A Travel Price Comparison for Georgia Atlanta vs. Jekyll Island for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Atlanta or Jekyll Island?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Jekyll Island, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a suburban, cultural, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a secluded, natural, and relaxing island. It's also popular because of the museums, beaches, and hiking.

Atlanta and Jekyll Island: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Atlanta or Jekyll Island?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Atlanta. Although Atlanta and Jekyll Island are popular destinations, Atlanta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Atlanta is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Jekyll Island attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Atlanta is famous for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. It is also well known for the Georgia Aquarium. Jekyll Island is famous for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Atlanta different from Jekyll Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Jekyll Island and Atlanta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or Jekyll Island?

Atlanta
Jekyll Island

Atlanta is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Atlanta has many famous sights for visitors. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Jekyll Island is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Mosaic is the history museum on the island. The museum also offers historic tours of the area's sites. The Historic District is a popular place to visit with its well-maintained historic cottages and other structures.


Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Jekyll Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta
Jekyll Island

Atlanta is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Atlanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Jekyll Island offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Many restaurants are casual with low country dishes or fried seafood. You'll find some brunch places as well as cafes and quick dining eateries around town.

Is Atlanta or Jekyll Island Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta
Jekyll Island

Atlanta is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Atlanta has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Jekyll Island. There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Is Atlanta or Jekyll Island Better for Resorts?

Atlanta
Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Atlanta is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Jekyll Island as a resort destination, but it has a few places. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

Atlanta is not a resort destination.


Is Atlanta or Jekyll Island Better for Beaches?

Atlanta
Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a great island for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Jekyll Island. Unspoiled beaches are the biggest draw. Some areas are rocky, but the beaches are peaceful and perfect for walks if you want to get away from the crowds. Much of the island is a state park, so it's undeveloped and pristine.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is Atlanta or Jekyll Island Better for Hiking?

Atlanta
Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a great island for hiking. However, Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Jekyll Island for the hiking trails. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Jekyll Island?

Atlanta
Jekyll Island

Atlanta is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to Atlanta specifically to go shopping. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Jekyll Island is a good destination for shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.


Is Atlanta or Jekyll Island Better for Families?

Atlanta
Jekyll Island

Atlanta and Jekyll Island are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Jekyll Island is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love climbing and playing at Driftwood Beach, which is like a natural playground. Animal lovers will enjoy dolphin cruises or a visit to a turtle hospital. There's also the standard beach activities like minigolf, bike rental, and tram tours.

Is Atlanta or Jekyll Island Better for Couples?

Atlanta
Jekyll Island

Atlanta and Jekyll Island are both nice to visit as a couple.

Atlanta is a good city for couples to visit. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Jekyll Island is a nice destination for couples. There are several basic hotels as well as a few campgrounds. Couples will enjoy the beaches, but the island is small with limited activities and restaurant options. If you love natural scenery then this is a great destination, but there are fewer amenities than there are in many beach areas.

Is Atlanta or Jekyll Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta
Jekyll Island

Atlanta is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Jekyll Island is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few campgrounds in the area as well as some nice beaches.


Is Atlanta or Jekyll Island Better for Students?

Atlanta
Jekyll Island

Atlanta is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Atlanta. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

Is Atlanta or Jekyll Island Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atlanta
Jekyll Island

Atlanta is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.

Is Atlanta or Jekyll Island a more walkable city?

Atlanta
Jekyll Island

Atlanta is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

Jekyll Island is not a walkable city. Resources are spread out, so you really need a car to get around.


For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Jekyll Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jekyll Island or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Jekyll Island?

It's fun to spend time in either Atlanta or Jekyll Island. In our opinion, Atlanta has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Atlanta than Jekyll Island. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Atlanta than Jekyll Island. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Atlanta, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Atlanta than Jekyll Island. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Atlanta that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta than Jekyll Island if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Atlanta.


  • How many days in Atlanta or Jekyll Island? Ideal Length of Stay
    Atlanta 2-4 
    Jekyll Island 2-4

One day in Atlanta or Jekyll Island?

