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

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Juneau?

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 Juneau 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. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and beaches. See Jekyll Island travel costs.

Juneau

Juneau is a historic, scenic, and breathtaking city. Juneau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Juneau travel costs.

Jekyll Island and Juneau: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Juneau?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Juneau. Although Jekyll Island and Juneau are both popular with visitors, Juneau has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Juneau is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Jekyll Island is known for its resorts and beaches. Juneau is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is popular for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. It is also home to the Mendenhall Glacier. Jekyll Island is popular for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Jekyll Island different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jekyll Island
Juneau

Juneau is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Juneau. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.

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.


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

Jekyll Island
Juneau

Juneau is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Juneau has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

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 Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Juneau

Juneau 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 Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Juneau Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Juneau

Jekyll Island is a moderate island for its resorts. However, Juneau 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.

Juneau is not a resort destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Juneau Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Juneau

Jekyll Island is a well-known place for the beach. However, Juneau 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.

Juneau is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Juneau

Juneau is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Juneau visitors will find world-class hiking trails. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Juneau?

Jekyll Island
Juneau

Juneau 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 Juneau. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

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 Juneau More Beautiful?

Jekyll Island
Juneau

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

Juneau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The landscape is filled with glaciers, mountains, and fjords, making it a dramatic and beautiful destination.

Jekyll Island is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jekyll Island or Juneau Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Juneau

Both Jekyll Island and Juneau 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.

Juneau is a very family-friendly place to visit. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

Is Jekyll Island or Juneau Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Juneau

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

Juneau is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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 Juneau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jekyll Island
Juneau

Juneau 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 Juneau. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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

Jekyll Island
Juneau

Juneau 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 Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

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 Juneau a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Juneau

Juneau is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Juneau is a very walkable destination. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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 Juneau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Juneau or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Juneau?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Jekyll Island or Juneau? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Juneau 2-3

One day in Jekyll Island or Juneau?

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Jekyll Island. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the historic destination of Juneau. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, 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 Juneau?

Jekyll Island is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Juneau. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Juneau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jekyll Island. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the breathtaking destination of Juneau. 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 Juneau?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the natural destination of Jekyll Island. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful city of Juneau. 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, Juneau 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
    Juneau Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jekyll Island $189
    Juneau $196

The average daily cost (per person) in Jekyll Island is $189, while the average daily cost in Juneau is $196. 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 Juneau in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island or Juneau? 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 Juneau


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 Juneau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Juneau $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Juneau?

Prices for flights to both Juneau 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
    Juneau $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Juneau $17

Typical Entertainment Prices in Juneau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Juneau are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $25
  • Admission to Alaska State Museum
    $5.00
  • Glacier Gardens
    $22

Tours and Activities in Juneau

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Juneau are as follows:

  • 3 Hour Fishing Experience/Class in Juneau: $225
  • 3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska: $189
  • 4-Hour Wildlife and Coastal Tour in Juneau, Alaska: $220
  • Alaska Native Tour and Tram Combo: $145
  • Alpine Segway Wilderness Trail Adventure: $180
  • Alpine Zipline Adventure in Juneau, AK: $257
  • From Whale Watching Cruise with Snacks: $123
  • Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure: $99
  • Historic Gold Panning Adventure & Salmon Bake: $145
  • Historical Walking Tour of Abandoned Gold Rush Era City with AR: $99
  • Juneau City Tour: $52
  • Juneau Highlights and Mendenhall Glacier Tour: $129

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Juneau $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Juneau

Also in Juneau, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Walking Pub Crawl in Downtown Juneau: $115
  • Craft Brews & Epic Views: Juneau's Brewery & Sightseeing Tour!: $159
  • Craft Beer and Brewery Tour with Scenic Stops: $159


When comparing the travel costs between Jekyll Island and Juneau, we can see that Juneau 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 Juneau Expensive?.



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

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 Juneau in the Summer?

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

In July, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 82°F (28°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island this time of the year. In the summer, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 179 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Juneau. Jekyll Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in July than Juneau. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Juneau 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Juneau in the Autumn?

Both Juneau 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 Juneau for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Jekyll Island is much warmer than Juneau in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Juneau fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during autumn. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 69 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. In October, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Juneau. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Juneau 42°F (6°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Juneau in the Winter?

Both Juneau 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 Juneau because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Juneau can be very cold. In the winter, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jekyll Island in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Juneau averages at about 24°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 87 hours of full sun.

Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in January than Juneau. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Juneau 24°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Juneau in the Spring?

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

It's quite cold in Juneau in the spring. In April, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during spring. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Juneau. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Juneau 40°F (4°C)

Typical Weather for Juneau and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Juneau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 24°F (-4°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 33°F (0°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 40°F (4°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 56°F (13°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 55°F (13°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 49°F (10°C) 7 inches (179 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 42°F (6°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.9 inches (123 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)