A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Nantucket for Food, Couples, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Nantucket?

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 Nantucket 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums. See Jekyll Island travel costs.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a serene, peaceful, and upscale island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Nantucket attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Nantucket travel costs.

Jekyll Island and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Nantucket?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Jekyll Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse. Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Jekyll Island different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantucket is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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

Nantucket is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Nantucket have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket is a island 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 Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere 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 Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Nantucket is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its resorts.

In Nantucket, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Both Jekyll Island and Nantucket are considered to be superb beach destinations.

The beaches at Jekyll Island attract visitors from all over. 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.

Many people visit Nantucket for it's beautiful beaches. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Is Jekyll Island or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Jekyll Island does not have a historic old town.

Nantucket is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Jekyll Island does not have a historic old town.

Is Jekyll Island or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Both Jekyll Island and Nantucket are destinations which offer superb 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 Nantucket. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Nantucket?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Nantucket attracts visitors from all around. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

Jekyll Island is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jekyll Island or Nantucket Better for Families?

Both Jekyll Island and Nantucket are superb 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.

Nantucket is a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Is Jekyll Island or Nantucket Better for Couples?

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

Nantucket is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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

Nantucket is a island with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Nantucket has some public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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 Nantucket a more walkable city?

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

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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 Nantucket Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Nantucket?

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

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

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

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

One day in Jekyll Island or Nantucket?

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.

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the food, 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 Nantucket?

You'll find museums around the natural 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 Nantucket. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the food, 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 Nantucket?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the natural 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.

Nantucket is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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 Nantucket?

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.

Nantucket is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket 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 Nantucket Expensive?.

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

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 Nantucket in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Nantucket. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jekyll Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Nantucket averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Jekyll Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Nantucket. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Nantucket in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Nantucket. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 70°F (21°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in October than Nantucket. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Nantucket in the Winter?

Both Nantucket and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nantucket in the winter. Jekyll Island is much warmer than Nantucket in the winter. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. In January, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Nantucket in the Spring?

Both Nantucket and Jekyll Island during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jekyll Island in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Nantucket averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in April than Nantucket. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Jekyll Island