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

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Duck?

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 Duck 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.

Duck

Duck is a charming, laid-back, and traditional beach town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Duck attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Duck travel costs.

Jekyll Island and Duck: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Duck?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Duck than Jekyll Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Duck is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Jekyll Island is more popular for its museums and attractions and hiking. Duck is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is popular for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Also, Duck is famous for the wide sandy beach. Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Jekyll Island different from Duck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jekyll Island
Duck

Jekyll Island is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.


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

Jekyll Island
Duck

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

Duck is becoming an appealing option for foodies. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

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 Duck Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Duck

Duck 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 Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Duck Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Duck

Duck is a beach town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Duck has a few great resort options. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

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


Is Jekyll Island or Duck Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Duck

Duck is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Duck is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

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.

Is Jekyll Island or Duck Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Duck

Jekyll Island is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Duck. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Duck?

Jekyll Island
Duck

Duck is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

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 Duck More Beautiful?

Jekyll Island
Duck

Duck is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Jekyll Island is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Duck attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful sandy beaches and family-friendly parks offer a beautiful and relaxed beach vacation.

Jekyll Island is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jekyll Island or Duck Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Duck

Both Jekyll Island and Duck are excellent 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.

Duck is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

Is Jekyll Island or Duck Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Duck

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

Duck makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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

Jekyll Island
Duck

Duck 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 Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

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 Duck a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Duck

Duck is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Duck. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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 Duck Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Duck or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Duck?

Both Jekyll Island and Duck have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Duck than in Jekyll Island. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 5-7 days is enough time in Duck.

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

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


  • How many days in Jekyll Island or Duck? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Duck 5-7

One day in Jekyll Island or Duck?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Jekyll Island. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Even though Duck is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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 Duck?

Jekyll Island is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Duck. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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.

Five days in Jekyll Island or Duck?

You'll find museums around the relaxing destination of Jekyll Island. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A week in Jekyll Island or Duck?

The secluded island of Jekyll Island offers museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.


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, Duck 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
    Duck Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jekyll Island $189
    Duck $221

The average daily cost (per person) in Jekyll Island is $189, while the average daily cost in Duck is $221. 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 Duck in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Duck $107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Duck $214
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Duck

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island or Duck? 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 Duck


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Duck $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Duck?

Prices for flights to both Duck 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
    Duck $78

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Duck $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Duck $45


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



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

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 Duck in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Duck. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Duck in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jekyll Island is around the same temperature as Duck. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jekyll Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Duck averages at about 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck. 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 Duck. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Duck. Jekyll Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jekyll Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Duck. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Duck 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Duck in the Autumn?

Both Duck and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Duck for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Jekyll Island is generally a little warmer than Duck. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 70°F (21°C), and Duck fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Duck. 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 Duck during autumn. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Duck. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Duck 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Duck in the Winter?

Both Duck and Jekyll Island during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Duck because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Duck can be very cold. Jekyll Island is much warmer than Duck in the winter. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Duck fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

In the winter, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Duck. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 168 hours of full sun.

Duck gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in January than Duck. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Duck 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Duck in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Duck. The spring months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the beaches. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Duck this time of year.

In the spring, Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Duck. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jekyll Island in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Duck averages at about 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck this time of the year. In Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Duck during spring. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Duck. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Duck 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Duck and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Duck
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)