A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Orlando vs. Jekyll Island for Resorts, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Orlando or Jekyll Island?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Orlando or Jekyll Island? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and theater.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a natural, relaxing, and secluded island. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums.

Orlando and Jekyll Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Jekyll Island?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Orlando than Jekyll Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Jekyll Island is more popular for its museums & sights, beaches, and hiking. Orlando is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is famous for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Orlando different from Jekyll Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orlando or Jekyll Island?

Jekyll Island is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Jekyll Island Better for Theater?

Orlando is a city with good options for its shows and theatre. However, Jekyll Island is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Orlando. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Jekyll Island is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Orlando has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando or Jekyll Island Better for Nightlife?

Orlando is a 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 Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

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

Is Orlando or Jekyll Island Better for Resorts?

Orlando is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Orlando is a world class resort vacation destination. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

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

Is Orlando or Jekyll Island Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island is great for its beaches. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is Orlando or Jekyll Island Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island is great for hiking. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Jekyll Island?

Orlando 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 Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando or Jekyll Island Better for Christmas?

Orlando is a must-visit destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Jekyll Island does not offer Christmas activities.

Orlando offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Jekyll Island does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or Jekyll Island Better for Families?

Orlando is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Orlando is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Jekyll Island is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Orlando or Jekyll Island Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Orlando and Jekyll Island make for a notable place to visit.

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Jekyll Island makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Orlando or Jekyll Island Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

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

Orlando 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 Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.

Is Orlando or Jekyll Island a more walkable city?

Neither Orlando or Jekyll Island are walkable places.

Orlando is not a very walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

Jekyll Island is not a walkable city. Resources are spread out, so you really need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Jekyll Island or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Jekyll Island?

It's fun to spend time in either Orlando or Jekyll Island. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Jekyll Island due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 2-4 days is enough time in Jekyll Island.

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

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

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

One day in Orlando or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and theater when visiting the active destination of Orlando. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

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.

A weekend in Orlando or Jekyll Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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.

Five days in Orlando or Jekyll Island?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the entertaining destination of Orlando. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city 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.

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.

A week in Orlando or Jekyll Island?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Orlando. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orlando and Jekyll Island, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is Jekyll Island much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jekyll Island would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jekyll Island 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando than you might in Jekyll Island.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Orlando Expensive? and Is Jekyll Island Expensive?.

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

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 Orlando or Jekyll Island in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Jekyll Island. Many visitors come to Orlando in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

Jekyll Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than Jekyll Island. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orlando or Jekyll Island in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Jekyll Island. Most visitors come to Orlando for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Orlando is a little warmer than Jekyll Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Orlando receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Jekyll Island. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Jekyll Island in the Winter?

Both Jekyll Island and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Orlando because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year.

In the winter, Orlando is a little warmer than Jekyll Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Jekyll Island averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In January, Orlando usually receives less rain than Jekyll Island. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orlando or Jekyll Island in the Spring?

Both Jekyll Island and Orlando during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches.

In April, Orlando is generally around the same temperature as Jekyll Island. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

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

Typical Weather for Jekyll Island and Orlando