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

Should you visit Alexandria or Mystic?

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 Mystic. 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. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Mystic

Mystic is a laid back, charming, and quaint town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Alexandria and Mystic: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alexandria or Mystic?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Alexandria than Mystic, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Alexandria is better known for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Mystic is more popular for its beaches. Alexandria is well known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Also, Alexandria is famous for Mount Vernon. Mystic is well known for its New England charm and local character.

How is Alexandria different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mystic 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 Mystic?

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Mystic and Alexandria.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Alexandria. 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.

Mystic offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Alexandria and Mystic can be an enjoyable experience.

Alexandria is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Mystic offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Alexandria or Mystic Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Alexandria and Mystic.

If you're looking for night time activities Alexandria has a few options to choose from. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Alexandria or Mystic Better for Beaches?

Mystic is great for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Mystic for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Is Alexandria or Mystic Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Mystic does not have a historic old town.

Alexandria offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Mystic does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Mystic?

If you're looking to go shopping, Alexandria and Mystic both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Alexandria. 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.

Mystic is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Is Alexandria or Mystic Better for Families?

Mystic 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 Mystic. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Mystic Better for Couples?

Alexandria is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Alexandria makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Alexandria or Mystic Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alexandria is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

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

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

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

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit in Alexandria is top-notch. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Alexandria or Mystic a more walkable city?

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

Should I spend more time in Mystic or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Mystic?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Alexandria than Mystic. 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 Mystic 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 Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the quaint town of Mystic, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Alexandria or Mystic?

Alexandria 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Mystic, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Mystic?

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

Mystic, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Mystic?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Alexandria. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Mystic 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 Mystic, we can see that Mystic 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 Mystic would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mystic 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 Mystic Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Mystic?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Mystic, 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 Mystic?

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 Alexandria or Mystic in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Mystic. The summer months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mystic this time of year.

In the summer, Alexandria is a little warmer than Mystic. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alexandria in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Mystic averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In Alexandria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alexandria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic during summer. Alexandria gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Mystic. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alexandria or Mystic in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Mystic. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mystic for the shopping scene.

In October, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 60°F (15°C), and Mystic fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. In the autumn, Alexandria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic. Alexandria gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 211 hours of full sun.

Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Mystic. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Mystic in the Winter?

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

Mystic can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Alexandria. Alexandria is much warmer than Mystic in the winter. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Mystic fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Alexandria usually receives less sunshine than Mystic during winter. Alexandria gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Mystic. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alexandria or Mystic in the Spring?

Both Mystic and Alexandria during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Alexandria in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mystic for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Alexandria is a little warmer than Mystic. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alexandria in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Mystic averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alexandria. In the spring, Alexandria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic. Alexandria gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 225 hours of full sun.

Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Mystic. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mystic and Alexandria