A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key West vs. Jekyll Island for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Key West or Jekyll Island?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Key West or Jekyll Island? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Key West

Key West is a quaint, laid-back, and quirky town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Key West attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Key West travel costs.

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.

Key West and Jekyll Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Jekyll Island?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Jekyll Island are both popular with visitors, Key West has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Key West is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Jekyll Island is known for its museums and attractions and hiking. Key West is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is popular for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. It is also home to Duval Street. Jekyll Island is popular for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Key West different from Jekyll Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Jekyll Island is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Jekyll Island offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Key West has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, but the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

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 Key West or Jekyll Island Better for Nightlife?

Key West is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Key West has a large number of nightlife venues. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

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

Is Key West or Jekyll Island Better for Resorts?

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

In Key West, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

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

Is Key West or Jekyll Island Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key West is a town with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Jekyll Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Key West. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Jekyll Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Jekyll Island Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Key West and Jekyll Island are excellent choices.

Key West is considered a top beach destination. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Jekyll Island is a very popular place to visit for its 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 Key West or Jekyll Island Better for its Old Town?

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

Key West is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Jekyll Island does not have a historic old town.

Is Key West or Jekyll Island Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Key West is not a hiking destination.

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.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Jekyll Island?

Both Key West and Jekyll Island are decent shopping destinations.

If you're looking to go shopping, Key West has some nice offerings. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Jekyll Island has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.

Is Key West or Jekyll Island More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Key West attracts visitors from all around. There are blue waters as far as the eye can see. It doesn't get much more beautiful than this.

Jekyll Island is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key West or Jekyll Island Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Key West or Jekyll Island.

Key West is a very kid-friendly town. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

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.

Is Key West or Jekyll Island Better for Couples?

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

Key West makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

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 Key West or Jekyll Island Better for Students?

Key West is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Key West. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

Is Key West or Jekyll Island Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Key West or Jekyll Island offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Public transit is quite limited in Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.

Is Key West or Jekyll Island a more walkable city?

Key West is a town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Key West is a somewhat walkable town. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Jekyll Island or Key West?

How long in Key West or Jekyll Island?

It's fun to spend time in either Key West or Jekyll Island. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Key West due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 2-4 days is enough time in Jekyll Island.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Key West 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 Key West.

One day in Key West or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Key West. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

The island of Jekyll Island offers museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Key West or Jekyll Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key West. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Jekyll Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Jekyll Island, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the quaint destination of Key West. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This 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.

Jekyll Island is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Key West or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the beautiful town of Key West. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Jekyll Island is a great place to explore. 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. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

When is the best time to visit Key West or Jekyll Island?

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 Key West or Jekyll Island in the Summer?

Both Jekyll Island and Key West during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Key West in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Key West is around the same temperature as Jekyll Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key West in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Jekyll Island averages at about 82°F (28°C).

In Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key West. In the summer, Key West often gets more sunshine than Jekyll Island. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 286 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Key West usually gets less rain in July than Jekyll Island. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Jekyll Island in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Jekyll Island. Most visitors come to Key West for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Key West is generally a little warmer than Jekyll Island. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 80°F (27°C), and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Jekyll Island during autumn. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Key West gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key West usually receives more rain than Jekyll Island. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Should I visit Key West or Jekyll Island in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key West as well as Jekyll Island. The winter months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year.

Key West is much warmer than Jekyll Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the winter, Key West often gets more sunshine than Jekyll Island. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 191 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets less rain in January than Jekyll Island. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Jekyll Island in the Spring?

Both Jekyll Island and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches.

In the spring, Key West is a little warmer than Jekyll Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key West in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Jekyll Island averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Jekyll Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Jekyll Island during spring. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key West usually receives less rain than Jekyll Island. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Jekyll Island and Key West