A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Jekyll Island for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Clearwater or Jekyll Island?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Clearwater and Jekyll Island. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a natural, relaxing, and secluded island. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and museums.

Clearwater and Jekyll Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Jekyll Island?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Clearwater than Jekyll Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Clearwater is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Jekyll Island is more popular for its hiking. Clearwater is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Also, Clearwater is famous for Clearwater Beach. Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Clearwater different from Jekyll Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Clearwater is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Clearwater. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

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 Clearwater or Jekyll Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Clearwater has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

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 Clearwater or Jekyll Island Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater is a coastal city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

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

Is Clearwater or Jekyll Island Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its resorts.

In Clearwater, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.

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

Is Clearwater or Jekyll Island Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a coastal city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Jekyll Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Clearwater. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.

Jekyll Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Jekyll Island Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Clearwater is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.

Many people visit Jekyll Island for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Is Clearwater or Jekyll Island Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Jekyll Island is a popular spot for hiking. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Jekyll Island?

Clearwater is a coastal city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Clearwater has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.

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 Clearwater or Jekyll Island Better for Families?

Both Clearwater and Jekyll Island are very good family-friendly destinations.

Clearwater is a very family-friendly place to visit. Check out the playground and activities around Pier 60. Less crowded and family-friendly Sand Key Park is another favorite spot and the playgrounds at New Coachman Park and Crest Lake Park are also fun. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another popular attraction for visitors with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Jekyll Island is very family-friendly. 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 Clearwater or Jekyll Island Better for Couples?

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

Clearwater makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are beautiful parks and beaches as well as romantic activities like sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. Couples will also enjoy dining on local seafood and shopping at the local venues.

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

Clearwater 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 Clearwater. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through 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 Clearwater or Jekyll Island a more walkable city?

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

Clearwater is a somewhat walkable coastal city. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Jekyll Island or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Jekyll Island?

It's fun to spend time in either Clearwater or Jekyll Island. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Clearwater due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 2-4 days is enough time in Jekyll Island.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Clearwater 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 Clearwater.

One day in Clearwater or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Clearwater. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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.

With museums around the secluded island of Jekyll Island, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Clearwater or Jekyll Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Clearwater. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums around the destination of Jekyll Island, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Clearwater or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Clearwater. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Jekyll Island, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Clearwater or Jekyll Island?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal city of Clearwater. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Jekyll Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Jekyll Island, we can see that Clearwater 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater 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 Clearwater Expensive? and Is Jekyll Island Expensive?.

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Clearwater or Jekyll Island in the Summer?

Both Jekyll Island and Clearwater during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Clearwater is generally around the same temperature as Jekyll Island. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 82°F (28°C), and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the summer, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Jekyll Island. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 286 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Jekyll Island. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Jekyll Island in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Jekyll Island. The autumn months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year.

Clearwater is a little warmer than Jekyll Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Jekyll Island during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Jekyll Island. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Should I visit Clearwater or Jekyll Island in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Jekyll Island. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Clearwater is a little warmer than Jekyll Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Clearwater in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Jekyll Island averages at about 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the winter, Clearwater often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jekyll Island. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 191 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in January than Jekyll Island. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Jekyll Island in the Spring?

Both Jekyll Island and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Clearwater is generally around the same temperature as Jekyll Island. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 71°F (22°C), and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Jekyll Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jekyll Island during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Jekyll Island. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Typical Weather for Jekyll Island and Clearwater