A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Virginia Beach for Beaches, Food, Nightlife, and Resorts

Should you visit Boca Raton or Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach. 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. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches.

Boca Raton and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Virginia Beach?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Boca Raton than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Boca Raton, Boca Raton has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Boca Raton is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Virginia Beach is known for its impressive beauty. Boca Raton is popular for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also home to Red Reef Park. Virginia Beach is popular for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Boca Raton different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Boca Raton is great for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Boca Raton can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Boca Raton is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Boca Raton has a huge number of terrific 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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Boca Raton or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

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 Virginia Beach. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Is Boca Raton or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

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

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Is Boca Raton or Virginia Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Virginia Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Boca Raton has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Virginia Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is terrific for the beache. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the beach.

The beaches in Boca Raton are among the best in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Virginia Beach. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Is Boca Raton or Virginia Beach Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Boca Raton has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Virginia Beach?

Boca Raton is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Boca Raton is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Boca Raton or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Both Boca Raton and Virginia Beach are great 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.

Virginia Beach is a very family-friendly place to visit. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

Is Boca Raton or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Boca Raton is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

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.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Boca Raton or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Boca Raton is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Boca Raton is not popular with students.

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

Boca Raton is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Boca Raton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Boca Raton or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Boca Raton is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Virginia Beach?

Both Boca Raton and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Boca Raton. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

Families should spend more time in Boca Raton than Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach?

In Boca Raton, you'll find nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With nightlife around the bustling coastal city of Virginia Beach, there's plenty to do. 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.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Virginia Beach?

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

With nightlife around the destination of Virginia Beach, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Boca Raton or Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boca Raton. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Virginia Beach, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Boca Raton or Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal city of Boca Raton. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. One week 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.

Virginia Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. 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 Virginia Beach, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.

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 Virginia Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Boca Raton is generally around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 82°F (28°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. In July, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

Both Virginia Beach and Boca Raton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the natural beauty of the area.

Boca Raton is much warmer than Virginia Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 211 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 Virginia Beach. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Virginia Beach. The winter months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

It's quite cold in Virginia Beach in the winter. In the winter, Boca Raton is much warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Boca Raton in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 39°F (4°C).

In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Boca Raton usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Virginia Beach. The beaches are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 74°F (23°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in April than Virginia Beach. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Boca Raton