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

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Fairbanks?

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 Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a remote, Arctic, and unique city. Fairbanks is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, hiking, and shopping. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Jekyll Island and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jekyll Island. Although Jekyll Island and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Jekyll Island has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jekyll Island is very popular for its resorts and beaches, while Fairbanks attracts visitors for its skiing, shopping, and impressive beauty. Jekyll Island is famous for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. It is also well known for Driftwood Beach. Fairbanks is famous for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Jekyll Island different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fairbanks and Jekyll Island. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Jekyll Island or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Jekyll Island is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Fairbanks for snow skiing. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Jekyll Island is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jekyll Island or Fairbanks?

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

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

Both Jekyll Island and Fairbanks offer a number of reasonable 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.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Jekyll Island or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Neither Jekyll Island or Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Jekyll Island or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island is a very popular place for the beach. However, Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Jekyll Island is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Both Jekyll Island and Fairbanks are destinations which offer excellent 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 Fairbanks. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Fairbanks?

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

Fairbanks has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

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 Fairbanks More Beautiful?

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

Fairbanks is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city offers access to Alaska's interior, as well as the Arctic. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife is abundant. Fairbanks is also the best place in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. They are best seen between the months of August and April.

Jekyll Island is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jekyll Island or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Jekyll Island is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is Jekyll Island or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Both Jekyll Island and Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

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

Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

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

Neither Jekyll Island or Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Jekyll Island or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Neither Jekyll Island or Fairbanks are walkable places.

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

Fairbanks is not a walkable island. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Jekyll Island or Fairbanks. In our opinion, Fairbanks has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks. 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.

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

One day in Jekyll Island or Fairbanks?

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 Arctic destination of Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks?

You'll find museums around the secluded 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 Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the secluded 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 shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Fairbanks. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Fairbanks?

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 museums and shopping around the beautiful city of Fairbanks. 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.

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

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

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 Fairbanks in the Summer?

Both Fairbanks and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Jekyll Island is much warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite rainy in Jekyll Island. In July, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Jekyll Island during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jekyll Island in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. In January, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 53°F (12°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

In January, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Fairbanks. The spring months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the beaches. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the spring. Jekyll Island is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Jekyll Island