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

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Richmond?

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 Richmond 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.

Richmond

Richmond is a friendly, historical, and growing city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Jekyll Island and Richmond: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Richmond?

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

How is Jekyll Island different from Richmond?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jekyll Island
Richmond

Richmond 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 Richmond. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

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 Richmond? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jekyll Island
Richmond

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

Richmond is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

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 Richmond Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Richmond

Richmond is a city 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 Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Richmond Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Richmond

Jekyll Island is a moderate island for its resorts. However, Richmond 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.

Richmond is not a resort destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Richmond Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Richmond

Jekyll Island is notable for the beach. However, Richmond is not a beach destination.

Jekyll Island is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Richmond is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Richmond Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Richmond

Jekyll Island is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Richmond is not a hiking destination.

Jekyll Island is a popular spot for hiking. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

Richmond is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Richmond?

Jekyll Island
Richmond

Richmond is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Richmond has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

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 Richmond Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Richmond

Jekyll Island is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Richmond is a family-friendly island. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Jekyll Island or Richmond Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Richmond

Both Jekyll Island and Richmond 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.

Richmond is a nice destination for couples. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

Is Jekyll Island or Richmond Better for Students?

Jekyll Island
Richmond

Richmond is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Richmond. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Jekyll Island is not popular with students.


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

Jekyll Island
Richmond

Richmond 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 Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is 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 Richmond a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Richmond

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

Richmond is a somewhat walkable city. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by 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 Richmond Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Richmond or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Richmond?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Jekyll Island or Richmond to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Jekyll Island than Richmond because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 1-2 days is enough time in Richmond.

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

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


  • How many days in Jekyll Island or Richmond? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Richmond 1-2

One day in Jekyll Island or Richmond?

The island of Jekyll Island offers museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the growing destination of Richmond. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A weekend in Jekyll Island or Richmond?

Jekyll Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Jekyll Island, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Jekyll Island is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the growing destination of Richmond. This city 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 Richmond?

Jekyll Island is a great place to explore. 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. This island offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Richmond. 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, Richmond 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 Richmond is $161. 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 Richmond in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Richmond $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Richmond $202
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Richmond

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island or Richmond? 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 Richmond


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 Richmond Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Richmond $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Richmond?

Prices for flights to both Richmond 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
    Richmond $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Richmond

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Richmond.

  • The Carytown Food Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour: $80
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $80
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond: $85
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $90
  • Pizza & Ice Cream Tour: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Richmond $13

Tours and Activities in Richmond

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Richmond are as follows:

  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond: $44
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $25
  • Church Hill Segway Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Discover Downtown Richmond Bike Tour: $125
  • Guided Walking Tour of Richmond: $38
  • Haunted Capitol Hill Ghost Tour: $30
  • Historic Trolley Tour: $38
  • Hollywood Cemetery Segway Tour in Richmond: $76
  • Hollywood Cemetery Tour Richmond Lore and Civil War: $24
  • Phantoms of Franklin Ghost Tour: $30
  • RVATukTuk Sightseeing Tour of Richmond: $187
  • Richmond Downtown Walking Tour: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Richmond -

Sample the Local Flavors in Richmond

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Richmond:

  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Drink Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl: $74
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $74
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90


When comparing the travel costs between Jekyll Island and Richmond, we can see that Richmond 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 Richmond Expensive?.



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

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 Richmond in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Richmond. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Richmond for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Jekyll Island is around the same temperature as Richmond in the summer. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Richmond fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Richmond. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island this time of the year. In the summer, Jekyll Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Richmond. Jekyll Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jekyll Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Richmond. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Richmond 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Richmond in the Autumn?

Both Richmond and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Richmond because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Richmond. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jekyll Island in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Richmond averages at about 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Richmond. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond during autumn. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Richmond. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Richmond 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Richmond in the Winter?

Both Richmond and Jekyll Island during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Richmond this time of year.

It's quite cold in Richmond in the winter. In January, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Richmond. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 53°F (12°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

In the winter, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Richmond. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Richmond. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Richmond 36°F (2°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Richmond in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Richmond. The beaches are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year.

Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Richmond in the spring. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Richmond fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Richmond 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 Richmond during spring. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Richmond. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Richmond 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Richmond and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Richmond
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)