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

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Avon?

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 Avon 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 natural, relaxing, and secluded island. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and museums.

Avon

Avon is a active, outdoorsy, and scenic town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Jekyll Island and Avon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Avon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Avon than Jekyll Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Avon is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, and resorts, while Jekyll Island is more popular for its museums, beaches, and hiking. Avon is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is popular for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort. Also, Avon is famous for Avon Recreation Center. Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Jekyll Island different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Jekyll Island or Avon Better for Skiing?

Jekyll Island
Avon

Avon is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Jekyll Island is not a skiing destination.

Avon draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Jekyll Island is not a skiing destination.


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

Jekyll Island
Avon

Jekyll Island is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

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

Jekyll Island
Avon

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

Avon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

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 Avon Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Avon

Avon is a town 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 Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.

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


Is Jekyll Island or Avon Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Avon

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

Avon has a few great resort options. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Avon Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Avon

Jekyll Island is notable for its beaches. However, Avon is not a beach destination.

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.

Avon is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Avon Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Avon

Jekyll Island is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Avon is a good destination for hiking. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.


Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Avon?

Jekyll Island
Avon

Shoppers can find a variety of respectable stores in both Jekyll Island and Avon.

Jekyll Island has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.

Avon is a good destination for shopping. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.

Is Jekyll Island or Avon Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Avon

Jekyll Island is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Avon is a family-friendly island. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Is Jekyll Island or Avon Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Avon

Both Jekyll Island and Avon are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Jekyll Island is a good island for couples to visit. 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.

Avon is a nice destination for couples. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.


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

Jekyll Island
Avon

Avon is a 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.

Avon has some public transit options. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

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 Avon a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Avon

Avon is a town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Avon is a somewhat walkable town. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

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 Avon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avon or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Avon?

It's fun to spend time in either Jekyll Island or Avon. In our opinion, Avon has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Avon than Jekyll Island. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Jekyll Island or Avon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Avon 2-4

One day in Jekyll Island or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Jekyll Island. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the active destination of Avon. 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 Avon?

Jekyll Island is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avon. 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.

Five days in Jekyll Island or Avon?

You'll find museums around the relaxing destination of Jekyll Island. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Avon. 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.

A week in Jekyll Island or Avon?

The relaxing island of Jekyll Island offers museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find food and skiing around the town of Avon. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Avon or Jekyll Island?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jekyll Island is $156, while the average daily cost in Avon is $277. 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 Jekyll Island and Avon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Avon $177
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Avon $354
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Avon

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island or Avon? 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 Jekyll Island


Hotels in Avon


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: Jekyll Island Hotel Prices and Avon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Avon $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Avon?

Prices for flights to both Avon and Jekyll Island 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
    Jekyll Island $45
    Avon $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Avon $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Avon $38


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