A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. Wilmington for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Atlanta or Wilmington?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Wilmington, 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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a diverse, sprawling, and suburban city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a welcoming, charming, and historic city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Atlanta and Wilmington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Wilmington?

You'll generally find more things to do in Atlanta than Wilmington. Atlanta is bigger than Wilmington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Atlanta is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Wilmington is more popular for its beaches and historical sights. Atlanta is well known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. Also, Atlanta is famous for the Georgia Aquarium. Wilmington is well known for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Atlanta different from Wilmington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or Wilmington?

Atlanta is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Atlanta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Wilmington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Atlanta. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is Atlanta or Wilmington Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is great for nightlife. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Atlanta for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Atlanta or Wilmington Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is a great city for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wilmington. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is Atlanta or Wilmington Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Wilmington has an old town worth visiting. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Wilmington?

Atlanta is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Atlanta. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Wilmington offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Atlanta or Wilmington Better for Families?

Atlanta and Wilmington are both superb destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Wilmington is a very family-friendly place to visit. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Is Atlanta or Wilmington Better for Couples?

Wilmington is a great city for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Wilmington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Atlanta or Wilmington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.

Is Atlanta or Wilmington Better for Students?

Atlanta is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Atlanta is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Wilmington is a good city to visit for students. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Is Atlanta or Wilmington Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atlanta and Wilmington both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Is Atlanta or Wilmington a more walkable city?

Atlanta and Wilmington are notable when it comes to walkability.

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

Wilmington is somewhat walkable. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Wilmington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wilmington or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Wilmington?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta than Wilmington 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 Atlanta.

One day in Atlanta or Wilmington?

When visiting Atlanta, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Wilmington, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Wilmington?

When visiting Atlanta, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Wilmington, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wilmington has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Wilmington?

Atlanta, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wilmington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wilmington has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Wilmington?

Atlanta 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wilmington. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wilmington. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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 Atlanta and Wilmington, we can see that Wilmington is more expensive. And not only is Atlanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlanta 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 Wilmington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wilmington than you might in Atlanta.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Wilmington?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Wilmington. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Wilmington, 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 Atlanta or Wilmington?

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 Atlanta or Wilmington in the Summer?

Both Wilmington and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year.

In the summer, Atlanta is around the same temperature as Wilmington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlanta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Wilmington averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Wilmington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In July, Atlanta usually receives less rain than Wilmington. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or Wilmington in the Autumn?

Both Wilmington and Atlanta during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wilmington for the shopping scene.

In October, Atlanta is generally around the same temperature as Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and Wilmington fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 227 hours of full sun.

Atlanta usually gets more rain in October than Wilmington. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Wilmington in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Wilmington. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wilmington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Atlanta is around the same temperature as Wilmington in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Wilmington fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Atlanta usually receives less sunshine than Wilmington during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 180 hours of full sun in the winter.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Wilmington. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or Wilmington in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Wilmington. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the spring for the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Wilmington for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Atlanta is around the same temperature as Wilmington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Wilmington averages at about 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the spring, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 278 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Wilmington. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wilmington and Atlanta