Travel Budget for Jekyll Island Visit Jekyll Island on a Budget or Travel in Style

Jekyll Island, Georgia, United States of America
North America / United States of America / The South / Georgia /
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Jekyll Island is a natural island known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Jekyll Island and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're relaxing on the beaches or hiking in nature.

How much does it cost to travel to Jekyll Island?

You should plan to spend around $189 per day on your vacation in Jekyll Island. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $77 on meals
  • $41 on local transportation
  • $176 on hotels

A one week trip to Jekyll Island for two people costs, on average, $2,646. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $189
  • One Week Per person
    $1,323
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,646
  • One Month Per person
    $5,670
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,646
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $5,292
  • One Month For a couple
    $11,340
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Jekyll Island cost?

A one week trip to Jekyll Island usually costs around $1,323 for one person and $2,646 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Jekyll Island on average costs around $2,646 for one person and $5,292 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Jekyll Island will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Jekyll Island on average costs around $5,670 for one person and $11,340 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Jekyll Island expensive to visit?

Jekyll Island is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.

Jekyll Island can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as enjoying the free hiking trails and spending long days at the beach.

On average, budget travelers spend $83 per day, mid-range travelers spend $189 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $360 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Jekyll Island.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Jekyll Island is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Charlottesville or Edmonton.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Jekyll Island Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Jekyll Island?

The average Jekyll Island trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Jekyll Island travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Jekyll Island cost?

Jekyll Island on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$39 $88 $168
Local Transportation 1 $18 $41 $79
Food 2 $34 $77 $147
Entertainment 1 $4.48 $10 $20
Alcohol 2 $1-4 $3-10 $6-18

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Jekyll Island, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.

Who are Budget Travelers?

You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $83 per day that backpackers typically manage.

Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.

Could You Be an Average Traveler?

If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Jekyll Island will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $189 per person, per day.

Looking to Travel in Luxury?

If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $360. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the island will entail a more premium price tag.

Accommodation Budget in Jekyll Island

Hotel prices in Jekyll Island can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $349, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $651. Budget accommodations range from $224 to $1,129, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Jekyll Island for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $176. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $88 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $88
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $176

Hotels in Jekyll Island

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Jekyll Island

The average hotel room price in Jekyll Island based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $349 in the low season and $651 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Jekyll Island include:

  • The Westin Jekyll Island starting at $277
  • Beachview Club Hotel starting at $264
  • Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jekyll Island starting at $135
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a great destination for families, and you'll want to find an apartment or larger accommodation when traveling with kids.

Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of summer, can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Jekyll Island

Unfortunately, Jekyll Island does not provide a solid public transit network. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.

Sadly, the island isn't particularly pedestrian-friendly. Resources are spread out, so you really need a car to get around.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (poor)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (poor)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $41 per person, per day, on local transportation in Jekyll Island. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Jekyll Island is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $41

Transportation Tips

If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.



Flights to Jekyll Island
How much does it cost to go to Jekyll Island? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Jekyll Island
The price of renting a car in Jekyll Island will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Jekyll Island

In Jekyll Island, the food choices are somewhat restricted and the quality isn't the highest. It's wise to avoid overspending on dining out since there are other activities that deserve your attention. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Jekyll Island can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Jekyll Island is $77 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $77

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Jekyll Island is around $77 ($77) per person, with previous travelers spending from $34 to $147. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Jekyll Island are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $8 to $23
  • Lunch: $12 to $31
  • Dinner: $23 to $54
  • Coffee: $6
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $12

Most dining options are located along the eastern side of the island, and being an island, fresh seafood options make up much of the available cuisine. Driftwood Bistro further north offers a casual setting of low country cuisine and local shrimp dishes, plus a seasonal outdoor bar that is popular with vacationers. Other laid back seafood eats can be found at a place like Tortuga Jack's, while Latitude 31 is known for a more refined experience with a raw bar and dinner items like shrimp & grits, seafood crepes, and scallop & mussel linguini. Other options at Latitude include sherry crab bisque, fish & chips, dungeness crab legs, shrimp po boy, and lobster rolls. Satisfying, casual eats on the island can be found at places like Love Shack BBQ Shrimp & Yardbird, Club Cafe, and Red Bug Motors Pizza.

