A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Alexandria vs. Nantucket for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Alexandria or Nantucket?

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 Nantucket. 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. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a upscale, charming, and serene island. With plenty of 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, nightlife, and food.

Alexandria and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alexandria or Nantucket?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Alexandria, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Alexandria is more popular for its museums & sights and historical sights. Alexandria is well known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse.

How is Alexandria different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Alexandria is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

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.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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

Nantucket 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 Nantucket, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Alexandria or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Nantucket is great for its luxury resorts. However, Alexandria is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Nantucket to choose from. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Alexandria is not a resort destination.

Is Alexandria or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Nantucket for it's beautiful beaches. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Is Alexandria or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its 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.

Many visitors go to Nantucket to see the historical old town. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Is Alexandria or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Nantucket is great for hiking. However, Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Nantucket for the hiking trails. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Nantucket?

If you're looking to go shopping, Alexandria and Nantucket both offer plenty of high quality 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.

Nantucket is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

Is Alexandria or Nantucket Better for Families?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

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 Nantucket Better for Couples?

Nantucket is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Nantucket is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

Alexandria is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Alexandria or Nantucket Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alexandria is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantucket is not known for backpackers.

Alexandria is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Nantucket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's known for its upscale atmosphere that isn't particularly accommodating for backpackers.

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

Alexandria is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.

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.

Nantucket has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Is Alexandria or Nantucket a more walkable city?

Alexandria is renowned for its walkability. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its high level of walkability.

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

Nantucket is a very walkable city. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Alexandria or Nantucket. In our opinion, Nantucket has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nantucket than Alexandria. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Nantucket 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 Nantucket?

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.

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Alexandria or Nantucket?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming 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.

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Alexandria or Nantucket?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming 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.

Nantucket, a popular island, 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 Nantucket?

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.

Nantucket is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Nantucket?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Nantucket, 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 Nantucket?

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 Nantucket in the Summer?

Both Nantucket and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Nantucket in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Alexandria is a little warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alexandria in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Nantucket averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alexandria or Nantucket in the Autumn?

Both Nantucket and Alexandria during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Alexandria in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nantucket 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 a little warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 60°F (15°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Nantucket. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Nantucket in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Nantucket. Most visitors come to Alexandria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nantucket can be very cold. Alexandria can be very cold during winter. Alexandria is much warmer than Nantucket in the winter. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alexandria or Nantucket in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Nantucket. The spring months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

In the spring, Alexandria is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alexandria in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Nantucket averages at about 45°F (7°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Nantucket. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Alexandria