Atlanta is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Jekyll Island, you'll find museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Jekyll Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlanta. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Jekyll Island, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Jekyll Island has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Jekyll Island?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the suburban big city of Atlanta. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Jekyll Island is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Atlanta or Jekyll Island?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Atlanta. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jekyll Island. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Jekyll Island. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


Which place is cheaper, Jekyll Island or Atlanta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Atlanta is $173, while the average daily cost in Jekyll Island is $156. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Atlanta and Jekyll Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atlanta $90
    Jekyll Island $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atlanta $180
    Jekyll Island $176
Compare Hotels in Atlanta and Jekyll Island

Looking for a hotel in Atlanta or Jekyll Island? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Atlanta


Hotels in Jekyll Island


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Atlanta Hotel Prices and Jekyll Island Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atlanta $44
    Jekyll Island $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Atlanta

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Atlanta:


  • MARTA Subway Ticket
    $4.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atlanta

Also for Atlanta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer in executiveprivate vehicle from Atlanta Airport(ATL) -Atlanta Downtown: $53
  • Transfer in Executive Private Minivan from Atlanta Downtown to Atlanta Airport: $67
  • Transfer in Executive Private Minivan from Atlanta Airport to Atlanta Downtown: $67
  • San Jose Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Jose Costa: $35
  • Roundtrip transfer in executive private car from Atlanta Airport to Alpharetta: $144
  • Roundtrip Transfer PrivateExecutive Vehicle Atlanta Airport(ATL)-AtlantaDowntown: $105
  • Private Transfer: H. J. Airport ATL to Atlanta in Business Car: $120
  • Private Transfer: Atlanta to H. J. Airport ATL in Business Car: $120
  • Private Transfer from Atlanta (ATL) Airport to Atlanta City: $95
  • Private Car Transfer From Atlanta Airport to Atlanta Metro Area: $67
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL):Transfer to Atlanta: $282
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL) to Atlanta - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $197

Is it cheaper to fly into Atlanta or Jekyll Island?

Prices for flights to both Jekyll Island and Atlanta change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Atlanta $43
    Jekyll Island $45
Typical Food Prices in Atlanta

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Atlanta:


  • Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
    $15
  • Lunch
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Atlanta

For Atlanta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • City Lights Atlanta Night-Time Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
  • City Lights Night Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
  • 2 Hour Historic Market Food Tour and Hands-On Biscuit Class: $70
  • Historic Market Food Tour and Biscuit Cooking Class: $70
  • Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour: $99
  • Food Tour of Inman Park and the Atlanta Beltline: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Atlanta $56
    Jekyll Island $10

Tours and Activities in Atlanta

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Atlanta.

  • 2-Hour Food, History and Street Art Tour of Ponce City Market: $95
  • 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Historic Atlanta: $69
  • 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Midtown Atlanta: $69
  • 3-Hour Atlanta Beltline Food, Street Art and History Tour : $99
  • 3-Hour Private Atlanta MCU Comics Inspired Film Location Tour: $159
  • 90-Minute Guided Sightseeing Tour by E-Car or MiniBus: $36
  • 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Trolley Tour in Atlanta: $36
  • African-American Heritage&Civil Rights Atlanta Half-Day Tour: $666
  • Art on the Streets: Private Atlanta Public and Street Art Tour: $159
  • Atlanta 5 Hour City Tour by Air-Conditioned Bus: $70
  • Atlanta Beltline Cocktails and Bites Experience: $90
  • Atlanta Braves Baseball Game Ticket at Truist Park: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atlanta $17
    Jekyll Island $6.43

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlanta

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Atlanta:

  • Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl and Cabaret Show: $36
  • ATLANTA Yes, Queen! Drag Queen Pub Crawl : $40
  • Half-Day Wine Tastings in the North Georgia Mountains : $115
  • Full-Day Wine Country Wine Tastings From Atlanta : $120


When comparing the travel costs between Atlanta and Jekyll Island, we can see that Atlanta is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Atlanta Expensive? and Is Jekyll Island Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Atlanta or Jekyll Island?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlanta or Jekyll Island in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Jekyll Island. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Atlanta is around the same temperature as Jekyll Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island this time of the year. In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jekyll Island during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

Jekyll Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Jekyll Island. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Atlanta 82°F (28°C) 
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or Jekyll Island in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Jekyll Island. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Atlanta is cooler than Jekyll Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°C), and Jekyll Island averages at about 70°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jekyll Island. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 214 hours of full sun.

Atlanta usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Jekyll Island. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Atlanta 66°F (19°C) 
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or Jekyll Island in the Winter?

Both Jekyll Island and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Atlanta is generally much colder than Jekyll Island. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Atlanta usually receives less sunshine than Jekyll Island during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Jekyll Island. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Atlanta 45°F (7°C) 
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or Jekyll Island in the Spring?

Both Jekyll Island and Atlanta during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the beaches.

Atlanta is around the same temperature as Jekyll Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the spring, Atlanta often gets less sunshine than Jekyll Island. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 285 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Jekyll Island. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Atlanta 65°F (18°C) 
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Jekyll Island and Atlanta

Atlanta Jekyll Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Feb 49°F (9°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Mar 57°F (14°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Sep 76°F (25°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm)
Oct 66°F (19°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)