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

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Durango?

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 Durango 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.

Durango

Durango is a scenic, nature-filled, and historic small town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. 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 hiking and museums.

Jekyll Island and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Durango?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Durango than Jekyll Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Durango is better known for its skiing, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Jekyll Island is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. Durango is well known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities. Also, Durango is famous for The Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad.

How is Jekyll Island different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Jekyll Island or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Jekyll Island is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Durango for snow skiing. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Jekyll Island is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Durango is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

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

Both Jekyll Island and Durango 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.

Durango offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Jekyll Island or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Neither Jekyll Island or Durango offer decent nightlife.

Jekyll Island doesn't offer many options. There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Jekyll Island or Durango Better for Resorts?

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

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Durango Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Durango 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.

Durango is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a small town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Jekyll Island does not have a historic old town.

Durango has an old town worth visiting. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Jekyll Island does not have a historic old town.

Is Jekyll Island or Durango Better for Hiking?

Both Jekyll Island and Durango are destinations which offer very good hiking.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Durango. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Durango?

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

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.

Durango is a good destination for shopping. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Jekyll Island or Durango Better for Christmas?

Durango is a small town with good options for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Jekyll Island does not offer Christmas activities.

Durango worth visiting during the Christmas season. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

Jekyll Island does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Jekyll Island or Durango Better for Families?

Both Jekyll Island and Durango are very good 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.

Durango is a very family-friendly place to visit. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Jekyll Island or Durango Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island is a good destination for romance. However, Durango 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 Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Jekyll Island or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durango is a small town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Durango is a good small town to visit for backpackers. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

Jekyll Island is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few campgrounds in the area as well as some nice beaches.

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

Neither Jekyll Island or Durango 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 Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Jekyll Island or Durango a more walkable city?

Durango is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Durango is generally not a very walkable small town. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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 Durango Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durango or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Durango?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Jekyll Island than Durango. 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 Durango 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 Durango.

One day in Jekyll Island or Durango?

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.

Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Durango?

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 Durango. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Durango?

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.

Durango is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This small 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 Durango?

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.

Durango is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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. 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 Durango, we can see that Jekyll Island 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 Durango Expensive?.