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

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Zion 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 Zion 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 natural, relaxing, and secluded island. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and museums.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a stunning, world-renowned, and breathtaking park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Jekyll Island and Zion National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zion National Park than Jekyll Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zion National Park is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Jekyll Island is more popular for its museums, beaches, and shopping. Zion National Park is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is popular for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing. Also, Zion National Park is famous for Angels Landing. Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Jekyll Island different from Zion National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Zion National Park 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 Zion National Park?

Jekyll Island is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known 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 Zion National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.

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

Both Jekyll Island and Zion National Park offer a number of respectable 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.

Zion National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

Is Jekyll Island or Zion National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Jekyll Island or Zion National Park offer decent nightlife.

Jekyll Island doesn't offer many options. There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Zion National Park. Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

Is Jekyll Island or Zion National Park Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Jekyll Island and Zion National Park have respectable options.

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.

Zion National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

Is Jekyll Island or Zion National Park Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island is well known for its beaches. However, Zion National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Zion National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Zion National Park Better for Hiking?

Zion 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 Zion National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

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 Zion National Park?

Jekyll Island is a island with a few options for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Jekyll Island is a good destination for shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Is Jekyll Island or Zion National Park Better for Families?

Both Jekyll Island and Zion National Park 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.

Zion National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

Is Jekyll Island or Zion National Park Better for Couples?

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

Zion National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

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 Zion National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zion 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 Zion National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

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

Zion National Park is a park with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Zion National Park has some public transit options. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

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 Zion National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Jekyll Island or Zion 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.

Zion National Park is not a walkable island. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

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

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

How long in Jekyll Island or Zion National Park?

Both Jekyll Island and Zion National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zion National Park than in Jekyll Island. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 3-7 days is enough time in Zion National Park.

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

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

One day in Jekyll Island or Zion National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Jekyll Island. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the world-renowned destination of Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Jekyll Island is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the relaxing island of Jekyll Island. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Jekyll Island. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Zion National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This 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 Zion National Park?

Jekyll Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful park of Zion National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

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 Zion National Park, we can see that Jekyll Island is more expensive. And not only is Zion National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zion National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zion 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 Zion 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 Zion National Park Expensive?.