A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Jekyll Island for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

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.

West Palm Beach and Jekyll Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island?

Both Jekyll Island and West Palm Beach have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. West Palm Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Jekyll Island is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, and shopping. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is West Palm Beach different from Jekyll Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both West Palm Beach and Jekyll Island offer respectable local cuisine and restaurants.

West Palm Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Jekyll Island. 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 West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island Better for Nightlife?

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

West Palm Beach has a large number of nightlife venues. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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

Is West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its resorts.

West Palm Beach is a world class resort vacation destination. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

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

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

West Palm Beach is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Jekyll Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

West Palm Beach is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Jekyll Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

West Palm Beach is considered to be a world-class beach destination. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Many people visit Jekyll Island for it's beautiful 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 West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island is a great island for hiking. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island?

Jekyll Island is adequate for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Jekyll Island is a good destination for shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island Better for Families?

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

West Palm Beach is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Jekyll Island is a very kid-friendly beach area. 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 West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island Better for Couples?

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

West Palm Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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

West Palm Beach is a beach area with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

West Palm Beach has some public transit options. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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

Is West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach is a beach area with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable beach area. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Jekyll Island or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island?

It's fun to spend time in either West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island. Generally, people tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for West Palm Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Jekyll Island.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jekyll Island than West Palm Beach 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 Jekyll Island.

One day in West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the vibrant destination of West Palm Beach. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the beaches, 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.

The natural destination of Jekyll Island offers museums. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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.

The island of Jekyll Island offers museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the diverse destination of West Palm Beach. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach area 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 great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the beach area of West Palm Beach. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Jekyll Island. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

When is the best time to visit West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Jekyll Island. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, West Palm Beach is generally around the same temperature as Jekyll Island. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 82°F (28°C), 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 West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Jekyll Island during summer. West Palm Beach gets 316 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. West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Jekyll Island. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Jekyll Island. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

West Palm Beach is a little warmer than Jekyll Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Jekyll Island fluctuates around 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 West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the autumn, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Jekyll Island. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 214 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in October than Jekyll Island. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island in the Winter?

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

In the winter, West Palm Beach is much warmer than Jekyll Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in West Palm Beach in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Jekyll Island averages at about 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Jekyll Island during winter. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Jekyll Island receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, West Palm Beach usually receives less rain than Jekyll Island. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Jekyll Island in the Spring?

Both Jekyll Island and West Palm Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches.

In April, West Palm Beach is generally a little warmer than Jekyll Island. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 74°F (23°C), 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 West Palm Beach. In the spring, West Palm Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jekyll Island. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jekyll Island receives 285 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in April than Jekyll Island. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Jekyll Island receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Jekyll Island and West Palm Beach