A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jacksonville vs. South Lake Tahoe for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe?

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 South Lake Tahoe. 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 under-rated, lively, and youthful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a idyllic, scenic, and breathtaking town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Jacksonville and South Lake Tahoe: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jacksonville. Although Jacksonville and South Lake Tahoe are both popular with visitors, Jacksonville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Jacksonville is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while South Lake Tahoe is known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. South Lake Tahoe is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its casino resorts, ski resorts, and beautiful setting. Jacksonville is popular for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also home to Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from South Lake Tahoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe Better for Skiing?

Jacksonville
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Jacksonville is not a skiing destination.

South Lake Tahoe draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There are three ski resorts in the area. Heavenly Mountain Resort is the largest, but if you're looking for something smaller, head to Kirkwood, which is tucked away and less well known. There's also Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, which is popular with groups and families because it caters to a range of skill levels.

Jacksonville is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe?

Jacksonville
South Lake Tahoe

Jacksonville is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, South Lake Tahoe is not a good town for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Jacksonville can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

While most people don't head to South Lake Tahoe specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time exploring the area's nature, but you can also stop by Tallac Historic Site or the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum.

Is the Food Better in Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville
South Lake Tahoe

Jacksonville is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, South Lake Tahoe is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Jacksonville. 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.

South Lake Tahoe is becoming an appealing option for foodies. While most resorts have their own restaurants, there are a number of options around town that specialize in "alpine comfort cuisine", which is worth sampling. You'll also find plenty of cafes that serve up a hearty breakfast - the perfect way to start an active day.

Is Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

South Lake Tahoe is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The resort town has plenty of nightclubs, bars, and music venues. There are outdoor options when the weather is warm as well as indoor settings for cooler weather. You'll also find casinos and live shows.

The people in Jacksonville know how to have a good time. 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.


Is Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe Better for Resorts?

Jacksonville
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in South Lake Tahoe to choose from. It's a resort town, so there are plenty of options to choose from, many with pools, spas, or casinos.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Is Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville
South Lake Tahoe

Jacksonville is a well-known place for the beache. However, South Lake Tahoe is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Jacksonville. 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.

South Lake Tahoe is not a beach destination.

Is Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe Better for Hiking?

Jacksonville
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

South Lake Tahoe is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are miles of beautiful hikes in the area that follow the lake's shore or explore the diverse terrain. Skyline Trail Hike is a favorite. It is accessible by lift and offers spectacular views. For a relaxing stroll check out Fallen Leaf Lake Hike.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe?

Jacksonville
South Lake Tahoe

Jacksonville is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, South Lake Tahoe is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

Jacksonville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

South Lake Tahoe has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most of the shopping involves retailers selling ski gear or outdoor equipment. There are also clothing shops, gift stores, and some art galleries.

Is Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe Better for Families?

Jacksonville
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe 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, South Lake Tahoe is very family-friendly. Kids will love the outdoor adventures that the area is filled with. There are gondolas, lakefront beaches, adventure parks, and tubing. There are also miles of hiking trails and a beautiful setting that even the young ones will appreciate.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Couples?

Jacksonville
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is renowned for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

South Lake Tahoe is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's beautiful setting and wide variety of adventurous activities make this the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. The lake has hidden coves and nearby hiking trails. There are also hot springs, gondolas, and carriage rides. You can go hiking when the weather is warm or skiing when the weather is cold.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. 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.


Is Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville
South Lake Tahoe

Jacksonville and South Lake Tahoe are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Jacksonville. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit South Lake Tahoe. There are a couple of hostels in the area and the skiing and hiking attracts the backpacker crowd.

Is Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe Better for Students?

Jacksonville
South Lake Tahoe

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for students. However, South Lake Tahoe is not popular with students.

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

South Lake Tahoe is not popular with students.

Is Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Jacksonville
South Lake Tahoe

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, South Lake Tahoe is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in South Lake Tahoe. While there are some shuttles and buses, if you really want to explore the area, you'll need your own car.


Is Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe a more walkable city?

Jacksonville
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

South Lake Tahoe is a very walkable destination. Once you get to town, the area is very walkable.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is South Lake Tahoe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in South Lake Tahoe or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe?

In either Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in South Lake Tahoe than Jacksonville because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 3-5 days is enough time in South Lake Tahoe.

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

Couples should spend more time in South Lake Tahoe than Jacksonville. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in South Lake Tahoe that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than South Lake Tahoe 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.


  • How many days in Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jacksonville 2-3 
    South Lake Tahoe 3-5

One day in Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe?

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Jacksonville. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In South Lake Tahoe, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this idyllic town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 South Lake Tahoe?

You'll find shopping and museums around the youthful city of Jacksonville. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe?

Jacksonville is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

In South Lake Tahoe, many people enjoy the shopping and skiing that this breathtaking destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 South Lake Tahoe?

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

South Lake Tahoe is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. 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.


Which place is cheaper, South Lake Tahoe or Jacksonville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $220, while the average daily cost in South Lake Tahoe is $118. 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 Jacksonville and South Lake Tahoe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jacksonville $92
    South Lake Tahoe $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jacksonville $184
    South Lake Tahoe $108
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and South Lake Tahoe

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe? 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 Jacksonville


Hotels in South Lake Tahoe


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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices and South Lake Tahoe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jacksonville $53
    South Lake Tahoe $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

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

  • Carnival Cruise Port to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $123
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Place/ St. Johns Town Center: $164
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
  • Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $336

Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe?

Prices for flights to both South Lake Tahoe and Jacksonville 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
    Jacksonville $96
    South Lake Tahoe $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville

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

  • 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $18

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jacksonville $20
    South Lake Tahoe $56

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
  • Murray Hill Walking Mural Tour: $25
  • Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $41
  • Self-Guided Kayaking: Real Florida Adventure: $45
  • Self Guided Family Friendly Kayak Rental Experience Old Florida : $48
  • Eight Flags Road Tour: $50
  • Electric Bike Tour with Free Application for Navigation: $50
  • Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure: $55
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60

Tours and Activities in South Lake Tahoe

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for South Lake Tahoe are as follows:

  • 2 Hour Sailing Cruise on Lake Tahoe: $140
  • Clear Kayak Paddle Tour at Sand Harbor: $150
  • Clear Kayak Tour of Lake Tahoe: $165
  • Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Audio Tour From Tahoe City to Incline Village: $9.99
  • Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour From Incline Village to South Lake Tahoe: $12
  • Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoe City: $12
  • Electric Dirtbike Adventure in Lake Tahoe: $200
  • Emerald Bay Helicopter Tour of Lake Tahoe: $110
  • Emerald Bay Private Luxury Boat Tours: $750
  • Full-Day Lake Tahoe Circle Tour including Squaw Valley: $80
  • Guided Tour of Historic Virginia City and Carson City from South Lake Tahoe: $70
  • Introductory Snowshoe Shared Experience: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $20
    South Lake Tahoe $34

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

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

  • Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135

Sample the Local Flavors in South Lake Tahoe

Also in South Lake Tahoe, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Sunset Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jacksonville and South Lake Tahoe, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. And not only is South Lake Tahoe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to South Lake Tahoe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in South Lake Tahoe 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 Jacksonville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jacksonville than you might in South Lake Tahoe.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jacksonville Expensive? and Is South Lake Tahoe Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or South Lake Tahoe?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of South Lake Tahoe. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and South Lake Tahoe, 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.