A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Arlington vs. San Diego for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Arlington or San Diego?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or San Diego, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Arlington

Arlington is a historical, educational, and international city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

San Diego

San Diego is a dynamic, energetic, and relaxed coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Arlington and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arlington or San Diego?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Diego than Arlington, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. San Diego is more popular for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Arlington is known for its food. San Diego is more touristy than Arlington and is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. It is also home to The San Diego Zoo. Arlington is popular for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon.

How is Arlington different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arlington or San Diego?

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both San Diego and Arlington.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Arlington can be an interesting and educational experience. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into San Diego. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

Is the Food Better in Arlington or San Diego? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arlington is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Arlington has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the San Diego area. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Is Arlington or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

Both Arlington and San Diego have great vibes after the sun sets.

Arlington has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

The people in San Diego know how to have a good time. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

Is Arlington or San Diego Better for Music?

San Diego is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Arlington is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, San Diego has diverse options. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Arlington is not a live music destination.

Is Arlington or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington is not a resort destination.

San Diego has a few great resort options. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Arlington is not a resort destination.

Is Arlington or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Arlington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

San Diego has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Arlington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Arlington or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is terrific for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

The beaches in San Diego are among the best in the world. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is Arlington or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting San Diego. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or San Diego?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Arlington and San Diego.

Arlington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

San Diego is a great destination for shopping. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Arlington or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

San Diego is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Arlington or San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego is terrific for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

San Diego has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Is Arlington or San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Is Arlington or San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

San Diego is a great destination for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Students come from all over to stay in Arlington. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Is Arlington or San Diego Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arlington is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, San Diego is not a good destination for its public transit.

Arlington has a great public transit system. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Public transit is generally limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is Arlington or San Diego a more walkable city?

Arlington is great for its high level of walkability. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its ease of walking around.

Arlington is a very walkable city. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Arlington Worth Visiting? and Is San Diego Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or San Diego?

In either Arlington or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in San Diego than Arlington because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Arlington, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington than San Diego 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 Arlington.

One day in Arlington or San Diego?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Arlington. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal city of San Diego. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A weekend in Arlington or San Diego?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the educational destination of Arlington. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the idyllic destination of San Diego. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or San Diego?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the educational city of Arlington. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the energetic coastal city of San Diego. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

A week in Arlington or San Diego?

Arlington is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

San Diego is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Arlington or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Arlington. When comparing the sizes of Arlington and San Diego, 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 Arlington or San Diego?

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 Arlington or San Diego in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and San Diego. Many travelers come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Arlington is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 79°F (26°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Arlington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arlington usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during summer. Arlington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arlington usually receives more rain than San Diego. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Arlington or San Diego in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Arlington as well as San Diego. Many visitors come to Arlington in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Arlington is cooler than San Diego in the autumn. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the autumn, Arlington often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Arlington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arlington or San Diego in the Winter?

Both San Diego and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Arlington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Arlington can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Arlington is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the winter temperatures in Arlington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and San Diego averages at about 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. Arlington usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Arlington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Arlington usually receives more rain than San Diego. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Arlington or San Diego in the Spring?

Both San Diego and Arlington during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

In April, Arlington is generally cooler than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 56°F (14°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arlington. In the spring, Arlington often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Arlington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Arlington