A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Beaufort for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Beaufort?

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 Beaufort 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.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a historic, character-filled, and southern town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Jekyll Island and Beaufort: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Beaufort?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beaufort than Jekyll Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beaufort is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Jekyll Island is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. Beaufort is well known for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. Also, Beaufort is famous for Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

How is Jekyll Island different from Beaufort?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Jekyll Island
Beaufort

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Beaufort and Jekyll Island.

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.

Beaufort is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.


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

Jekyll Island
Beaufort

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

Beaufort has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

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 Beaufort Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Beaufort

Beaufort is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Beaufort. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Beaufort Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Beaufort

Jekyll Island is a moderate island for its resorts. However, Beaufort is not a resort destination.

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

Beaufort is not a resort destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Beaufort Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Beaufort

Jekyll Island is notable for its beaches. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beache.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Jekyll Island. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Beaufort. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

Is Jekyll Island or Beaufort Better for its Old Town?

Jekyll Island
Beaufort

Beaufort is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Jekyll Island does not have a historic old town.

Beaufort is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

Jekyll Island does not have a historic old town.

Is Jekyll Island or Beaufort Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Beaufort

Jekyll Island is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Beaufort 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.

Beaufort is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Beaufort?

Jekyll Island
Beaufort

Beaufort is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Beaufort has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

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 Beaufort Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Beaufort

Jekyll Island is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town 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.

Beaufort is not always a place people visit with their families. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.

Is Jekyll Island or Beaufort Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Beaufort

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

Beaufort makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

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 Beaufort Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Jekyll Island
Beaufort

Neither Jekyll Island or Beaufort offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Is Jekyll Island or Beaufort a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Beaufort

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

Beaufort is a very walkable destination. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

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 Beaufort Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaufort or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Beaufort?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jekyll Island and Beaufort. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Jekyll Island than in Beaufort. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 1-3 days is enough time in Beaufort.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jekyll Island than Beaufort 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 Jekyll Island.


  • How many days in Jekyll Island or Beaufort? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Beaufort 1-3

One day in Jekyll Island or Beaufort?

The island of Jekyll Island offers museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Even though Beaufort is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A weekend in Jekyll Island or Beaufort?

Jekyll Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Jekyll Island, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaufort. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Beaufort?

Jekyll Island is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Beaufort is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Beaufort?

Jekyll Island is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Beaufort is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Beaufort 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 Beaufort is $131. 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 Beaufort in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Beaufort $100
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Beaufort $200
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Beaufort

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island or Beaufort? 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 Beaufort


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 Beaufort Hotel Prices.

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Beaufort?

Prices for flights to both Beaufort 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
    Beaufort $31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Beaufort -

Tours and Activities in Beaufort

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Beaufort are as follows:

  • Beaufort Tipsy Tour: $55
  • Gullah Heritage Tour: $49
  • Historic City Tour by Bus: $29
  • Local History and Film Sites Tour by golf cart: $32
  • Pat Conroy's Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Beaufort -


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

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 Beaufort Expensive?.



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

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 Jekyll Island or Beaufort in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Beaufort. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jekyll Island is around the same temperature as Beaufort. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jekyll Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Beaufort averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island this time of the year. In the summer, Jekyll Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beaufort. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 267 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Beaufort. Jekyll Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in July than Beaufort. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Beaufort 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Beaufort in the Autumn?

Both Beaufort and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year.

In October, Jekyll Island is generally around the same temperature as Beaufort. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 70°F (21°C), and Beaufort fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Beaufort. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beaufort during autumn. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Beaufort. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Beaufort 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Beaufort in the Winter?

Both Beaufort and Jekyll Island during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Beaufort for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Beaufort in the winter. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Beaufort fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Beaufort. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 176 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in January than Beaufort. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Beaufort 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Beaufort in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Beaufort. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Beaufort in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Jekyll Island is around the same temperature as Beaufort. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jekyll Island in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Beaufort averages at about 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaufort this time of the year. In Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beaufort during spring. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Beaufort. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Beaufort 67°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Beaufort and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Beaufort
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)