A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Hood River for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Hood River?

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 Hood River 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.

Hood River

Hood River is a agricultural, quaint, and scenic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Jekyll Island and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Hood River?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hood River. Although Jekyll Island and Hood River are both popular with visitors, Hood River has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hood River is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Jekyll Island is known for its museums, resorts, and beaches. Hood River is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is known for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. It is also home to Multnomah Falls. Jekyll Island is popular for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Jekyll Island different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Jekyll Island or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Hood River is a town with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Jekyll Island is not a skiing destination.

Head to Hood River for some great skiing and other winter activities. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Jekyll Island is not a skiing destination.

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

Jekyll Island is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Jekyll Island offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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

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

Hood River has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

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 Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Hood River is a 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 Hood River. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Hood River Better for Resorts?

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

Hood River is not a resort destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Hood River Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island is a very popular place for the beache. However, Hood River 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.

Hood River is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Both Jekyll Island and Hood River are destinations which offer excellent 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 Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Hood River?

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

Hood River has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

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 Hood River Better for Families?

Both Jekyll Island and Hood River 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.

Hood River is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

Is Jekyll Island or Hood River Better for Couples?

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

Hood River makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

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 Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hood River is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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

Hood River 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 Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region 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 Hood River a more walkable city?

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

Hood River is generally not a very walkable town. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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 Hood River Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Hood River?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River 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 Hood River.

One day in Jekyll Island or Hood River?

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 food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Hood River. 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 Hood River?

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 Hood River. 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 Hood River?

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.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the scenic destination of Hood River. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Hood River?

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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful town of Hood River. 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 Hood River, 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 Hood River Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Jekyll Island or Hood River?

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 Hood River in the Summer?

Both Hood River 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 Hood River in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Jekyll Island is generally a little warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 82°F (28°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Hood River. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually receives less sunshine than Hood River during summer. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Jekyll Island. In July, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Hood River. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Hood River in the Autumn?

Both Hood River 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 Hood River for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Jekyll Island is much warmer than Hood River in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Jekyll Island. In the autumn, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in October than Hood River. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Hood River in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Hood River. 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 Hood River because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hood River can be very cold. In the winter, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jekyll Island in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Hood River averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during winter. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hood River receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Hood River. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Hood River in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Hood River. The spring months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the beaches. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Hood River this time of year.

In April, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hood River. 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 Hood River. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in April than Hood River. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hood River and Jekyll Island