A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Olympic National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park?

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 Olympic National Park 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. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and beaches.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a stunning, vast, and pristine park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Jekyll Island and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jekyll Island. Although Jekyll Island and Olympic National Park are both popular with visitors, Jekyll Island has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Jekyll Island is more popular for its beaches, while Olympic National Park is known for its food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Olympic National Park is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is popular for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. Jekyll Island is popular for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. It is also home to Driftwood Beach.

How is Jekyll Island different from Olympic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park?

Jekyll Island
Olympic National Park

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.


Is the Food Better in Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jekyll Island
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a park with good options for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Olympic National Park is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Olympic National Park

Neither Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Is Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Olympic National Park

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

In Olympic National Park, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

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


Is Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Olympic National Park

Jekyll Island is a well-known place for the beache. However, Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is not a beach destination. The park has a rugged coastline with sandy beaches. Many people enjoy exploring the tidal pools or watching the sun set. Some of the best beaches include Kalaloch Beach, Beach 4, and Ruby Beach.

Is Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Olympic National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hiking trails will take you through the diverse range of landscapes. There are mountain climbs, coastal trails, and routes that wander through old growth forests. You'll also find a mix of day hikes and backcountry wilderness hikes. Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls, and the High Divide are favorite hikes in the park, but there are countless others.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park?

Jekyll Island
Olympic National Park

Shoppers can find a variety of decent stores in both Jekyll Island and Olympic National Park.

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.

Olympic National Park is a good destination for shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.


Is Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Olympic National Park

Both Jekyll Island and Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

Is Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Olympic National Park

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

Olympic National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jekyll Island
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Olympic National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Jekyll Island
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

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 Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Olympic National Park

Neither Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park are walkable places.

Jekyll Island is not a very walkable island. Resources are spread out, so you really need a car to get around.

Olympic National Park is not a walkable island. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Jekyll Island Worth Visiting? and Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Olympic National Park or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park?

In either Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Olympic National Park than Jekyll Island because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park.


  • How many days in Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Olympic National Park 2-5

One day in Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park?

In Jekyll Island, you'll find museums. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the vast destination of Olympic National Park. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jekyll Island. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island. It offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Olympic National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, 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 Olympic National Park?

Jekyll Island is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the vast destination of Olympic National Park. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park?

You'll find museums around the secluded destination of Jekyll Island. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful park of Olympic National Park. 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, Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park is $124. 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 Olympic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Olympic National Park $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Olympic National Park $98
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park? 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 Olympic National Park


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Olympic National Park $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park?

Prices for flights to both Olympic National Park 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
    Olympic National Park $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Olympic National Park $26

Tours and Activities in Olympic National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Olympic National Park are as follows:

  • Olympic Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Olympic Full Day Small Group Tour: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Olympic National Park $5.57


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

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 Olympic National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Olympic National Park. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 82°F (28°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island this time of the year. In the summer, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in July than Olympic National Park. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Olympic National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park in the Autumn?

Both Olympic National Park and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Jekyll Island is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during autumn. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 113 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. In October, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Olympic National Park 51°F (10°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park in the Winter?

Both Olympic National Park and Jekyll Island during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Olympic National Park because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Olympic National Park can be very cold. In the winter, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jekyll Island in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 41°F (5°C).

In the winter, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 56 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in January than Olympic National Park. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Olympic National Park 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Olympic National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Olympic National Park. The spring months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the beaches. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year.

In April, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

In Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during spring. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Olympic National Park 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Olympic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 41°F (5°C) 13.7 inches (349 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 43°F (6°C) 12.2 inches (311 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 44°F (7°C) 11.6 inches (294 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 47°F (8°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 52°F (11°C) 5.6 inches (142 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 58°F (14°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 51°F (10°C) 10.4 inches (263 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 45°F (7°C) 14 inches (355 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 41°F (5°C) 15 inches (380 mm)


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