A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Dallas vs. Pocono Mountains for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Dallas or Pocono Mountains?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dallas and Pocono Mountains can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dallas

Dallas is a upscale, chic, and active city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a scenic, beautiful, and magnificent region. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Dallas and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dallas or Pocono Mountains?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dallas than Pocono Mountains, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dallas is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Pocono Mountains is more popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Pocono Mountains is more touristy than Dallas and is known for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. Dallas is well known for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. Also, Dallas is famous for the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Dallas different from Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dallas or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Dallas is not a skiing destination.

People head to Pocono Mountains specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Dallas is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dallas or Pocono Mountains?

Dallas is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dallas. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pocono Mountains. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

Is the Food Better in Dallas or Pocono Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dallas is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Dallas. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Pocono Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Is Dallas or Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Dallas is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

Dallas has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

Is Dallas or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

Pocono Mountains is very good for its resorts. However, Dallas is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Pocono Mountains makes a nice vacation spot. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Dallas is not a resort destination.

Is Dallas or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Pocono Mountains is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Pocono Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Pocono Mountains?

Dallas is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping areas.

Dallas is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Pocono Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Is Dallas or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Dallas or Pocono Mountains.

Dallas is a very kid-friendly city. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pocono Mountains. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

Is Dallas or Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

Both Dallas and Pocono Mountains are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

Pocono Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

Is Dallas or Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pocono Mountains is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Pocono Mountains is a great region to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

Is Dallas or Pocono Mountains Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dallas is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

Dallas has a few public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Public transit is mostly limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Is Dallas or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Dallas and Pocono Mountains both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Dallas is generally not very walkable. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable city. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Dallas Worth Visiting? and Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or Pocono Mountains?

Both Dallas and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than in Dallas. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dallas, and 3-7 days is enough time in Pocono Mountains.

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

One day in Dallas or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find food and shopping around the upscale destination of Dallas. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the destination of Pocono Mountains. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dallas or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find shopping and museums around the active city of Dallas. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Pocono Mountains is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dallas or Pocono Mountains?

Dallas is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pocono Mountains. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dallas or Pocono Mountains?

Dallas is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Pocono Mountains. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dallas and Pocono Mountains, we can see that Pocono Mountains is more expensive. And not only is Dallas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dallas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dallas 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 Pocono Mountains would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pocono Mountains than you might in Dallas.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dallas Expensive? and Is Pocono Mountains Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dallas or Pocono Mountains?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 400 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Dallas and Pocono Mountains, 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 Dallas or Pocono Mountains?

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 Dallas or Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

Both Pocono Mountains and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dallas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Dallas is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains in the summer. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 88°F (31°C) in July, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Pocono Mountains. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. Dallas usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during summer. Dallas gets 337 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. In July, Dallas usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dallas or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Pocono Mountains and Dallas during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dallas in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Dallas is much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dallas in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. In the autumn, Dallas often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Dallas gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets more rain in October than Pocono Mountains. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dallas or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and Pocono Mountains. Most visitors come to Dallas for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Pocono Mountains can be very cold. In January, Dallas is generally much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 46°F (8°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Dallas usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during winter. Dallas gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dallas usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dallas or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dallas as well as Pocono Mountains. The spring months attract visitors to Dallas because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

Dallas is much warmer than Pocono Mountains in the spring. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In the spring, Dallas often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Dallas gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Pocono Mountains. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Dallas