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

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah 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 secluded, natural, and relaxing island. It's also popular because of the museums, beaches, and hiking.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a serene, beautiful, and scenic national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Jekyll Island and Shenandoah National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shenandoah National Park. Although Jekyll Island and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations, Shenandoah National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Shenandoah National Park is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Jekyll Island attracts visitors for its museums, resorts, and beaches. Shenandoah National Park is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is known for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. It is also well known for Skyline Drive. Jekyll Island is famous for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Jekyll Island different from Shenandoah National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shenandoah National Park and Jekyll Island. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Jekyll Island or Shenandoah National Park Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is a national park with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Jekyll Island is not a skiing destination.

Head to Shenandoah National Park for some great skiing and other winter activities. You'll find skiing and snowboarding at nearby Massanutten Resort, which is near Harrisonburg, Virginia. It's a family-friendly setting with slopes that are classified as "easiest", "more difficult", and "most difficult".

Jekyll Island is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jekyll Island or Shenandoah National Park?

Jekyll Island is a island with good options for its historical sights. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Shenandoah National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people spend their time outdoors enjoying the setting, there are museums in the area, as well as visitor centers that have exhibits and informative displays.

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

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

Shenandoah National Park is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

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 Shenandoah National Park Better for Nightlife?

Shenandoah National Park 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 Shenandoah National Park. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Shenandoah National Park Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Shenandoah National Park 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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Shenandoah National Park Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island is great for the beach. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Shenandoah National Park Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are more than 500 miles of trails in the park that pass through varied landscapes and take you to beautiful viewpoints. Visitors range from weekend visitors to long term hikers who come to experience the breathtaking beauty and serene setting.

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 Shenandoah National Park?

Shoppers can find a variety of reasonable stores in both Jekyll Island and Shenandoah 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.

Is Jekyll Island or Shenandoah National Park Better for Families?

Both Jekyll Island and Shenandoah National Park are great 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are tons of kid-friendly hikes to overlooks or waterfalls. Kids will love scrambling over the rocks or running through the forest. There are also plenty of campgrounds where families can hang out, toast marshmallows and enjoy some quality time together.

Is Jekyll Island or Shenandoah National Park Better for Couples?

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

Shenandoah National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature will love a visit to the park. There are beautiful views and scenic spots that will make for a wonderful and romantic trip. Hiking, biking, and exploring will fill your time with adventure and fun.

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 Shenandoah National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers love the hiking trails and backcountry camping. Many people head to the park to escape into nature and enjoy some low key time in a serene setting.

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

Neither Jekyll Island or Shenandoah National Park 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 Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

Is Jekyll Island or Shenandoah National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Jekyll Island or Shenandoah 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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a walkable island. While there are plenty of hiking trails, a car is a must to reach most trailheads.

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

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

How long in Jekyll Island or Shenandoah National Park?

In either Jekyll Island or Shenandoah National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shenandoah 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 3-5 days is enough time in Shenandoah National Park.

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

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

One day in Jekyll Island or Shenandoah National Park?

With museums around the secluded island of Jekyll Island, there's plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Shenandoah National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Shenandoah National Park?

With museums around the relaxing destination of Jekyll Island, there's plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shenandoah 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. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Jekyll Island or Shenandoah National Park?

You'll find museums around the natural island of Jekyll Island. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the scenic destination of Shenandoah National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national 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 Shenandoah National Park?

Jekyll Island is a great place to explore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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 length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find food and skiing around the beautiful national park of Shenandoah National Park. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jekyll Island and Shenandoah National Park, we can see that Jekyll Island is more expensive. And not only is Shenandoah National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shenandoah National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park Expensive?.

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

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 Shenandoah National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Shenandoah National Park. The summer months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shenandoah National Park this time of year.

Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Jekyll Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Shenandoah National Park. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Shenandoah National Park. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jekyll Island in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Shenandoah National Park averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in October than Shenandoah National Park. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Shenandoah National Park and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Shenandoah National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 53°F (12°C), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 32°F (-0°C).

In January, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Shenandoah National Park. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Shenandoah National Park and Jekyll Island during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Jekyll Island is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in April than Shenandoah National Park. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Shenandoah National Park and Jekyll Island