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

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Cherokee?

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

Cherokee

Cherokee is a fascinating, cultural, and genuine town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Cherokee travel costs.

Jekyll Island and Cherokee: 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 with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Cherokee?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jekyll Island than Cherokee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jekyll Island is better known for its resorts and beaches, while Cherokee is more popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. Also, Jekyll Island is famous for Driftwood Beach. Cherokee is well known for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Jekyll Island different from Cherokee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jekyll Island
Cherokee

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.


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

Jekyll Island
Cherokee

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

Cherokee is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

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 Cherokee Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Cherokee

Cherokee is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Cherokee Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Cherokee

Jekyll Island is a moderate island for its resorts. However, Cherokee is not a resort destination.

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

Cherokee is not a resort destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Cherokee Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Cherokee

Jekyll Island is notable for its beaches. However, Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Cherokee Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Cherokee

Both Jekyll Island and Cherokee are destinations which offer high quality 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 Cherokee. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Cherokee?

Jekyll Island
Cherokee

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

Cherokee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

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 Cherokee Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Cherokee

Both Jekyll Island and Cherokee are high quality to visit with kids.

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.

Cherokee is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

Is Jekyll Island or Cherokee Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Cherokee

Cherokee is a very popular place for couples. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cherokee makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

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 Cherokee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jekyll Island
Cherokee

Cherokee is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Cherokee is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

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

Jekyll Island
Cherokee

Cherokee 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 Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

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 Cherokee a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Cherokee

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

Cherokee is generally not a very walkable town. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

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 Cherokee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cherokee or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Cherokee?

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

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

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


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

One day in Jekyll Island or Cherokee?

The island of Jekyll Island offers museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the fascinating destination of Cherokee. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Cherokee?

Jekyll Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Jekyll Island, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Jekyll Island is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the genuine destination of Cherokee. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This 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 Cherokee?

Jekyll Island is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

You'll find museums and food around the town of Cherokee. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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, Cherokee 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
    Cherokee Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jekyll Island $189
    Cherokee $186

The average daily cost (per person) in Jekyll Island is $189, while the average daily cost in Cherokee is $186. 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 Cherokee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Cherokee $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Cherokee $316
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Cherokee

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island or Cherokee? 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 Cherokee


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 Cherokee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Cherokee -

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Cherokee?

Prices for flights to both Cherokee 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
    Cherokee $27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Cherokee -

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Cherokee -


When comparing the travel costs between Jekyll Island and Cherokee, 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 Cherokee Expensive?.



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

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 Jekyll Island or Cherokee in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Cherokee. 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 Cherokee because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jekyll Island is around the same temperature as Cherokee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jekyll Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Cherokee averages at about 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island this time of the year. In the summer, Jekyll Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cherokee. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cherokee receives 294 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cherokee. Jekyll Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in July than Cherokee. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Cherokee 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Cherokee in the Autumn?

Both Cherokee and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cherokee this time of year.

In October, Jekyll Island is generally a little warmer than Cherokee. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 70°F (21°C), and Cherokee fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Cherokee. 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 Cherokee during autumn. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Cherokee receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cherokee. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Cherokee 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Cherokee in the Winter?

Both Cherokee and Jekyll Island during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cherokee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cherokee. Jekyll Island is much warmer than Cherokee in the winter. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Cherokee fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Cherokee. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cherokee receives 134 hours of full sun.

Cherokee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in January than Cherokee. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Cherokee 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Cherokee in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Cherokee. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches.

In the spring, Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Cherokee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jekyll Island in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Cherokee averages at about 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cherokee this time of the year. In Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Cherokee during spring. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Cherokee receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Cherokee. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Cherokee 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Cherokee and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Cherokee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)