A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Virginia Beach for Beaches, Families, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach 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 relaxing, secluded, and natural island. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and beaches.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches.

Jekyll Island and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jekyll Island. Although Jekyll Island and Virginia Beach are both popular with visitors, Jekyll Island has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Jekyll Island is more popular for its museums, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Virginia Beach is known for its nightlife, resorts, and impressive beauty. Jekyll Island is popular for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. It is also home to Driftwood Beach. Virginia Beach is popular for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Jekyll Island different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jekyll Island
Virginia Beach

Jekyll Island is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Jekyll Island offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Jekyll Island
Virginia Beach

Both Jekyll Island and Virginia Beach offer a number of decent 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.

Virginia Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a coastal 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 Virginia Beach. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a coastal city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

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


Is Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Virginia Beach

Jekyll Island is great for the beache. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Jekyll Island. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Virginia Beach. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Is Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Virginia Beach

Jekyll Island is great for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Jekyll Island for the hiking trails. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach?

Jekyll Island
Virginia Beach

Jekyll Island is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Jekyll Island has some nice offerings. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Virginia Beach

Both Jekyll Island and Virginia Beach are high quality 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.

Virginia Beach is a very family-friendly place to visit. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

Is Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Virginia Beach

Both Jekyll Island and Virginia Beach are good 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.

Virginia Beach is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Jekyll Island
Virginia Beach

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

Plenty of students visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Jekyll Island is not popular with students.


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

Jekyll Island
Virginia Beach

Neither Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Virginia Beach

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

Virginia Beach is generally not a very walkable coastal city. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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 Virginia Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach?

Both Jekyll Island and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Jekyll Island. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jekyll Island than Virginia Beach 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 Jekyll Island.


  • How many days in Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Virginia Beach 5-7

One day in Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach?

In Jekyll Island, you'll find museums. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the relaxing destination of Virginia 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 Virginia Beach?

Jekyll Island is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jekyll Island. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach. This coastal city 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 Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the island of Jekyll Island. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the coastal city of Virginia Beach. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach is $126. 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 Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach? 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 Virginia Beach


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 Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Virginia Beach $39

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Virginia Beach $21

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Virginia Beach.

  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach: $75
  • Kayak Dolphin Experience in Virginia Beach: $75
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours: $78
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Virginia Historic Adventure!: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Virginia Beach $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jekyll Island and Virginia Beach, we can see that Jekyll Island is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.

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 Virginia Beach Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Virginia Beach. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Jekyll Island is generally around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 82°F (28°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach during summer. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Virginia Beach 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 around the same amount of rain as Virginia Beach. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Virginia Beach. The autumn months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Virginia Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Virginia Beach. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

Both Virginia Beach and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Virginia Beach. In the winter, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jekyll Island in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 39°F (4°C).

Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during winter. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Virginia Beach. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

Both Virginia Beach and Jekyll Island during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Jekyll Island is generally a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Virginia Beach. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 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) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)