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

Should you visit Destin or Jekyll Island?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Destin and Jekyll Island can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a family-friendly, beautiful, and relaxing beach town. Destin offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Destin travel costs.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a natural, relaxing, and secluded island. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and museums. See Jekyll Island travel costs.

Destin and Jekyll Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Jekyll Island?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jekyll Island than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jekyll Island is better known for its museums and attractions and hiking, while Destin is more popular for its food, resorts, shopping, and impressive beauty. Destin is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. Also, Jekyll Island is famous for Driftwood Beach.

How is Destin different from Jekyll Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Jekyll Island is very good for its sights and museums. However, Destin 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.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Destin is a beach town with good options for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Destin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The area has great seafood including crab chowder, seafood gumbo, and fried fish. You can find wonderful local restaurants that have waterfront views and menus that feature freshly caught seafood. Many restaurants also have kid-friendly menus. During peak season, reservations are recommended.

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 Destin or Jekyll Island Better for Nightlife?

Neither Destin or Jekyll Island offer decent nightlife.

People don't go to Destin for the nightlife. The region is more popular as a family-friendly beach destination than it is for it's nightlife. Head to the Harbor area for the most lively nightlife.

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

Is Destin or Jekyll Island Better for Resorts?

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

In Destin, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular options include the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, as well as Hilton Sandestin Beach, Golf Resort & Spa. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms. Most of these complexes also have pools, hot tubs, and even kids clubs.

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

Is Destin or Jekyll Island Better for Beaches?

Destin and Jekyll Island are superb choices for a beach vacation.

Destin is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. This area is famous for its powdery white sand, beautiful blue waters, and calm waves. The beaches are large enough that they never get incredibly crowded, but you will find the largest crowds during the summer months. These beaches are particularly popular with families and seniors.

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.

Is Destin or Jekyll Island Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Destin 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.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Jekyll Island?

Destin is a beach town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Destin has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the shopping centers around town you'll find a number of unique boutique shops that are fun to explore. They have boutique-style beach clothes, local art, and any beach supplies that you may have forgotten.

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 Destin or Jekyll Island More Beautiful?

Destin is a beach town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Jekyll Island is not a destination known for its beauty.

Destin offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With its powdery sand and the blue water of the Gulf of Mexico, this is a beautiful beach destination.

Jekyll Island is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Destin or Jekyll Island Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Jekyll Island.

Destin is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has beautiful sandy beaches, calm waters, and plenty of activities for kids like Big Kahuna's Water Park. This is one of the more kid-friendly areas in Florida and many families return year after year with their kids. There are also many condos available for rent and kids can have their own room, kitchens are available for meal preparation, and there are washers and dryers to clean clothes. Many of these condo complexes also have kid-friendly pools

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Jekyll Island is very family-friendly. 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 Destin or Jekyll Island Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Jekyll Island are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Destin is a nice destination for couples. For a relaxing beach vacation, this is a nice option for couples. A lot of the accommodation is in the form of condos, so it may not have the romantic resort vibe you're going for though. There are many great seafood restaurants and quiet beaches that have beautiful sunsets.

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

Neither Destin or Jekyll Island offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Destin. There is almost no public transit so a car is essential. Some condo complexes do over golf carts to get around the grounds.

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

Is Destin or Jekyll Island a more walkable city?

Neither Destin or Jekyll Island are walkable places.

Destin is not a walkable beach town. The area is very spread out and not walkable so you'll need a car to access restaurants and most forms of entertainment.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Jekyll Island or Destin?

How long in Destin or Jekyll Island?

It's fun to spend time in either Destin or Jekyll Island. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Destin due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 2-4 days is enough time in Jekyll Island.

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

Couples should spend more time in Destin than Jekyll Island. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Destin 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 Destin 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 Destin or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful destination of Destin. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Jekyll Island. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Jekyll Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Destin. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Jekyll Island is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Destin or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Destin. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach town 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.

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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Destin or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the beach town of Destin. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the natural destination of Jekyll Island. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

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

Both Jekyll Island and Destin during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Destin is generally around the same temperature as Jekyll Island. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), 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 Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Jekyll Island. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Jekyll Island in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Jekyll Island. Many visitors come to Destin in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Destin is around the same temperature as Jekyll Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Jekyll Island. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Jekyll Island in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Destin as well as Jekyll Island. Most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Destin is cooler than Jekyll Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Jekyll Island averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the winter. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Jekyll Island. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Jekyll Island in the Spring?

Both Jekyll Island and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year.

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

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Jekyll Island. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 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 Destin