A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Charlottesville for Hiking, Families, Attractions, and Couples

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Charlottesville?

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 Charlottesville 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 relaxing, secluded, and natural island. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and beaches. See Jekyll Island travel costs.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a young, collegiate, and southern university town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Charlottesville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking. See Charlottesville travel costs.

Jekyll Island and Charlottesville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Charlottesville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jekyll Island. Although Jekyll Island and Charlottesville are both popular with visitors, Jekyll Island has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Jekyll Island is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Charlottesville is known for its nightlife, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Jekyll Island is more touristy than Charlottesville and is known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. It is also home to Driftwood Beach. Charlottesville is popular for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Jekyll Island different from Charlottesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Charlottesville and Jekyll Island.

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.

Charlottesville is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

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

Both Jekyll Island and Charlottesville offer a number of decent restaurants to choose from.

Jekyll Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Charlottesville offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Jekyll Island or Charlottesville Better for Nightlife?

Charlottesville is a university town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Charlottesville. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Charlottesville Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Jekyll Island offers a few options. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Charlottesville Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island is a great island for the beach. However, Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

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.

Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Charlottesville Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville is a university town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Jekyll Island does not have a historic old town.

Charlottesville has an old town worth visiting. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Jekyll Island does not have a historic old town.

Is Jekyll Island or Charlottesville Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island is a great island for hiking. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town 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.

Charlottesville is a good destination for hiking. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Charlottesville?

Jekyll Island is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Jekyll Island has some nice offerings. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Charlottesville More Beautiful?

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

Charlottesville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Surrounded by the Shenandoah Mountains, this is a beautiful town and home to the beautiful University of Virginia.

Jekyll Island is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jekyll Island or Charlottesville Better for Families?

Jekyll Island is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Jekyll Island or Charlottesville Better for Couples?

Both Jekyll Island and Charlottesville are good 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.

Charlottesville is a nice destination for couples. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Is Jekyll Island or Charlottesville Better for Students?

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

Charlottesville is a very popular university town for students. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

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

Charlottesville is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

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 Charlottesville a more walkable city?

Charlottesville is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Charlottesville is generally not a very walkable university town. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

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 Charlottesville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Charlottesville or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Charlottesville?

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

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

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

One day in Jekyll Island or Charlottesville?

The natural destination of Jekyll Island offers museums. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Charlottesville is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Charlottesville?

The island of Jekyll Island offers museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charlottesville. 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 Charlottesville?

Jekyll Island is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Charlottesville is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This university town 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 Charlottesville?

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Jekyll Island. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Charlottesville is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 comparing the travel costs between Jekyll Island and Charlottesville, we can see that Jekyll Island is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Charlottesville Expensive?.

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

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 Charlottesville in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Charlottesville. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Charlottesville for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Jekyll Island is generally around the same temperature as Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 82°F (28°C), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlottesville this time of the year. In Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville during summer. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 305 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charlottesville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jekyll Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charlottesville. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Charlottesville in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Charlottesville. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Charlottesville in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Charlottesville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island this time of the year. In the autumn, Jekyll Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 221 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in October than Charlottesville. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Charlottesville in the Winter?

Both Charlottesville and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Charlottesville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine during these months.

Charlottesville can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Charlottesville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jekyll Island in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 36°F (2°C).

Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Charlottesville during winter. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charlottesville. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Charlottesville in the Spring?

Both Charlottesville and Jekyll Island during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Jekyll Island is generally a little warmer than Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In Charlottesville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jekyll Island. In the spring, Jekyll Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 265 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Charlottesville. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Charlottesville and Jekyll Island