Food & Dining Tips

If you're traveling with kids, search for restaurants that offer a children's menu. This can save you a lot of money since these dishes are usually cheaper. Keep in mind that some places may not list their kids' options, so make sure to ask the server.

Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.

Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.

If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Jekyll Island

It's no wonder that so many visitors make their way to Jekyll Island for its beaches, hiking, family-friendly activities, and museums and attractions.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Jekyll Island typically cost an average of $10 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $10

Like on any island, Jeckyll Island is known for its beaches-Driftwood Beach being the most popular. Located on the north end of Jekyll Island, the place is full of weathered trees and branches that make for a unique photo opportunity. The beach extends from the Clam Creek Picnic Area to the Villas By The Sea Resort and Conference Center and is only a short walk away from the Jekyll Island Campground. Also in the northern vicinity of the island are the ruins of Horton House which was built in 1742, and stands as one of the oldest surviving buildings in the state.

The southern end of the island is known for Glory Beach whose boardwalk passes through a variety of natural habitats ranging from ancient dunes to freshwater sloughs. It is also home to the South Dunes picnic area, and the St. Andrews picnic area which is a popular location to see fishing birds and dolphins surfacing for air. Great Dunes Park is another good waypoint for beach access.



As far as activities go, both mini and regular golf are popular throughout the island with many different courses and challenges for players of all abilities. Fishing of all sorts is also common, including freshwater lake fishing, surf fishing off of the beach, and charter offshore trips. Crabbing and shrimping are also popular amongst visitors. Walking and biking trails are available almost everywhere, and the Summer Waves Water Park makes for a family fun day enjoying its waterslides and attractions.

If you are looking to get a little closer to nature, there are a few places on the island that offer dolphin and whale watching tours. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, located in the historic district, is a premier marine life rehabilitation, research, and education facility that offers hands-on activities for all ages. It is a great way to spend the day, learning a bit more about the coastal ecosystem and the critters that inhabit it. The Tidelands Nature Center offers a similar kind of experience-in addition to kayak tours, canoe rentals, and guided nature walks.

Sightseeing Tips

Beaches:
Many people flock to Jekyll Island for a serene day at the beach. 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.

Hiking:
The hiking scene in Jekyll Island is truly remarkable. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.



Nightlife Budget in Jekyll Island

The nightlife in Jekyll Island is pretty much non-existent. There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $6.43 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Jekyll Island per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $6.43
Nightlife Tips

Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.



Budgeting and Travel Tips for Jekyll Island

  • Prices generally surge and the island fills up during the peak season in summer. To enjoy some savings and a less crowded atmosphere, aim to visit during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Traveling a little slower can help you save money, as you can enjoy a lot of the beauty of the area while you relax. If you pack all of the activities into every day, you'll end up spending lots of money. But if you take it a little slower and enjoy your time, you'll usually end up spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • In Jekyll Island, public transport options are quite limited. You might consider renting a car or scheduling some form of transportation in advance, such as a tour. However, be aware that this may impact your budget elsewhere.
  • Jekyll Island isn't a major hub for hostels, so if you're expecting to stay in a cheap dorm, you might need to rethink your plans. Opting for a budget hotel or an apartment rental could be a smarter choice.
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Traveling in Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island Jekyll Island, Georgia, USA

Jekyll Island, located just off the coast of the U.S. state of Georgia, has become a popular vacation destination for beach-goers and adventure seekers alike as one of the state's "Golden Isles." The historic district is full of late nineteenth-early twentieth century buildings to explore, and the places left to nature are full of beauty and are inhabited by an array of local wildlife.



Neighborhoods & Around

The Jekyll Island Historic District is one of the main hubs on the island, the centerpiece of the district being the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. It was private club on Jekyll Island founded in 1886, and was frequented by some of the world's wealthiest families, including the Morgans, Rockefellers, and Vanderbilts. It was opened and closed as a resort over the years, and was designated a historic landmark in 1978. Today it operates as a hotel and is surrounded by many other historic buildings constructed in the same era. Some of these buildings are available for rent, while others now exist as museums, galleries, or bookstores. Some opportunities for dining, shopping, and the Jekyll Island Museum are also located here. The historic district hugs the shore of the Fancy Bluff Creek to the west, while the Jeckyll Island Golf Course sits to the east.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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