A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gainesville vs. Saint Simons for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Gainesville or Saint Simons?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or Saint Simons, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Gainesville

Gainesville is a active, vibrant, and high energy city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a relaxing, laid back, and scenic island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Gainesville and Saint Simons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gainesville or Saint Simons?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Simons. Although Gainesville and Saint Simons are both popular with visitors, Saint Simons has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Simons is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Gainesville is known for its museums and nightlife. Saint Simons is more touristy than Gainesville and is known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. It is also home to East Beach. Gainesville is popular for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Gainesville different from Saint Simons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gainesville or Saint Simons?

Gainesville is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Gainesville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a surprising number of museums around town such as the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, and the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. Also fascinating is the Historic Haile Homestead, the Butterfly Rainforest, and the city's planetarium.

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

Is the Food Better in Gainesville or Saint Simons? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Simons is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Simons makes for a great culinary experience. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

Gainesville has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Casual eateries are popular around town, particularly with the student population. There are grills, diners, and bistros that serve local dishes at affordable prices.

Is Gainesville or Saint Simons Better for Nightlife?

Gainesville is a great destination for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Gainesville know how to have a good time. The nightlife centers around the student population. The two main party areas are Midtown and Downtown. Midtown is between Northwest 17th Street and Northwest 18th Street and it's convenient for students who live on campus. The area has a great stretch of bars and clubs. The Downtown area has many of the city's top clubs, and it's popular with upperclassmen and students who live off campus.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Gainesville or Saint Simons Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Gainesville is not a resort destination.

Saint Simons has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Gainesville is not a resort destination.

Is Gainesville or Saint Simons Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons is notable for its beaches. However, Gainesville is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Simons. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Gainesville is not a beach destination.

Is Gainesville or Saint Simons Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Gainesville is not a hiking destination.

Saint Simons has hiking trails worth exploring. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Gainesville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gainesville or Saint Simons?

Saint Simons is notable for shopping. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Saint Simons is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Gainesville. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town such as malls, shopping centers, and retail outlets. Two popular areas are the Neighborhoods at Butler and Celebration Pointe.

Is Gainesville or Saint Simons Better for Families?

Saint Simons is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Simons is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Gainesville is a family-friendly city. You'll find outdoor activities, nature parks, and a couple of museums that will appeal to all ages. Highlights for families include A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, the Adventure Outpost, and Alfred A. Ring Park.

Is Gainesville or Saint Simons Better for Couples?

Saint Simons is notable for romance. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Saint Simons is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

Gainesville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wine tasting and fine dining or enjoying the city's many outdoor activities. Go on a picnic or explore one of the museums in Downtown Gainesville.

Is Gainesville or Saint Simons Better for Students?

Gainesville is a great destination for students. However, Saint Simons is not popular with students.

Gainesville is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. As the location of the University of Florida, you'll find many students around town. This keeps the energy high with plenty of evening activities and affordable entertainment options.

Saint Simons is not popular with students.

Is Gainesville or Saint Simons Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gainesville is a popular place for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Gainesville, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a decent bus system that's free to students and employees of the university.

Public transit is quite limited in Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Gainesville or Saint Simons a more walkable city?

Gainesville and Saint Simons both are good when exploring on foot.

Gainesville is somewhat walkable. Biking is actually a popular way to get around town and some areas are pedestrian-friendly.

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Gainesville Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Simons Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Simons or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or Saint Simons?

It's fun to spend time in either Gainesville or Saint Simons. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Saint Simons due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Gainesville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Saint Simons.

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

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

One day in Gainesville or Saint Simons?

In Gainesville, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this active city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Saint Simons is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Gainesville or Saint Simons?

Gainesville is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Gainesville or Saint Simons?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Gainesville. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Because Saint Simons is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Gainesville or Saint Simons?

Gainesville is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Since Saint Simons is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Saint Simons?

Gainesville has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Gainesville and Saint Simons, 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 Gainesville or Saint Simons?

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 Gainesville or Saint Simons in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Saint Simons. Many visitors come to Gainesville in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Gainesville is around the same temperature as Saint Simons in the summer. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Saint Simons fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Saint Simons receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gainesville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Saint Simons. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gainesville or Saint Simons in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Saint Simons. Most visitors come to Gainesville for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Gainesville is around the same temperature as Saint Simons. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gainesville in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Saint Simons averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Gainesville usually gets less rain in October than Saint Simons. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November.

Should I visit Gainesville or Saint Simons in the Winter?

Both Saint Simons and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Gainesville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year.

In January, Gainesville is generally around the same temperature as Saint Simons. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 54°F (12°C), and Saint Simons fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In January, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Saint Simons. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gainesville or Saint Simons in the Spring?

Both Saint Simons and Gainesville during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Gainesville is around the same temperature as Saint Simons in the spring. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 69°F (20°C) in April, and Saint Simons fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Gainesville usually gets less rain in April than Saint Simons. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Gainesville.

Typical Weather for Saint Simons and Gainesville