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

Should you visit Atlantic City or San Antonio?

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 San Antonio. 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 party-oriented, colorful, and glitzy city. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a cultural, colorful, and festive city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Atlantic City and San Antonio: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or San Antonio?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Antonio. Although Atlantic City and San Antonio are both popular with visitors, San Antonio has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Antonio is more popular for its museums, music, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Atlantic City is known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Atlantic City is more touristy than San Antonio and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality San Antonio is popular for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks. It is also home to The Alamo.

How is Atlantic City different from San Antonio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Antonio 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 San Antonio. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.

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 San Antonio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Atlantic City and San Antonio both to be good destinations.

Atlantic City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

San Antonio has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

Is Atlantic City or San Antonio Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Atlantic City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities San Antonio has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

Is Atlantic City or San Antonio Better for Music?

San Antonio is a good destination for live music. However, Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in San Antonio. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

Is Atlantic City or San Antonio Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is a great destination for its resorts. However, San Antonio is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Atlantic City to choose from. 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.

San Antonio is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or San Antonio Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a good destination for its beaches. However, San Antonio is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City offers a nice beach destination. 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.

San Antonio is not a beach destination.

Is Atlantic City or San Antonio Better for its Old Town?

San Antonio is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Atlantic City does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to San Antonio to see the historical old town. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Atlantic City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or San Antonio?

Shopping is a popular activity in both San Antonio and Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting San Antonio. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Is Atlantic City or San Antonio Better for Christmas?

San Antonio is a good destination for its Christmas activities. However, Atlantic City does not offer Christmas activities.

San Antonio is a fun destination over Christmas. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.

Atlantic City does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Atlantic City or San Antonio Better for Families?

San Antonio is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, San Antonio is very family-friendly. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

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 San Antonio Better for Couples?

Atlantic City and San Antonio both good destinations for a couple.

Atlantic City is a nice destination for couples. 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.

San Antonio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

Is Atlantic City or San Antonio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City is a good destination for backpackers. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

San Antonio is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While its not on most backpacker's lists, it does have a fun atmosphere and a social setting.

Is Atlantic City or San Antonio Better for Students?

San Antonio is a good destination for students. However, Atlantic City is not popular with students.

San Antonio is popular with students. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.

Atlantic City is not popular with students.

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

Atlantic City is a good destination for its public transit. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

Is Atlantic City or San Antonio a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is a great destination for its walkability. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

San Antonio is generally not a very walkable city. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in San Antonio or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or San Antonio?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlantic City and San Antonio. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Antonio.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlantic City than San Antonio 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 San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the party-oriented city of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the fun destination of San Antonio. 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 San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the glitzy destination of Atlantic City. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Antonio. 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 San Antonio?

The party-oriented city of Atlantic City offers shopping and nightlife. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the colorful destination of San Antonio. 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 San Antonio?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Atlantic City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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 San Antonio Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or San Antonio?

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

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 San Antonio in the Summer?

Both San Antonio and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year.

Atlantic City is cooler than San Antonio in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and San Antonio fluctuates around 87°F (31°C).

It's quite sunny in San Antonio. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than San Antonio during summer. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 307 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Atlantic City. In July, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than San Antonio. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlantic City or San Antonio in the Autumn?

Both San Antonio and Atlantic City during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Antonio for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Atlantic City is much colder than San Antonio. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlantic City in October average around 56°F (13°C), and San Antonio averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In San Antonio, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than San Antonio. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 213 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets less rain in October than San Antonio. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or San Antonio in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and San Antonio. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Antonio in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Atlantic City. In January, Atlantic City is generally much colder than San Antonio. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 31°F (-0°C), and San Antonio fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Antonio during winter. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 155 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Atlantic City or San Antonio in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as San Antonio. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to San Antonio for the natural beauty during these months.

Atlantic City is much colder than San Antonio in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 51°F (10°C) in April, and San Antonio fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Antonio. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlantic City this time of the year. In the spring, Atlantic City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Antonio. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 216 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in April than San Antonio. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Antonio and Atlantic City