A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Canaveral vs. Jekyll Island for Attractions, Families, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral 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.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a wonder-filled, unique, and iconic town. It's also popular because of the beaches, 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.

Cape Canaveral and Jekyll Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cape Canaveral. Although Cape Canaveral and Jekyll Island are popular destinations, Cape Canaveral has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cape Canaveral is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Jekyll Island attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Cape Canaveral is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is known for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. It is also well known for The Kennedy Space Center. Jekyll Island is famous for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Jekyll Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cape Canaveral 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, Cape Canaveral has many famous sights for visitors. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

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 Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Canaveral is a town with good options for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Cape Canaveral is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

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 Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cape Canaveral. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

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

Is Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral is a town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Cape Canaveral has a few great resort options. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.

Jekyll Island has a few resort options worth checking out. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

Is Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island is a great island for the beach. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cape Canaveral. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Is Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island is a great island for hiking. However, Cape Canaveral 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.

Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island?

Cape Canaveral is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Cape Canaveral has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.

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 Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cape Canaveral is an extremely popular town to visit for families. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

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 Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral is a very popular place for couples. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cape Canaveral makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

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

Neither Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.

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

Is Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island a more walkable city?

Neither Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island are walkable places.

Cape Canaveral is not a very walkable town. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Jekyll Island or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island?

It's fun to spend time in either Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Jekyll Island due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 2-4 days is enough time in Jekyll Island.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral.

One day in Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the iconic destination of Cape Canaveral. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Jekyll Island, you'll find museums. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Canaveral. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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.

Jekyll Island is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the unique destination of Cape Canaveral. This town 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jekyll Island. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island?

You'll find museums and food around the town of Cape Canaveral. 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the island of Jekyll Island. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Canaveral and Jekyll Island, we can see that Cape Canaveral is more expensive. And not only is Jekyll Island much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jekyll Island would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jekyll Island and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cape Canaveral would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Canaveral than you might in Jekyll Island.

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

When is the best time to visit Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island in the Summer?

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

Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Jekyll Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Jekyll Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cape Canaveral gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Jekyll Island. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Jekyll Island. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than Jekyll Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Canaveral in October average around 74°F (24°C), and Jekyll Island averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Cape Canaveral receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in October than Jekyll Island. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island in the Winter?

Both Jekyll Island and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral 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, Cape Canaveral is generally a little warmer than Jekyll Island. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 60°F (15°C), and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives less rain than Jekyll Island. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Jekyll Island in the Spring?

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

Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Jekyll Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Jekyll Island. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral.

Typical Weather for Jekyll Island and Cape Canaveral