A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Dallas for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Atlantic City or Dallas?

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 Atlantic City and Dallas. 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.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a glitzy, flashy, and party-oriented city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Atlantic City and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Dallas?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dallas. Although Atlantic City and Dallas are popular destinations, Dallas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dallas is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Atlantic City attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Atlantic City is more touristy than Dallas and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also well known for the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Atlantic City different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlantic City or Dallas?

Dallas is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Dallas. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

Is the Food Better in Atlantic City or Dallas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dallas is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dallas makes for a great culinary experience. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is Atlantic City or Dallas Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Atlantic City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

Dallas has a large number of nightlife venues. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Is Atlantic City or Dallas Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Dallas is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Atlantic City. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Dallas is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Dallas Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is very good for the beache. However, Dallas is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Atlantic City to enjoy the beach. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Dallas is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Dallas?

Dallas is well known for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Dallas is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atlantic City. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Is Atlantic City or Dallas Better for Families?

Dallas is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Dallas is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Atlantic City or Dallas Better for Couples?

Dallas is well known for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Dallas frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Atlantic City or Dallas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City is very good for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Atlantic City is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

Is Atlantic City or Dallas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Atlantic City and Dallas.

You'll find some public transit in Atlantic City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

While Dallas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Is Atlantic City or Dallas a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Atlantic City is a very walkable city. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting? and Is Dallas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Atlantic City or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dallas due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dallas.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlantic City than Dallas 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 Atlantic City.

One day in Atlantic City or Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the upscale destination of Dallas. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Atlantic City or Dallas?

Atlantic City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dallas. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Atlantic City or Dallas?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlantic City. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the chic destination of Dallas. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Atlantic City or Dallas?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the glitzy destination of Atlantic City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Dallas. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Atlantic City and Dallas, we can see that Atlantic City is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Dallas, 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 Atlantic City or Dallas?

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 Atlantic City or Dallas in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Dallas. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dallas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Atlantic City is cooler than Dallas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlantic City in July average around 75°F (24°C), and Dallas averages at about 88°F (31°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In Atlantic City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during summer. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun in the summer.

Atlantic City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Dallas. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Dallas in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Dallas. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Atlantic City is generally much colder than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 56°F (13°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. In the autumn, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets less rain in October than Dallas. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Dallas in the Winter?

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

Atlantic City can be very cold during winter. Atlantic City is much colder than Dallas in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during winter. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Dallas. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Dallas in the Spring?

Both Dallas and Atlantic City during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

In the spring, Atlantic City is much colder than Dallas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlantic City in April average around 51°F (10°C), and Dallas averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the spring, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets less rain in April than Dallas. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dallas and Atlantic City