A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbus vs. Juneau for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Columbus or Juneau?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Columbus or Juneau? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Columbus

Columbus is a authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Juneau

Juneau is a scenic, breathtaking, and historic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Columbus and Juneau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Juneau?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Juneau. Although Columbus and Juneau are popular destinations, Juneau has more sights and attractions for tourists. Juneau is very popular for its museums, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Columbus attracts visitors for its nightlife. Juneau is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. It is also well known for the Mendenhall Glacier. Columbus is famous for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Columbus or Juneau?

Juneau 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.

Juneau offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.

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 Columbus or Juneau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Juneau 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 Juneau. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

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 Columbus or Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Columbus is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Columbus or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Juneau is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Columbus is not a hiking destination.

People visit Juneau specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Juneau?

Juneau 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 Juneau. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

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 Columbus or Juneau Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbus or Juneau.

Columbus is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Juneau is a very kid-friendly city. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

Is Columbus or Juneau Better for Couples?

Juneau is a world-class destination for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Juneau makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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 Columbus or Juneau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Juneau is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Juneau is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Columbus and Juneau.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Is Columbus or Juneau a more walkable city?

Juneau is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Juneau is very walkable. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Columbus Worth Visiting? and Is Juneau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Juneau or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Juneau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Columbus and Juneau. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Juneau than in Columbus. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbus, and 2-3 days is enough time in Juneau.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Juneau 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 Juneau.

One day in Columbus or Juneau?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Columbus. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The beautiful city of Juneau offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A weekend in Columbus or Juneau?

Columbus is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Juneau is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Juneau, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbus or Juneau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbus. 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.

Juneau is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbus or Juneau?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Columbus. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Juneau is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Columbus and Juneau, we can see that Juneau 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 Columbus Expensive? and Is Juneau Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Juneau?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Juneau. When comparing the sizes of Columbus and Juneau, 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 Columbus or Juneau?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Columbus or Juneau in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Juneau. The summer months attract visitors to Columbus because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Juneau this time of year.

In the summer, Columbus is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbus in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Juneau averages at about 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbus this time of the year. In the summer, Columbus often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 179 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Juneau. Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbus usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Juneau. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Juneau in the Autumn?

Both Juneau and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Columbus this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Juneau for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Columbus is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 57°F (14°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).

Columbus usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during autumn. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 69 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. In October, Columbus usually receives less rain than Juneau. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbus or Juneau in the Winter?

Both Juneau and Columbus during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Juneau in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Juneau can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbus. Columbus is much warmer than Juneau in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Juneau fluctuates around 24°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Columbus often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 87 hours of full sun.

Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Columbus usually gets less rain in January than Juneau. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Juneau in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Juneau. Also, most visitors come to Juneau for the natural beauty during these months.

Juneau can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Columbus is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbus in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Juneau averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Columbus usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during spring. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbus usually receives more rain than Juneau. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Juneau and Columbus