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

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Detroit?

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 Detroit 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 relaxing, secluded, and natural island. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and beaches.

Detroit

Detroit is a overlooked , under-rated, and hardworking city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Jekyll Island and Detroit: 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
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Detroit?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Detroit. Although Jekyll Island and Detroit are both popular with visitors, Detroit has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Detroit is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Jekyll Island is known for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Jekyll Island is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. Detroit is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also home to the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Jekyll Island different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jekyll Island
Detroit

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Detroit 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.

Detroit is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.


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

Jekyll Island
Detroit

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

Detroit is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

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 Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Detroit

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

Detroit has a large number of nightlife venues. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Detroit Better for Music?

Jekyll Island
Detroit

Detroit is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Jekyll Island is not a live music destination.

Detroit has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Jekyll Island is not a live music destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Detroit Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Detroit

Jekyll Island is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Jekyll Island offers a few options. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Detroit Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Detroit

Jekyll Island is a very popular place for the beache. However, Detroit is not a beach destination.

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.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Detroit Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Detroit

Jekyll Island is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Detroit?

Jekyll Island
Detroit

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

Detroit has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

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 Detroit Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Detroit

Jekyll Island is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Jekyll Island is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Jekyll Island or Detroit Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Detroit

Jekyll Island is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Jekyll Island makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.


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

Jekyll Island
Detroit

Detroit 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 Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

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 Detroit a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Detroit

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

Detroit is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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 Detroit Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Detroit?

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

Families should spend more time in Jekyll Island than Detroit. 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 Detroit. 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 Detroit 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 Detroit.


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

One day in Jekyll Island or Detroit?

In Jekyll Island, you'll find museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the under-rated destination of Detroit. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Detroit?

In Jekyll Island, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Jekyll Island has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Detroit. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Detroit?

Jekyll Island is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the under-rated destination of Detroit. 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 Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jekyll Island. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Jekyll Island. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Detroit. 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, Detroit 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 Detroit is $133. 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 Detroit in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Detroit $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Detroit $128
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Detroit

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island or Detroit? 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 Detroit


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 Detroit Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Detroit $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

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

  • Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $142
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $142
  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $94
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $94
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $130
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Detroit?

Prices for flights to both Detroit 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
    Detroit $44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Detroit

For Detroit, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Fresh Mediterranean Inspired Cooking Class in a Unique Detroit Home: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Detroit $21

Tours and Activities in Detroit

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

  • Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
  • Detroit Tigers Baseball Game Ticket at Comerica Park: $9.31
  • Architectural Beauty and Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $115
  • Ghosts and Spirits Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Segway Tour Strait to the Point: $99
  • Spirit and History Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.50
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Ann Arbor with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan Admission Ticket: $26
  • Motor City Ghosts Tour: $33
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Ann Arbor, MI: $15
  • SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jekyll Island and Detroit, we can see that Jekyll Island is more expensive. And not only is Detroit much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Detroit would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Detroit 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 Detroit.

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 Detroit Expensive?.



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

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 Detroit in the Summer?

Both Detroit and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Detroit because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Jekyll Island is generally a little warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 82°F (28°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Detroit. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually receives less sunshine than Detroit during summer. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Jekyll Island. In July, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Detroit. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Detroit 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Detroit in the Autumn?

Both Detroit and Jekyll Island during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

Jekyll Island is much warmer than Detroit in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Jekyll Island. In the autumn, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in October than Detroit. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Detroit 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Detroit in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Detroit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Detroit for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Detroit. In the winter, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jekyll Island in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Detroit averages at about 25°F (-4°C).

Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during winter. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Detroit. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Detroit in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Detroit. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Detroit in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Detroit. 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 Detroit. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in April than Detroit. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Detroit 49°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Detroit and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Detroit
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)