A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Jekyll Island for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Boca Raton or Jekyll Island?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boca Raton and Jekyll Island. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a posh, outdoorsy, and relaxed coastal city. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Boca Raton travel costs.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a secluded, natural, and relaxing island. It's also popular because of the museums, beaches, and hiking. See Jekyll Island travel costs.

Boca Raton and Jekyll Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Jekyll Island?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boca Raton. Although Boca Raton and Jekyll Island are popular destinations, Boca Raton has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boca Raton is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Jekyll Island attracts visitors for its hiking. Boca Raton is famous for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also well known for Red Reef Park. Jekyll Island is famous for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Boca Raton different from Jekyll Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Boca Raton is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Boca Raton. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

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.

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

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

Boca Raton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

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 Boca Raton or Jekyll Island Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Boca Raton has a large number of nightlife venues. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

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

Is Boca Raton or Jekyll Island Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its resorts.

In Boca Raton, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

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

Is Boca Raton or Jekyll Island Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is a coastal city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Jekyll Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Jekyll Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Jekyll Island Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Boca Raton is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Many people visit Jekyll Island for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Is Boca Raton or Jekyll Island Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island is great for hiking. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Boca Raton is a good destination for hiking. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Jekyll Island?

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

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 Boca Raton or Jekyll Island Better for Families?

Both Boca Raton and Jekyll Island are very good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

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 Boca Raton or Jekyll Island Better for Couples?

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

Boca Raton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

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

Boca Raton is a coastal city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Boca Raton has some public transit options. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

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

Is Boca Raton or Jekyll Island a more walkable city?

Boca Raton is a coastal city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable coastal city. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Jekyll Island or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Jekyll Island?

It's fun to spend time in either Boca Raton or Jekyll Island. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Boca Raton due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 2-4 days is enough time in Jekyll Island.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton.

One day in Boca Raton or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the posh destination of Boca Raton. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the beaches, 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.

With museums around the secluded island of Jekyll Island, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Jekyll Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boca Raton. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, 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.

With museums around the destination of Jekyll Island, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Boca Raton or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the luxurious destination of Boca Raton. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

Jekyll Island, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Boca Raton or Jekyll Island?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal city of Boca Raton. 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.

Jekyll Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Jekyll Island, we can see that Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton Expensive? and Is Jekyll Island Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton or Jekyll Island in the Summer?

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

Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Jekyll Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Jekyll Island during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

Jekyll Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Boca Raton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Jekyll Island. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Jekyll Island in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Jekyll Island. The autumn months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year.

In the autumn, Boca Raton is a little warmer than Jekyll Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Boca Raton in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Jekyll Island averages at about 70°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Jekyll Island. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 214 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than Jekyll Island. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Jekyll Island in the Winter?

Both Jekyll Island and Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Jekyll Island. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 65°F (19°C), and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Jekyll Island during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Boca Raton usually receives less rain than Jekyll Island. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Jekyll Island in the Spring?

Both Jekyll Island and Boca Raton during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the spring for the beaches.

Boca Raton is a little warmer than Jekyll Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jekyll Island. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 285 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in April than Jekyll Island. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.

Typical Weather for Jekyll Island and Boca Raton