A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Alexandria for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Boca Raton or Alexandria?

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 Boca Raton and Alexandria. 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.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a relaxed, luxurious, and posh coastal city. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. With fun 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.

Boca Raton and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Alexandria?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Boca Raton than Alexandria. While Alexandria is larger than Boca Raton, Boca Raton has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Boca Raton is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Alexandria attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Alexandria is more touristy than Boca Raton and is known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Boca Raton is famous for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also well known for Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Alexandria?

Boca Raton
Alexandria

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Alexandria and Boca Raton.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Boca Raton. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

Alexandria offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.


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

Boca Raton
Alexandria

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

Boca Raton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

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 Boca Raton or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton
Alexandria

Boca Raton is great for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Boca Raton for the nightlife scene. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Boca Raton or Alexandria Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton
Alexandria

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

There are plenty of resorts in Boca Raton to choose from. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Alexandria is not a resort destination.


Is Boca Raton or Alexandria Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton
Alexandria

Boca Raton is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Alexandria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Alexandria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Alexandria Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton
Alexandria

Boca Raton is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Boca Raton offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Is Boca Raton or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Boca Raton
Alexandria

Alexandria is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Boca Raton does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Alexandria is revered around 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.

Boca Raton does not have a historic old town.


Is Boca Raton or Alexandria Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton
Alexandria

Boca Raton is a good destination for hiking. However, Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Boca Raton offers some nice hiking trails. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Alexandria?

Boca Raton
Alexandria

If you're looking to go shopping, Boca Raton and Alexandria both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Alexandria is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Boca Raton or Alexandria Better for Families?

Boca Raton
Alexandria

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

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 Boca Raton or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Boca Raton
Alexandria

Boca Raton and Alexandria both excellent destinations for a couple.

Boca Raton is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

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 Boca Raton or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boca Raton
Alexandria

Alexandria is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boca Raton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Boca Raton is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's known for its upscale luxury, and you won't find much in the form of hostels or backpacker-friendly accommodation.

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

Boca Raton
Alexandria

Alexandria is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Alexandria can get you around easily. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Boca Raton has a few public transit options. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.


Is Boca Raton or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Boca Raton
Alexandria

Alexandria is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its 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.

Boca Raton is somewhat walkable. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Boca Raton or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Boca Raton due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Boca Raton 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.


  • How many days in Boca Raton or Alexandria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boca Raton 3-5 
    Alexandria 2-4

One day in Boca Raton or Alexandria?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the posh coastal city of Boca Raton, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Alexandria, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Alexandria?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Boca Raton, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Alexandria, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Boca Raton or Alexandria?

Boca Raton, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Alexandria, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Boca Raton or Alexandria?

Boca Raton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

Alexandria 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.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Boca Raton?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Boca Raton is $283, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $0.00. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Boca Raton and Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boca Raton $171
    Alexandria $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boca Raton $342
    Alexandria $76
Compare Hotels in Boca Raton and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Boca Raton or Alexandria? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Boca Raton


Hotels in Alexandria


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Boca Raton Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boca Raton $76
    Alexandria -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boca Raton

Also for Boca Raton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from West Palm Beach to (FLL) Airport: $115
  • Private Delray Beach Transfer and Fort Lauderdale Airport: $84
  • Boca Raton Private Transfer to FLL (UP TO 14 PASS): $80
  • Boynton Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Boca Raton to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)- Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Delray Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Boca Raton to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Boynton Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Delray Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Boca Raton or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Boca Raton change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Boca Raton $67
    Alexandria -

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boca Raton

For Boca Raton, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Delray Beach Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boca Raton $28
    Alexandria -

Tours and Activities in Boca Raton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Boca Raton.

  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $160
  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $150
  • Boca Raton-Delray Beach 1-Hour Private Jet Ski Guided Tour: $165
  • Delray Beach Food & Drinks Tour: $104

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Alexandria.

  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Phantoms of the Potomac Walking Tour: $26
  • Private Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon: $165
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $38
  • Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127
  • Philadelphia Tour from Alexandria by Rail: $329

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boca Raton $40
    Alexandria -

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Alexandria:

  • Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35


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


Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and Alexandria, 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 Boca Raton or Alexandria?

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 Boca Raton or Alexandria in the Summer?

Both Alexandria and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Alexandria in the summer. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Alexandria fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Alexandria. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. In July, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Boca Raton 82°F (28°C) 
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Boca Raton during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alexandria for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Boca Raton is much warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Boca Raton in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Alexandria averages at about 60°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than Alexandria. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Boca Raton 78°F (25°C) 
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Alexandria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Alexandria. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Alexandria in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Alexandria can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 65°F (19°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alexandria. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Boca Raton 65°F (19°C) 
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Alexandria. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Boca Raton is much warmer than Alexandria in the spring. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in April than Alexandria. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Boca Raton 74°F (23°C) 
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Boca Raton

Boca Raton Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)