A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Kennebunkport for Food, Resorts, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Kennebunkport?

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 Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a character-filled, charming, and quaint town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Jekyll Island and Kennebunkport: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Kennebunkport?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kennebunkport than Jekyll Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kennebunkport is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Jekyll Island is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Kennebunkport is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is known for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. Also, Kennebunkport is famous for Dock Square. Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Jekyll Island different from Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jekyll Island
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.


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

Jekyll Island
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or oysters.

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 Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its resorts.

In Kennebunkport, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

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


Is Jekyll Island or Kennebunkport Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Kennebunkport

Jekyll Island is great for its beaches. However, Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport is not a beach destination. It's lined with rocky and sandy coastlines that are perfect for finding critters at low tide or searching for seashells. Mother's Beach is popular with families and Gooch's Beach is a popular place for walking. Middle Beach is a great spot for climbing over rocks.

Is Jekyll Island or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Kennebunkport

Jekyll Island is great for hiking. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Jekyll Island for the hiking trails. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kennebunkport. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Kennebunkport?

Jekyll Island
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Kennebunkport. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

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 Kennebunkport Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Kennebunkport

Both Jekyll Island and Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport is a very family-friendly place to visit. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

Is Jekyll Island or Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

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

Jekyll Island
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

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 Kennebunkport a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport is a somewhat walkable town. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

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 Kennebunkport Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kennebunkport or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Kennebunkport?

It's fun to spend time in either Jekyll Island or Kennebunkport. In our opinion, Kennebunkport has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kennebunkport than Jekyll Island. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


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

One day in Jekyll Island or Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the natural destination of Jekyll Island. 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.

Even though Kennebunkport is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Kennebunkport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jekyll Island. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kennebunkport. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Kennebunkport?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the secluded destination of Jekyll Island. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This island 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.

Kennebunkport is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Kennebunkport?

You'll find museums around the island of Jekyll Island. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Kennebunkport is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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, Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport is $220. 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 Kennebunkport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Kennebunkport $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Kennebunkport $248
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Kennebunkport

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island or Kennebunkport? 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 Kennebunkport


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 Kennebunkport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Kennebunkport $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Kennebunkport?

Prices for flights to both Kennebunkport 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
    Kennebunkport $67

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

Tours and Activities in Kennebunkport

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kennebunkport.

  • 90 Minutes Ghost Walking Tour in Kennebunkport: $30
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $50
  • A Tasty Lunchtime Walking Tour: $140
  • Ghost Tour with Folklore, Gossip & Scandals: $29
  • Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $27
  • Historic District Walking Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Kennebunkport $31


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jekyll Island and Kennebunkport, we can see that Kennebunkport is more expensive. And not only is Jekyll Island much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jekyll Island would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jekyll Island 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 Kennebunkport would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kennebunkport than you might in Jekyll Island.

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 Kennebunkport Expensive?.



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

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 Kennebunkport in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Kennebunkport. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jekyll Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 69°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport during summer. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

Jekyll Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Kennebunkport. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Kennebunkport 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Kennebunkport in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Kennebunkport. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Kennebunkport for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Kennebunkport. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 70°F (21°C), and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island this time of the year. In the autumn, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Kennebunkport. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 196 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in October than Kennebunkport. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Kennebunkport 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Kennebunkport in the Winter?

Both Kennebunkport and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Kennebunkport because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Kennebunkport can be very cold. Jekyll Island is much warmer than Kennebunkport in the winter. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Kennebunkport during winter. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kennebunkport. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Kennebunkport 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Kennebunkport in the Spring?

Both Kennebunkport and Jekyll Island during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the beaches. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year.

In the spring, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jekyll Island in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 43°F (6°C).

In Kennebunkport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jekyll Island. In the spring, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Kennebunkport. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 212 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in April than Kennebunkport. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Kennebunkport 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Kennebunkport and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Kennebunkport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)