A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Big Sur for Couples, Beaches, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Big Sur?

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 Big Sur 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.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. Big Sur is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches. See Big Sur travel costs.

Jekyll Island and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jekyll Island. Although Jekyll Island and Big Sur are popular destinations, Jekyll Island has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jekyll Island is very popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, and shopping, while Big Sur attracts visitors for its food and impressive beauty. Big Sur is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Jekyll Island is famous for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. It is also well known for Driftwood Beach.

How is Jekyll Island different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jekyll Island is very good for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

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

Big Sur is a natural area with good options for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Big Sur is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

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 Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Neither Jekyll Island or Big Sur offer decent nightlife.

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

Things get quiet in the evenings in Big Sur. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Jekyll Island or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Big Sur 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.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Both Jekyll Island and Big Sur are considered to be superb beach destinations.

The beaches at Jekyll Island attract visitors from all over. 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 visit Big Sur for it's beautiful beaches. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Is Jekyll Island or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Both Jekyll Island and Big Sur are destinations which offer superb hiking.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Big Sur. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Big Sur?

Jekyll Island is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Jekyll Island has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Jekyll Island or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Jekyll Island is not a destination known for its beauty.

Big Sur is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The road clings to the cliffs and makes dramatic curves, offering peaks at the striking blue water and breathtaking setting. This is truly one of those special places that feels unreal in its beauty.

Jekyll Island is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jekyll Island or Big Sur Better for Families?

Jekyll Island is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area 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.

Big Sur is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Jekyll Island or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Big Sur is a great natural area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

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 Jekyll Island or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur is a natural area with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Big Sur is a good natural area to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

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 Big Sur Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Jekyll Island or Big Sur offer decent public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Jekyll Island or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Neither Jekyll Island or Big Sur are walkable places.

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

Big Sur is not a walkable island. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jekyll Island and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Jekyll Island than in Big Sur. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Sur 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 Big Sur.

One day in Jekyll Island or Big Sur?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the scenic destination of Big Sur. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Jekyll Island or Big Sur?

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.

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

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.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Big Sur. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This natural area 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 Big Sur?

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.

You'll find food around the beautiful natural area of Big Sur. 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 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.

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

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 Big Sur Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Jekyll Island or Big Sur?

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 Big Sur in the Summer?

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

Jekyll Island is much warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Jekyll Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Big Sur. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jekyll Island in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Big Sur in the Winter?

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

In January, Jekyll Island is generally around the same temperature as Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 53°F (12°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

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

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Jekyll Island during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Jekyll Island is much warmer than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Jekyll Island