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

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Charleston?

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 Charleston 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.

Charleston

Charleston is a picturesque, charming, and southern coastal town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Jekyll Island and Charleston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Charleston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Charleston. Although Jekyll Island and Charleston are popular destinations, Charleston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Charleston is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Jekyll Island attracts visitors for its hiking. Charleston is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is popular for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. It is also well known for The Waterfront Park. Jekyll Island is famous for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Jekyll Island different from Charleston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Charleston 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 Charleston?

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Charleston 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.

Charleston is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. This city is famous for its many historic churches and plantations. The plantations are open to visit and will educate you on the city's past, which is heavily involved in slavery. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.

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

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

Many restaurants in Charleston have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

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 Charleston Better for Nightlife?

Charleston is a coastal 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 Charleston. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Charleston Better for Music?

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for its music scene. However, Jekyll Island is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Charleston. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Jekyll Island is not a live music destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Charleston Better for Resorts?

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

Charleston has a few great resort options. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from. Kiawah Island is particularly kid-friendly if you're looking for a family beach vacation. If you have a bit more money to spend and want something more residential, check out nearby Seabrook Island.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Charleston Better for Beaches?

Both Jekyll Island and Charleston are considered to be high quality beach destinations.

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.

Many people visit Charleston for it's beautiful beaches. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.

Is Jekyll Island or Charleston Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Jekyll Island does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Charleston can be explored in its historical center. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.

Jekyll Island does not have a historic old town.

Is Jekyll Island or Charleston Better for Hiking?

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

Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Charleston?

Charleston is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to Charleston specifically to go shopping. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.

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 Charleston Better for Christmas?

Charleston is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Jekyll Island does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Charleston is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. During the Christmas season there are a number of festivals, light shows, and even a boat parade that everyone can enjoy.

Jekyll Island does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Jekyll Island or Charleston Better for Christmas Markets?

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for visiting Christmas markets. However, Jekyll Island does not offer Christmas markets.

Charleston is a nice place to see Christmas markets. Marion Square hosts Christmas Markets on weekends throughout the holiday season.

Jekyll Island does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Jekyll Island or Charleston Better for Families?

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

Charleston is a family-friendly island. The city has a number of family-friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. There's also an aquarium, a waterfront park, and many kid-friendly museums. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Is Jekyll Island or Charleston Better for Couples?

Charleston is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Charleston is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.

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 Charleston Better for Students?

Charleston is a coastal town with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Charleston. The city is a college town with a young vibe that is perfect for students. There's a nice university area where you'll find cheaper places to eat and a good nightlife scene.

Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

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

Charleston is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.

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 Charleston a more walkable city?

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

Charleston is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have 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 Charleston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Charleston or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Charleston?

Both Jekyll Island and Charleston have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Charleston than in Jekyll Island. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 2-7 days is enough time in Charleston.

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

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

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

One day in Jekyll Island or Charleston?

With museums around the secluded island of Jekyll Island, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the charming destination of Charleston. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Charleston?

With museums around the destination of Jekyll Island, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

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

Jekyll Island, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the charming destination of Charleston. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This coastal 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 Charleston?

Jekyll Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful coastal town of Charleston. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 comparing the travel costs between Jekyll Island and Charleston, we can see that Charleston 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 Jekyll Island Expensive? and Is Charleston Expensive?.

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

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 Charleston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Charleston. 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 Charleston because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charleston. 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 Charleston. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 293 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Charleston. Jekyll Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in July than Charleston. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Charleston in the Autumn?

Both Charleston 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 music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.

In the autumn, Jekyll Island is around the same temperature as Charleston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jekyll Island in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Charleston averages at about 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Charleston during autumn. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charleston. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Charleston in the Winter?

Both Charleston 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 Charleston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Jekyll Island is generally a little warmer than Charleston. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 53°F (12°C), and Charleston fluctuates around 47°F (9°C).

In the winter, Jekyll Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 188 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Charleston. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Charleston in the Spring?

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

Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Charleston in the spring. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Charleston fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charleston 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 Charleston during spring. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charleston. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Charleston and Jekyll Island