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

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Roanoke?

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 Roanoke 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a scenic, outdoorsy, and laid back town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Jekyll Island and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Roanoke?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jekyll Island. Although Jekyll Island and Roanoke are popular destinations, Jekyll Island has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jekyll Island is very popular for its resorts and beaches, while Roanoke attracts visitors for its nightlife and shopping. Jekyll Island is famous for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. It is also well known for Driftwood Beach. Roanoke is famous for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Jekyll Island different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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

Both Jekyll Island and Roanoke offer a number of reasonable restaurants to choose from.

Jekyll Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Jekyll Island or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Roanoke 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 Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Roanoke Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Roanoke Better for Beaches?

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

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Both Jekyll Island and Roanoke are destinations which offer excellent hiking.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Roanoke. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Roanoke?

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

Roanoke has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

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 Roanoke Better for Families?

Jekyll Island is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Jekyll Island or Roanoke Better for Couples?

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

Roanoke makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

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 Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Roanoke is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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

Roanoke 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 Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

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 Roanoke a more walkable city?

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

Roanoke is generally not a very walkable town. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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 Roanoke Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Roanoke?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jekyll Island and Roanoke. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Jekyll Island than in Roanoke. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 1-3 days is enough time in Roanoke.

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

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

One day in Jekyll Island or Roanoke?

In Jekyll Island, you'll find museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Roanoke. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Roanoke?

In Jekyll Island, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Jekyll Island has to offer.

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

Five days in Jekyll Island or Roanoke?

Jekyll Island is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Roanoke. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Roanoke?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jekyll Island. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Jekyll Island. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the town of Roanoke. 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. 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 comparing the travel costs between Jekyll Island and Roanoke, we can see that Roanoke 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 Roanoke Expensive?.

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

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 Roanoke in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Roanoke. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Roanoke in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Jekyll Island is around the same temperature as Roanoke in the summer. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Roanoke fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke 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 Roanoke during summer. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

Roanoke receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jekyll Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Roanoke. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Roanoke in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Roanoke. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Roanoke for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jekyll Island in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Roanoke averages at about 60°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island this time of the year. In the autumn, Jekyll Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in October than Roanoke. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Roanoke in the Winter?

Both Roanoke 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 Roanoke because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Roanoke can be very cold. In January, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 53°F (12°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 38°F (3°C).

Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during winter. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Roanoke. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Roanoke in the Spring?

Both Roanoke and Jekyll Island during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the beaches.

Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Roanoke in the spring. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Roanoke, 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 Roanoke. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in April than Roanoke. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Jekyll Island