorgeous views

Villa 129 - Beautiful oceanfront condo with gorgeous views

Jekyll Island
Villa 129 - Beautiful oceanfront condo with gorgeous views
Tranquility Villa -quiet corner unit just steps away from the beach

Tranquility Villa -quiet corner unit just steps away from the beach

Jekyll Island
Tranquility Villa -quiet corner unit just steps away from the beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Horton House

At Horton House in Jekyll Island, Georgia, visitors can enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets while indulging in fishing opportunities. A highlight of the area is the historical tour, which allows guests to explore the rich heritage of the site. Whether you’re relaxing in the scenic surroundings or delving into the history, Horton House offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences for all tourists.

Shopping

Shops at Sea Island, located 6 miles from Horton House, offers a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Glynn Place Mall, 9 miles away, features a variety of shops and dining options for all ages. If you're up for a drive, check out more shopping experiences nearby.

Recreation

Sea Island Golf Club offers a premier golfing experience just 3 miles from Horton House, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For family fun, visit Neptune Park, a playground located 2 miles away, providing a delightful outdoor atmosphere. Indian Mound, another golf option, is also 3 miles from Horton House.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water adventures at Summer Waves Water Park, located 4 miles from Horton House, perfect for family fun. For sports enthusiasts, Captain Scott Owens offers exciting water sports 10 miles away. Finally, enjoy the great outdoors at Waterfront Park, situated 18 miles from Horton House, for a refreshing escape.

Nightlife

Experience a delightful evening at the Historic Ritz Theatre, just 6 miles from Horton House, featuring charming films and a romantic atmosphere. Alternatively, enjoy performances at SoGlo Gallery Brunswick Actors' Theatre, also 6 miles away, or venture 30 miles to Amelia Community Theatre for family-friendly shows and engaging culture.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Horton House

Horton House, located on Jekyll Island, offers a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Nearby, you can explore the beautiful beaches, unwind in urban parks, and discover the natural beauty of the national state park. These points of interest provide a perfect blend of outdoor activities, family-friendly experiences, and city exploration, making it an ideal destination for all types of travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.

  • Driftwood Beach: Discover the serene beauty of Driftwood Beach, located just 1 mile from Horton House. This unique beach is famous for its stunning driftwood formations and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and photography.
  • Saint Simons Island Pier: A short 2 miles from Horton House, the Saint Simons Island Pier offers a family-friendly environment where you can enjoy fishing, picnicking, and breathtaking views of the sunset. Engage with friendly locals and explore exciting excursions.
  • Jekyll Island State Park: Located 4 miles away, Jekyll Island State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Experience adventure through hiking, biking, and wildlife watching while soaking in the stunning natural scenery.

Best time to go to Horton House

The best time to visit Horton House is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April67.8°F (19.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May73.9°F (23.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July81.7°F (27.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August81.5°F (27.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September78.4°F (25.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
November63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Horton House

To save money on your visit to Horton House, plan your trip in January or October to November when hotel prices are lower, particularly on Wednesdays. Avoid Saturdays for the best rates. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by filtering options and consider booking a package that includes flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and the opportunity to earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Additionally, explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Horton House are January and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and June to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Horton House is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Horton House is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to tailor your preferences, such as budget, preferred location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply adjust the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking your Horton House hotel along with your flights and activities in an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia