A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Jekyll Island for Attractions, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Merida or Jekyll Island?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Jekyll Island, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Merida

Merida is a traditional, colonial, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Merida travel costs.

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.

Merida and Jekyll Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Jekyll Island?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Jekyll Island are popular destinations, Merida has more sights and attractions for tourists. Merida is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Jekyll Island attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Merida is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also well known for Grand Plaza. Jekyll Island is famous for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Merida different from Jekyll Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Merida 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 Merida. The city is filled with culture and traditional heritage, and there are many museums and architectural landmarks that will educate and inform visitors on the area. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a highlight for many visitors. It's also worth visiting Museo Casa Montejo and Museo Palacio Canton. If you want to visit ruins, then the Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins are about 45 minutes outside of town.

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 Merida or Jekyll Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Merida has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a top foodie destination in the Yucatan region and visitors will enjoy the many local restaurants and diverse local dishes that are influenced by the Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. The most well known local dish is cochinita pibil, which is marinated pork shoulder. Other popular dishes include sopa de lima (lime soup), papadzules (enchiladas with pumpkin seed sauce), and relleno negro (a local stew).

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 Merida or Jekyll Island Better for Nightlife?

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

Merida has a large number of nightlife venues. Most tourists take advantage of the nightlife scene in the city's downtown area, while locals congregate in the northern part of town. The city has bars, theaters, night clubs, and live music that keeps the energy high late into the night.

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

Is Merida or Jekyll Island Better for Resorts?

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

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Jekyll Island Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Merida is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Jekyll Island. 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.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Jekyll Island Better for its Old Town?

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

Merida is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Centered around the city's Grand Plaza, the old town is filled with colonial architecture and colorful buildings. The Catedral de San Ildefonso was the first cathedral built in the Americas. There are also monuments and examples of Mayan art and culture.

Jekyll Island does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Jekyll Island Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

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.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Jekyll Island?

Merida 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 Merida. There are colorful markets that are filled with artisan crafts and traditional clothing. Visitors enjoy discovering the unique vendors and picking up souvenirs that are unique to the area.

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 Merida or Jekyll Island Better for Families?

Jekyll Island is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Merida 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 Merida. The weekend is the best time to visit the city, as this is when there are the most activities. There are live performances that educate visitors on Mayan traditions. There are also historic museums, bike-friendly streets, and a vibrant central market.

Is Merida or Jekyll Island Better for Couples?

Merida and Jekyll Island are both nice to visit as a couple.

Merida is a good city for couples to visit. If you're interested in Mayan culture and history, then this is a wonderful destination. There are also romantic hotels, excellent restaurants, and plenty of fascinating activities that couples will enjoy.

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 Merida or Jekyll Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida 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 Merida. It's a relatively large city with a number of hostels and budget hotels, so backpackers will have no problem finding a place to stay.

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

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

Merida has some public transit options. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

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

Is Merida or Jekyll Island a more walkable city?

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

Merida is a very walkable destination. It's a very walkable city and most visitors don't have a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Jekyll Island or Merida?

How long in Merida or Jekyll Island?

It's fun to spend time in either Merida or Jekyll Island. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Jekyll Island due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 2-4 days is enough time in Jekyll Island.

Families should spend more time in Jekyll Island than Merida. 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.

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

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

One day in Merida or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Merida. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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.

A weekend in Merida or Jekyll Island?

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

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.

Five days in Merida or Jekyll Island?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colonial destination of Merida. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

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.

A week in Merida or Jekyll Island?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Merida. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the secluded 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Jekyll Island, we can see that Jekyll Island is more expensive. And not only is Merida much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Merida would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Merida 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 Jekyll Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jekyll Island than you might in Merida.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Merida Expensive? and Is Jekyll Island Expensive?.

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

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 Merida or Jekyll Island in the Summer?

Both Jekyll Island and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Merida is cooler than Jekyll Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Jekyll Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Jekyll Island during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. In July, Merida usually receives less rain than Jekyll Island. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Merida or Jekyll Island in the Autumn?

Both Jekyll Island and Merida during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Merida is around the same temperature as Jekyll Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Jekyll Island averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the autumn, Merida often gets more sunshine than Jekyll Island. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 214 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Jekyll Island. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Jekyll Island in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Jekyll Island. Many visitors come to Merida in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Merida is generally much warmer than Jekyll Island. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Jekyll Island during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Jekyll Island. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Merida or Jekyll Island in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Merida as well as Jekyll Island. Most visitors come to Merida for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the beaches.

Merida is around the same temperature as Jekyll Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the spring, Merida often gets less sunshine than Jekyll Island. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 285 hours of full sun.

Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Jekyll Island. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Jekyll Island and Merida