A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Dallas vs. San Diego for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Dallas or San Diego?

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 San Diego 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

San Diego

San Diego is a energetic, relaxed, and outdoorsy coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Dallas and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dallas or San Diego?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Diego. Although Dallas and San Diego are roughly the same size, San Diego has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Diego is better known for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Dallas is more popular for its food and shopping. San Diego is more touristy than Dallas and is popular for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. Also, San Diego is famous for The San Diego Zoo. Dallas is well known for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture.

How is Dallas different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dallas or San Diego?

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Dallas and San Diego.

Many visitors head to Dallas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to San Diego can be an interesting and educational experience. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

Is the Food Better in Dallas or San Diego? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dallas is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Dallas has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the San Diego area. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Is Dallas or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

Both Dallas and San Diego are high quality when it comes to partying.

Dallas offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

San Diego has a large number of nightlife venues. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

Is Dallas or San Diego Better for Music?

San Diego is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Dallas is not a live music destination.

The music scene in San Diego is very popular with diverse venues. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Dallas is not a live music destination.

Is Dallas or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is very good for its resorts. However, Dallas is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, San Diego makes a nice vacation spot. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Dallas is not a resort destination.

Is Dallas or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dallas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in San Diego. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Dallas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dallas or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is renowned for the beache. However, Dallas is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, San Diego is a very popular vacation destination. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Dallas is not a beach destination.

Is Dallas or San Diego Better for Hiking?

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

San Diego is a popular spot for hiking. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or San Diego?

Dallas is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping areas.

Dallas is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to San Diego to go shopping. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Dallas or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

San Diego is one of the most popular family destinations. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dallas. 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.

Is Dallas or San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, San Diego has plenty to offer. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

Dallas makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Dallas or San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Diego is very good for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

San Diego is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

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 San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is renowned for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit San Diego. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.

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

Dallas is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, San Diego is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Dallas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 generally limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is Dallas or San Diego a more walkable city?

San Diego is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Dallas Worth Visiting? and Is San Diego Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or San Diego?

In either Dallas or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in San Diego than Dallas because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dallas, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Diego than Dallas 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 San Diego.

One day in Dallas or San Diego?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Dallas. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of San Diego. 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 San Diego?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Dallas. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

San Diego is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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 San Diego?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the chic city of Dallas. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Diego. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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 San Diego?

Dallas is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun-filled destination of San Diego. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 San Diego, we can see that San Diego 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dallas or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Dallas. When comparing the sizes of Dallas and San Diego, 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 San Diego?

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 Dallas or San Diego in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dallas as well as San Diego. Many visitors come to Dallas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Dallas is a little warmer than San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 88°F (31°C) in July, and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In the summer, Dallas often gets more sunshine than San Diego. Dallas gets 337 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets more rain in July than San Diego. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dallas or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Diego because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Dallas is around the same temperature as San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dallas in October average around 69°F (21°C), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. Dallas usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during autumn. Dallas gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dallas usually receives more rain than San Diego. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dallas or San Diego in the Winter?

Both San Diego and Dallas during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Dallas because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

In January, Dallas is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 46°F (8°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Dallas often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Dallas gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as San Diego. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dallas or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and San Diego. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dallas this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Dallas is a little warmer than San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dallas usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during spring. Dallas gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dallas usually receives more rain than San Diego. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Dallas