A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jacksonville vs. Hilton Head Island for Families, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Jacksonville or Hilton Head 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 Jacksonville and Hilton Head 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a vibrant, under-rated, and lively city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a family-friendly, relaxing, and peaceful coastal town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Jacksonville and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville. Although Jacksonville and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations, Jacksonville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jacksonville is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Hilton Head Island attracts visitors for its resorts and impressive beauty. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also well known for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Hilton Head Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island?

Jacksonville is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Jacksonville specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Jacksonville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

Hilton Head Island offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Is Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Jacksonville has a large number of nightlife venues. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Hilton Head Island to choose from. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Is Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville and Hilton Head Island both offer high quality beaches.

Many people visit Jacksonville for it's beautiful beaches. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Hilton Head Island is considered a top beach destination. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island?

Jacksonville is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for shopping. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Hilton Head Island is very family-friendly. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

Jacksonville and Hilton Head Island both nice destinations for a couple.

Jacksonville is a good city for couples to visit. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Jacksonville is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island Better for Students?

Jacksonville is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

Is Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Jacksonville is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Jacksonville has some public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Jacksonville is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

For even more information, also check out Is Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island?

Both Jacksonville and Hilton Head Island have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Jacksonville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 5-7 days is enough time in Hilton Head Island.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than Hilton Head 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 Jacksonville.

One day in Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the lively destination of Jacksonville. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this relaxing coastal town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island?

Jacksonville is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively city of Jacksonville. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Jacksonville has to offer.

Hilton Head Island is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Jacksonville. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this resort-filled destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island?

Jacksonville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Hilton Head Island is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Jacksonville and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island 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 Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Hilton Head Island Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Hilton Head Island, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Jacksonville or Hilton Head 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 Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

Both Hilton Head Island and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. It's quite rainy in Jacksonville. In July, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

Both Hilton Head Island and Jacksonville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hilton Head Island. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Hilton Head Island. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Jacksonville is generally a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Hilton Head Island during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Hilton Head Island. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Hilton Head Island. The spring months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hilton Head Island. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Jacksonville