A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Arlington for Attractions, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Arlington?

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

Arlington

Arlington is a educational, international, and historical city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Arlington travel costs.

Jekyll Island and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Home to Arlington National Cemetery


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Arlington?

Both Arlington and Jekyll Island have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Jekyll Island is very popular for its resorts, beaches, and hiking, while Arlington attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Arlington is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Jekyll Island is famous for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Jekyll Island different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arlington 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 Arlington?

Jekyll Island
Arlington

Arlington 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 Arlington. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

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 Jekyll Island or Arlington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jekyll Island
Arlington

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

Arlington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

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 Jekyll Island or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Arlington

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

Arlington has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Arlington Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Arlington

Jekyll Island is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington is not a resort destination.

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.

Arlington is not a resort destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Arlington Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Arlington

Jekyll Island is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington 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.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Arlington Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Arlington

Jekyll Island is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Arlington?

Jekyll Island
Arlington

Arlington is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Arlington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

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 Jekyll Island or Arlington Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Arlington

Jekyll Island is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Jekyll Island or Arlington Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Arlington

Both Jekyll Island and Arlington are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Jekyll Island is a good island for couples to visit. 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.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Is Jekyll Island or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jekyll Island
Arlington

Arlington is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

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 Arlington Better for Students?

Jekyll Island
Arlington

Arlington is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Arlington. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

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

Jekyll Island
Arlington

Arlington is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Arlington has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

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 Arlington a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Arlington

Arlington is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Arlington is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either Jekyll Island or Arlington. In our opinion, Arlington has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Arlington than Jekyll Island. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


  • How many days in Jekyll Island or Arlington? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Arlington 2-4

One day in Jekyll Island or Arlington?

You'll find museums around the island of Jekyll Island. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the international destination of Arlington. 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 Arlington?

You'll find museums around the relaxing destination of Jekyll Island. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arlington. 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 Jekyll Island or Arlington?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the relaxing island of Jekyll Island. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the international destination of Arlington. 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.


A week in Jekyll Island or Arlington?

Jekyll Island is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Arlington. 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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Arlington or Jekyll Island?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Jekyll Island Prices
    USA Prices
    Arlington Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jekyll Island $189
    Arlington $323

The average daily cost (per person) in Jekyll Island is $189, while the average daily cost in Arlington is $323. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Jekyll Island and Arlington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Arlington $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Arlington $262
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Arlington

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island or Arlington? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Jekyll Island


Hotels in Arlington


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Jekyll Island Hotel Prices and Arlington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Arlington $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arlington

Also for Arlington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ronald Reagan DCA Airport Transfers: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Arlington?

Prices for flights to both Arlington and Jekyll Island change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Jekyll Island $77
    Arlington $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Arlington $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Arlington $17


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



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

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 Jekyll Island or Arlington in the Summer?

Both Arlington and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Arlington because of the family-friendly experiences.

Jekyll Island is around the same temperature as Arlington in the summer. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Arlington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Arlington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arlington during summer. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Jekyll Island. In July, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Arlington. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Arlington 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Arlington in the Autumn?

Both Arlington and Jekyll Island during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Arlington this time of year.

In the autumn, Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Arlington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jekyll Island in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Arlington averages at about 60°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Jekyll Island. In the autumn, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Arlington. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 197 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Arlington. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Arlington 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Arlington in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Arlington. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Arlington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Arlington. In January, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 53°F (12°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during winter. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Arlington. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Arlington 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Arlington in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Arlington. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches.

Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Arlington in the spring. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Arlington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arlington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island this time of the year. In the spring, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Arlington. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 228 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Arlington 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Arlington and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Arlington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)