A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Alexandria vs. Ketchikan for Food, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Alexandria or Ketchikan?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Alexandria and Ketchikan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a quaint, historic, and charming city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Alexandria and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alexandria or Ketchikan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Alexandria than Ketchikan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Alexandria is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Ketchikan is more popular for its food and hiking. Alexandria is well known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Also, Alexandria is famous for Mount Vernon. Ketchikan is well known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture.

How is Alexandria different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alexandria or Ketchikan?

Alexandria is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Alexandria specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

Is the Food Better in Alexandria or Ketchikan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ketchikan is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Ketchikan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

Alexandria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Alexandria or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Alexandria is very good for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Alexandria or Ketchikan Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is renowned for its historic old town. However, Ketchikan does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Alexandria is one of the most recognized in the world. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Ketchikan does not have a historic old town.

Is Alexandria or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Ketchikan is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Ketchikan?

Alexandria is notable for shopping. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Alexandria is an extremely popular place for shoppers. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Alexandria or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Ketchikan is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Ketchikan. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Alexandria or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

Alexandria and Ketchikan both high quality destinations for a couple.

Alexandria is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Ketchikan is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

Is Alexandria or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Alexandria and Ketchikan are notable places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Is Alexandria or Ketchikan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alexandria is renowned for its public transit. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Alexandria has a great public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Alexandria or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Alexandria is renowned for its walkability. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Alexandria on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Ketchikan is a very walkable city. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Alexandria Worth Visiting? and Is Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Alexandria and Ketchikan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Alexandria than in Ketchikan. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alexandria, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ketchikan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Ketchikan 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 Alexandria.

One day in Alexandria or Ketchikan?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Alexandria. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and food around the local town of Ketchikan, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ketchikan, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Alexandria or Ketchikan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With food and shopping around the destination of Ketchikan, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Alexandria or Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint city of Alexandria. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ketchikan, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Alexandria or Ketchikan?

Alexandria is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Ketchikan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Ketchikan?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Ketchikan, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Alexandria or Ketchikan?

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 Alexandria or Ketchikan in the Summer?

Both Ketchikan and Alexandria during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Alexandria is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alexandria in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 58°F (15°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alexandria usually gets less rain in July than Ketchikan. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Ketchikan. Many visitors come to Alexandria in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 60°F (15°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Alexandria or Ketchikan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Ketchikan. Most visitors come to Alexandria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ketchikan can be very cold. Alexandria can be very cold during winter. Alexandria is a little warmer than Ketchikan in the winter. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Alexandria usually gets less rain in January than Ketchikan. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Ketchikan in the Spring?

Both Ketchikan and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

In the spring, Alexandria is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alexandria in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 44°F (6°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Alexandria