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

Should you visit Boca Raton or Columbus?

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 Columbus. 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 posh, outdoorsy, and relaxed coastal city. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Columbus

Columbus is a down-to-earth, authentic, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Boca Raton and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Columbus?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Boca Raton than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Boca Raton, Boca Raton has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Boca Raton is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. Also, Boca Raton is famous for Red Reef Park. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Boca Raton different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Boca Raton is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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

Columbus offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

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

Boca Raton is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Boca Raton. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Boca Raton or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Boca Raton has a large number of nightlife venues. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Boca Raton or Columbus Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus is not a resort destination.

Boca Raton is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

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

Boca Raton is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Columbus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Boca Raton has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Columbus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Columbus Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Columbus is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Boca Raton. 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.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is Boca Raton or Columbus Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Boca Raton is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Columbus?

Boca Raton is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Columbus offers some nice shopping areas. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Is Boca Raton or Columbus Better for Families?

Both Boca Raton and Columbus are superb family-friendly destinations.

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.

Columbus is a very family-friendly place to visit. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Is Boca Raton or Columbus Better for Couples?

Boca Raton is a very popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Boca Raton makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

Boca Raton is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Boca Raton has some 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Boca Raton or Columbus a more walkable city?

Boca Raton and Columbus are notable when it comes to walkability.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable coastal city. 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.

Columbus is somewhat walkable. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbus or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Boca Raton or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Boca Raton than Columbus because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbus.

Families should spend more time in Boca Raton than Columbus. 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 Columbus. 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 Boca Raton than Columbus 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 Boca Raton.

One day in Boca Raton or Columbus?

The coastal city of Boca Raton offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Columbus, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Columbus, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Columbus?

Boca Raton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Columbus, there's plenty to do. 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 Columbus?

Boca Raton is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Boca Raton, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Columbus, 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.

A week in Boca Raton or Columbus?

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Columbus 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Columbus, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is Columbus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbus 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 Columbus.

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 Columbus Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and Columbus, 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 Columbus?

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 Columbus in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Columbus. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Boca Raton is a little warmer than Columbus. Typically, the summer temperatures in Boca Raton in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Columbus averages at about 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbus this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Boca Raton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Columbus. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Columbus in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Columbus. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Columbus in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 78°F (25°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than Columbus. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Columbus in the Winter?

Both Columbus and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Columbus can be very cold during winter. Boca Raton is much warmer than Columbus in the winter. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Columbus. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Columbus in the Spring?

Both Columbus and Boca Raton during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Boca Raton is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the spring temperatures in Boca Raton in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Columbus averages at about 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in April than Columbus. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.

Typical Weather for Columbus and Boca Raton