A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Pocono Mountains for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a beautiful, magnificent, and relaxing region. Pocono Mountains offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the skiing, food, and hiking. See Pocono Mountains travel costs.

Jekyll Island and Pocono Mountains: 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 with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Pocono Mountains?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pocono Mountains. Although Jekyll Island and Pocono Mountains are both popular with visitors, Pocono Mountains has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pocono Mountains is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Jekyll Island is known for its beaches. Pocono Mountains is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is popular for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. It is also home to Bushkill Falls. Jekyll Island is popular for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Jekyll Island different from Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Jekyll Island or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Jekyll Island
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Jekyll Island is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Jekyll Island is not a skiing destination.


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

Jekyll Island
Pocono Mountains

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

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

Jekyll Island
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a region with good options for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Pocono Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

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


Is Jekyll Island or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a region with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Pocono Mountains has a few great resort options. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

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

Is Jekyll Island or Pocono Mountains Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Pocono Mountains

Jekyll Island is notable for the beach. However, Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

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.

Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Pocono Mountains

Both Jekyll Island and Pocono Mountains are destinations which offer great 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 Pocono Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.


Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Pocono Mountains?

Jekyll Island
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a region with good options for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Pocono Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

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 Pocono Mountains More Beautiful?

Jekyll Island
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a region with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Jekyll Island is not a destination known for its beauty.

Pocono Mountains offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The mountains, valleys, lakes, and streams offer impressive beauty and a peaceful setting.

Jekyll Island is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jekyll Island or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Pocono Mountains

Both Jekyll Island and Pocono Mountains are great 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.

Pocono Mountains is a very family-friendly place to visit. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.


Is Jekyll Island or Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Pocono Mountains

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

Pocono Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jekyll Island
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

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

Jekyll Island
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

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 Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Pocono Mountains

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

Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable region. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

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 Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Pocono Mountains?

Both Jekyll Island and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than in Jekyll Island. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 3-7 days is enough time in Pocono Mountains.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.


  • How many days in Jekyll Island or Pocono Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Pocono Mountains 3-7

One day in Jekyll Island or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find museums around the relaxing destination of Jekyll Island. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Pocono Mountains. 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 Pocono Mountains?

You'll find museums around the natural island of Jekyll Island. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pocono Mountains. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Pocono Mountains?

Jekyll Island is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the relaxing destination of Pocono Mountains. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This region 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 Pocono Mountains?

Jekyll Island is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the region of Pocono Mountains. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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, Pocono Mountains 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
    Pocono Mountains Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jekyll Island $189
    Pocono Mountains $213

The average daily cost (per person) in Jekyll Island is $189, while the average daily cost in Pocono Mountains is $213. 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 Pocono Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Pocono Mountains $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Pocono Mountains $178
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Pocono Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island or Pocono Mountains? 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 Pocono Mountains


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
    Pocono Mountains $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Pocono Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Pocono Mountains 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
    Pocono Mountains $92

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Pocono Mountains $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Pocono Mountains $13


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



When is the best time to visit Jekyll Island or Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Pocono Mountains. The summer months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

In July, Jekyll Island is generally a little warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 82°F (28°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. 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 Pocono Mountains. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pocono Mountains. Jekyll Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in July than Pocono Mountains. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Pocono Mountains and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Jekyll Island is much warmer than Pocono Mountains in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during autumn. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pocono Mountains. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

Both Pocono Mountains and Jekyll Island during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Pocono Mountains can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jekyll Island in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Pocono Mountains. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Pocono Mountains. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pocono Mountains this time of the year. In Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during spring. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Pocono Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)