A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Portland, Maine for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Food

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Portland, Maine?

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 Portland, Maine 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. Other popular activities here include museums, beaches, and hiking.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a scenic, picturesque, and seaside coastal town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Jekyll Island and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Portland, Maine?

Both Portland, Maine and Jekyll Island have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Jekyll Island is very popular for its museums, resorts, and hiking, while Portland, Maine attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Jekyll Island is famous for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Jekyll Island different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine?

Jekyll Island is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Jekyll Island or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Portland, Maine is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

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 Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Portland, Maine is a coastal 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 Portland, Maine. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun 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 Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island is a island with a few options for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Both Jekyll Island and Portland, Maine are considered to be excellent beach destinations.

The beaches at Jekyll Island attract visitors from all over. 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.

Many people visit Portland, Maine for it's beautiful beaches. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Is Jekyll Island or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine is a coastal town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Portland, Maine has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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 Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is a decent place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Jekyll Island does not offer Christmas activities.

Many enjoy the Christmas activities while in Portland, Maine. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Jekyll Island does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Jekyll Island or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Jekyll Island is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Jekyll Island is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Jekyll Island or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Both Jekyll Island and Portland, Maine are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Jekyll Island is a good island for couples to visit. 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.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

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

Neither Jekyll Island or Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Jekyll Island or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

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

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable coastal town. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need 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 Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Portland, Maine?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine.

One day in Jekyll Island or Portland, Maine?

The secluded destination of Jekyll Island offers museums. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the laid-back destination of Portland, Maine. 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.

A weekend in Jekyll Island or Portland, Maine?

The island of Jekyll Island offers museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland, Maine. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Portland, Maine?

Jekyll Island is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the seaside destination of Portland, Maine. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This coastal 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 Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Jekyll Island. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful coastal town of Portland, Maine. 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.

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 Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Jekyll Island or Portland, Maine?

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 Portland, Maine in the Summer?

Both Portland, Maine and Jekyll Island during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the summer. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jekyll Island. In the summer, Jekyll Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Portland, Maine. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jekyll Island in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 49°F (9°C).

In Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during autumn. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Portland, Maine can be very cold. In January, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 53°F (12°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Portland, Maine. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the beaches. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

Jekyll Island is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the spring. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during spring. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Jekyll Island