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

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Columbus?

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 Columbus 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums.

Columbus

Columbus is a friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Jekyll Island and Columbus: 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 nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Columbus?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jekyll Island than Columbus, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jekyll Island is better known for its resorts, beaches, and hiking, while Columbus is more popular for its nightlife and shopping. Jekyll Island is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. Also, Jekyll Island is famous for Driftwood Beach. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Jekyll Island different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jekyll Island
Columbus

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Columbus 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.

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.


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

Jekyll Island
Columbus

Both Jekyll Island and Columbus offer a number of respectable restaurants to choose from.

Jekyll Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Columbus offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Jekyll Island or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Columbus

Columbus is a city 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 Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Columbus Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Columbus

Jekyll Island is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a resort destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Columbus Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Columbus

Jekyll Island is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Columbus is not a beach destination.

Jekyll Island is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Columbus Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Columbus

Jekyll Island is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Columbus is not a hiking destination.

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.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Columbus?

Jekyll Island
Columbus

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

Columbus has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

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 Columbus Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Columbus

Both Jekyll Island and Columbus are excellent to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Jekyll Island. 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.

Columbus is a very family-friendly place to visit. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Is Jekyll Island or Columbus Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Columbus

Jekyll Island is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

Jekyll Island
Columbus

Columbus 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 Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

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 Columbus a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Columbus

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

Columbus is a somewhat walkable city. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need 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 Columbus Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbus or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Jekyll Island or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Jekyll Island than Columbus because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbus.

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

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


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

One day in Jekyll Island or Columbus?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the friendly destination of Columbus. 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 Columbus?

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 Columbus. 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 Columbus?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Columbus. This city 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 Columbus?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Columbus. 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, Columbus 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 Columbus is $158. 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 Columbus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Columbus $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Columbus $144
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Columbus

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island or Columbus? 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 Columbus


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 Columbus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Columbus $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus

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

  • Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Columbus?

Prices for flights to both Columbus 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
    Columbus $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Columbus $46

Tours and Activities in Columbus

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

  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $21
  • 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative: $41
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $28
  • Trolley Pub Holiday Lights Tour in Columbus: $45
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus by Crazy Dash: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Columbus $20


When comparing the travel costs between Jekyll Island and Columbus, we can see that Columbus 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 Columbus Expensive?.



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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Columbus in the Summer?

Both Columbus and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Columbus in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Columbus. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jekyll Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Columbus averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbus. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during summer. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbus. It's quite rainy in Jekyll Island. In July, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Columbus. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Columbus 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Columbus in the Autumn?

Both Columbus and Jekyll Island during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Columbus for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 70°F (21°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Jekyll Island. In the autumn, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in October than Columbus. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Columbus 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Columbus in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Columbus. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Columbus because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Columbus can be very cold. Jekyll Island is much warmer than Columbus in the winter. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during winter. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Columbus. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Columbus in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Columbus. The spring months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the beaches.

In the spring, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jekyll Island in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Columbus averages at about 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island this time of the year. In the spring, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in April than Columbus. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Columbus 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Columbus and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Columbus
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)