A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tallahassee vs. Jekyll Island for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Tallahassee or Jekyll Island?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tallahassee and Jekyll Island 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.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a lively, vibrant, and youthful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee and Jekyll Island: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Jekyll Island?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jekyll Island. Although Tallahassee and Jekyll Island are popular destinations, Jekyll Island has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jekyll Island is very popular for its resorts, beaches, and hiking, while Tallahassee attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Jekyll Island is more touristy than Tallahassee and is known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. It is also well known for Driftwood Beach. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities.

How is Tallahassee different from Jekyll Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tallahassee
Jekyll Island

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital 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 Tallahassee or Jekyll Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tallahassee
Jekyll Island

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Tallahassee and Jekyll Island can be difficult as they are each reasonable in their own way.

Tallahassee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

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 Tallahassee or Jekyll Island Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Jekyll Island

Tallahassee is a city 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 Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

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

Is Tallahassee or Jekyll Island Better for Resorts?

Tallahassee
Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is not a resort destination.


Is Tallahassee or Jekyll Island Better for Beaches?

Tallahassee
Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is great for the beach. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Is Tallahassee or Jekyll Island Better for Hiking?

Tallahassee
Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is great for hiking. However, Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Jekyll Island for the hiking trails. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Jekyll Island?

Tallahassee
Jekyll Island

Tallahassee is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Tallahassee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

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 Tallahassee or Jekyll Island Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Tallahassee is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Is Tallahassee or Jekyll Island Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a island with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Jekyll Island is a good island for couples to visit. 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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Tallahassee or Jekyll Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Jekyll Island

Tallahassee is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Tallahassee is a good city to visit for backpackers. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

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 Tallahassee or Jekyll Island Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Jekyll Island

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

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

Tallahassee
Jekyll Island

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

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

Is Tallahassee or Jekyll Island a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Jekyll Island

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

Tallahassee is generally not a very walkable city. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

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 Tallahassee Worth Visiting? and Is Jekyll Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jekyll Island or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Jekyll Island?

It's fun to spend time in either Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee, and 2-4 days is enough time in Jekyll Island.

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

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


  • How many days in Tallahassee or Jekyll Island? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    Jekyll Island 2-4

One day in Tallahassee or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the youthful destination of Tallahassee. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the relaxing island of Jekyll Island. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Tallahassee or Jekyll Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallahassee. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the secluded destination of Jekyll Island. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Tallahassee or Jekyll Island?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Tallahassee. 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.

The natural island of Jekyll Island offers museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Tallahassee or Jekyll Island?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Tallahassee. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Jekyll Island. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Jekyll Island or Tallahassee?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Tallahassee Prices
    USA Prices
    Jekyll Island Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tallahassee $190
    Jekyll Island $189

The average daily cost (per person) in Tallahassee is $190, while the average daily cost in Jekyll Island is $189. 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 Tallahassee and Jekyll Island in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee or Jekyll Island? 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 Tallahassee


Hotels in Jekyll Island


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: Tallahassee Hotel Prices and Jekyll Island Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Jekyll Island $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or Jekyll Island?

Prices for flights to both Jekyll Island and Tallahassee 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
    Tallahassee $82
    Jekyll Island $77

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    Jekyll Island $10

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tallahassee.

  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $108
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $215
  • Treacherous Tallahassee Ghost Tours: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Jekyll Island $6.43

Sample the Local Flavors in Tallahassee

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tallahassee:

  • Tallahassee Bar Crawl: $15


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



When is the best time to visit Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee or Jekyll Island in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Jekyll Island. The summer months attract visitors to Tallahassee because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year.

Tallahassee is around the same temperature as Jekyll Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jekyll Island this time of the year. In Tallahassee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallahassee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jekyll Island during summer. Tallahassee gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

Jekyll Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tallahassee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Jekyll Island. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tallahassee 82°F (28°C) 
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Jekyll Island in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Jekyll Island. The shopping scene are the main draw to Tallahassee this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Tallahassee is around the same temperature as Jekyll Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallahassee in October average around 69°F (20°C), and Jekyll Island averages at about 70°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallahassee this time of the year. In the autumn, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Jekyll Island. Tallahassee gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 214 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Jekyll Island. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Jekyll Island in the Winter?

Both Jekyll Island and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tallahassee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Tallahassee is generally around the same temperature as Jekyll Island. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 51°F (11°C), and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Tallahassee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jekyll Island during winter. Tallahassee gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Jekyll Island. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Jekyll Island in the Spring?

Both Jekyll Island and Tallahassee during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches during these months.

Tallahassee is around the same temperature as Jekyll Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. In the spring, Tallahassee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jekyll Island. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 285 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in April than Jekyll Island. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Jekyll Island and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Jekyll Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)