A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Aspen for Food, Resorts, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Aspen?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Jekyll Island and Aspen can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a secluded, natural, and relaxing island. Other popular activities here include museums, beaches, and hiking.

Aspen

Aspen is a outdoorsy, authentic, and charming ski town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Jekyll Island and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Aspen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aspen. Although Jekyll Island and Aspen are popular destinations, Aspen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aspen is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Jekyll Island attracts visitors for its museums and beaches. Aspen is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is popular for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also well known for The Maroon Bells. Jekyll Island is famous for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Jekyll Island different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Jekyll Island or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is a must-visit destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Jekyll Island is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Aspen. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Jekyll Island is not a skiing destination.

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

Jekyll Island is a island with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Jekyll Island. 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.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Aspen is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Aspen have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

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 Jekyll Island or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

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

Aspen has a large number of nightlife venues. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Jekyll Island is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Aspen while you're in town. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Jekyll Island is not a live music destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Aspen Better for Resorts?

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

In Aspen, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Aspen Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Jekyll Island attract visitors from all over. 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.

Aspen is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Both Jekyll Island and Aspen are destinations which offer great hiking.

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Aspen?

Aspen is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

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 Jekyll Island or Aspen Better for Christmas?

Aspen is a must-visit destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Jekyll Island does not offer Christmas activities.

Aspen offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Jekyll Island does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Jekyll Island or Aspen Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is a very popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Jekyll Island does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people head to Aspen to see its Christmas markets. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Jekyll Island does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Jekyll Island or Aspen Better for Families?

Jekyll Island is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Jekyll Island is known to be 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.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Jekyll Island or Aspen Better for Couples?

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

Aspen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

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

Aspen is a ski town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Aspen has some public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the 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 Jekyll Island or Aspen a more walkable city?

Aspen is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Aspen is a very walkable destination. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Aspen?

In either Jekyll Island or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than Jekyll Island because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

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

One day in Jekyll Island or Aspen?

In Jekyll Island, many people enjoy the museums that this secluded destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Aspen is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

A weekend in Jekyll Island or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jekyll Island. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aspen. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Five days in Jekyll Island or Aspen?

Jekyll Island is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Jekyll Island. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This ski town 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.

A week in Jekyll Island or Aspen?

You'll find museums around the relaxing destination of Jekyll Island. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aspen is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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