A Travel Price Comparison for Georgia Jekyll Island vs. Saint Simons for Food, Beaches, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Saint Simons?

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 Saint Simons 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 natural, relaxing, and secluded island. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and museums.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a scenic, relaxing, and laid back island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Jekyll Island and Saint Simons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Saint Simons?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Simons than Jekyll Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Simons is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Jekyll Island is more popular for its museums and hiking. Saint Simons is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Also, Saint Simons is famous for East Beach. Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Jekyll Island different from Saint Simons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jekyll Island is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

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

Saint Simons is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Saint Simons has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

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 Saint Simons Better for Nightlife?

Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Saint Simons Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a island with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Saint Simons has a few great resort options. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Saint Simons Better for Beaches?

Both Jekyll Island and Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons for it's beautiful beaches. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Is Jekyll Island or Saint Simons Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Saint Simons?

Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

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 Saint Simons Better for Families?

Both Jekyll Island and Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Is Jekyll Island or Saint Simons Better for Couples?

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

Saint Simons makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

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

Neither Jekyll Island or Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Jekyll Island or Saint Simons a more walkable city?

Saint Simons is a island with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable island. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have 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 Saint Simons Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Simons or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Saint Simons?

It's fun to spend time in either Jekyll Island or Saint Simons. In our opinion, Saint Simons has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Saint Simons than Jekyll Island. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons.

One day in Jekyll Island or Saint Simons?

In Jekyll Island, many people enjoy the museums that this relaxing island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Even though Saint Simons is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Saint Simons?

Jekyll Island is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

You'll find museums around the natural destination of Jekyll Island. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Saint Simons is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This island 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 Saint Simons?

Jekyll Island is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Saint Simons is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 comparing the travel costs between Jekyll Island and Saint Simons, we can see that Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Jekyll Island or Saint Simons?

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 Saint Simons in the Summer?

Both Saint Simons 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Saint Simons in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jekyll Island is around the same temperature as Saint Simons. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jekyll Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Saint Simons averages at about 82°F (28°C).

In Saint Simons, 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 Saint Simons. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 286 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Saint Simons. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Saint Simons in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Saint Simons. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint Simons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Jekyll Island is generally around the same temperature as Saint Simons. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 70°F (21°C), and Saint Simons fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons during autumn. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Simons. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Saint Simons in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Saint Simons. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Jekyll Island is around the same temperature as Saint Simons in the winter. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Saint Simons fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In the winter, Jekyll Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Simons. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 191 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Saint Simons in the Spring?

Both Saint Simons 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, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year.

In the spring, Jekyll Island is around the same temperature as Saint Simons. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jekyll Island in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Saint Simons averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. 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 Saint Simons during spring. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Saint Simons and Jekyll Island