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

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Jekyll Island?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach 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.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a party-hard, energetic, and lively beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and live music. See Daytona Beach travel costs.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a secluded, natural, and relaxing island. Other popular activities here include museums, beaches, and hiking. See Jekyll Island travel costs.

Daytona Beach and Jekyll Island: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Daytona Beach. Although Daytona Beach and Jekyll Island are popular destinations, Daytona Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Daytona Beach is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Jekyll Island attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, beaches, and hiking. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also well known for The Daytona International Speedway. Jekyll Island is famous for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Daytona Beach different from Jekyll Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Daytona Beach and Jekyll Island offer a number of reasonable restaurants to choose from.

Daytona Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

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 Daytona Beach or Jekyll Island Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Daytona Beach is a world class party destination. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

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

Is Daytona Beach or Jekyll Island Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is a beach city with good options for its music scene. However, Jekyll Island is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Jekyll Island is not a live music destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Jekyll Island Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach and Jekyll Island offer a relatively similar set of reasonable luxury resort options.

You might not think of Daytona Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

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

Is Daytona Beach or Jekyll Island Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island is a well-known place for the beach. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for its beaches.

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.

Many people head to Daytona Beach to enjoy the beach. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

Is Daytona Beach or Jekyll Island Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Jekyll Island is a popular spot for hiking. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Jekyll Island?

Both Daytona Beach and Jekyll Island are reasonable shopping destinations.

Daytona Beach has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.

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 Daytona Beach or Jekyll Island Better for Families?

Jekyll Island is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

Jekyll Island is known to be 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.

Daytona Beach is not always a place people visit with their families. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.

Is Daytona Beach or Jekyll Island Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Jekyll Island make for a nice place to visit.

Daytona Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.

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 Daytona Beach or Jekyll Island Better for Students?

Daytona Beach is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

Daytona Beach is a very popular beach city for students. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

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

Neither Daytona Beach or Jekyll Island offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.

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

Is Daytona Beach or Jekyll Island a more walkable city?

Neither Daytona Beach or Jekyll Island are walkable places.

Daytona Beach is not a walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

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

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

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

How long in Daytona Beach or Jekyll Island?

It's fun to spend time in either Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Jekyll Island.

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

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

One day in Daytona Beach or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the energetic destination of Daytona Beach. Don't miss the nightlife, 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the natural destination of Jekyll Island. You'll find plenty of activities on the 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 Daytona Beach or Jekyll Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Daytona Beach. Don't miss the nightlife, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jekyll Island. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Daytona Beach or Jekyll Island?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the fun destination of Daytona Beach. This beach 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the secluded destination of Jekyll Island. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This island 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.

A week in Daytona Beach or Jekyll Island?

You'll find live music and nightlife around the beach city of Daytona Beach. 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.

You'll find museums around the island of Jekyll Island. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Jekyll Island in the Summer?

Both Jekyll Island and Daytona Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Jekyll Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Jekyll Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Jekyll Island. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Jekyll Island. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Jekyll Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Daytona Beach in October average around 74°F (23°C), and Jekyll Island averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Jekyll Island. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Jekyll Island. The winter months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year.

In January, Daytona Beach is generally a little warmer than Jekyll Island. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in January than Jekyll Island. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Jekyll Island and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches.

Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Jekyll Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 69°F (21°C) in April, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In April, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Jekyll Island. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Jekyll Island and Daytona Beach