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

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Lancaster?

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 Lancaster 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 secluded, natural, and relaxing island. It's also popular because of the museums, beaches, and hiking.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a picturesque, scenic, and traditional town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Jekyll Island and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Lancaster?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jekyll Island. Although Jekyll Island and Lancaster are popular destinations, Jekyll Island has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jekyll Island is very popular for its resorts, beaches, and hiking, while Lancaster attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Jekyll Island is famous for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. It is also well known for Driftwood Beach. Lancaster is famous for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Jekyll Island different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lancaster is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Lancaster. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

Jekyll Island is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

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

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

Lancaster is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

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 Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Lancaster is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Lancaster. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back 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 Lancaster Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Lancaster is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Jekyll Island as a resort destination, but it has a few places. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Lancaster Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island is a great island for the beach. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Lancaster Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island is a great island for hiking. However, Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

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.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Lancaster?

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

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 Lancaster Better for Families?

Both Jekyll Island and Lancaster are high quality 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.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly place to visit. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Is Jekyll Island or Lancaster Better for Couples?

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

Lancaster makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

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 Lancaster a more walkable city?

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

Lancaster is generally not a very walkable town. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires 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 Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Lancaster?

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

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

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

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

One day in Jekyll Island or Lancaster?

You'll find museums around the island of Jekyll Island. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the traditional destination of Lancaster. 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 Lancaster?

You'll find museums around the relaxing destination of Jekyll Island. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lancaster. 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 Lancaster?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the natural island of Jekyll Island. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the picturesque destination of Lancaster. 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 Lancaster?

Jekyll Island is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful town of Lancaster. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jekyll Island and Lancaster, we can see that Lancaster 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 Lancaster would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lancaster 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 Lancaster Expensive?.

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

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 Lancaster in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Lancaster. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the family-friendly experiences.

Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Lancaster in the summer. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lancaster this time of the year. In Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jekyll Island usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during summer. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 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 Lancaster. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Lancaster in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Lancaster. The autumn months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

In the autumn, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jekyll Island in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Lancaster averages at about 56°F (13°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 Lancaster. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lancaster. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Lancaster in the Winter?

Both Lancaster and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lancaster for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lancaster. In January, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 53°F (12°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during winter. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Lancaster in the Spring?

Both Lancaster and Jekyll Island during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Lancaster in the spring for the natural beauty.

Jekyll Island is much warmer than Lancaster in the spring. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Lancaster, 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 Lancaster. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in April than Lancaster. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Jekyll Island