A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Galveston vs. Alexandria for Old Town, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Galveston or Alexandria?

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 Galveston and Alexandria can help you decide which place is right for you.

Galveston

Galveston is a coastal, historic, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a historic, charming, and quaint city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Galveston and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Galveston or Alexandria?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Galveston than Alexandria. While Alexandria is larger than Galveston, Galveston has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Galveston is more popular for its nightlife and beaches, while Alexandria is known for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Galveston is popular for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. It is also home to Pleasure Pier. Alexandria is popular for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere.

How is Galveston different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Galveston or Alexandria?

Galveston
Alexandria

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Galveston and Alexandria.

Many visitors head to Galveston specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Alexandria can be an interesting and educational experience. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.


Is the Food Better in Galveston or Alexandria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Galveston
Alexandria

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Galveston and Alexandria can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Galveston has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Alexandria area. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Galveston or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Galveston
Alexandria

Galveston is great for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Galveston for the nightlife scene. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Galveston or Alexandria Better for Beaches?

Galveston
Alexandria

Galveston is a good destination for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Galveston offers a nice beach destination. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.


Is Galveston or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Galveston
Alexandria

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its historic old town charm.

Alexandria offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Galveston offers a nice historic old town area. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Is the Shopping Better in Galveston or Alexandria?

Galveston
Alexandria

Alexandria is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping areas.

Alexandria is well-known for its shopping. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Many visitors go to Galveston to go shopping. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

Is Galveston or Alexandria Better for Families?

Galveston
Alexandria

Galveston is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Galveston. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.


Is Galveston or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Galveston
Alexandria

Both Galveston and Alexandria are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Galveston is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

Alexandria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Is Galveston or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galveston
Alexandria

Alexandria is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Galveston is not a good destination for backpackers.

Alexandria is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Galveston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The beaches are great, but most backpackers don't think to visit Galveston.

Is Galveston or Alexandria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Galveston
Alexandria

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Galveston is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Alexandria is top-notch. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is generally limited in Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.


Is Galveston or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Galveston
Alexandria

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Alexandria is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Galveston is a somewhat walkable town. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.

For even more information, also check out Is Galveston Worth Visiting? and Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Galveston?

How long in Galveston or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Galveston or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alexandria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Galveston, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Galveston 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 Alexandria.


  • How many days in Galveston or Alexandria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Galveston 1-3 
    Alexandria 2-4

One day in Galveston or Alexandria?

With museums and nightlife around the charming town of Galveston, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Galveston, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Alexandria. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

A weekend in Galveston or Alexandria?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Galveston, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.


Five days in Galveston or Alexandria?

Galveston, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Alexandria. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Galveston or Alexandria?

Galveston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Alexandria is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Galveston?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Galveston is $183, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $0.00. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Galveston and Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Galveston $81
    Alexandria $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Galveston $162
    Alexandria $76
Compare Hotels in Galveston and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Galveston or Alexandria? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Galveston


Hotels in Alexandria


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Galveston Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Galveston $35
    Alexandria -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston

Also for Galveston, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Galveston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) Private Transfer: $192
  • Privat Transfer from Galveston Port to Houston Airport (IAH): $192
  • Galveston Port to William Hobby Airport Departure Transfer: $167
  • Private Departure Transfer from Galveston Port to HOU Airport: $167

Is it cheaper to fly into Galveston or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Galveston change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Galveston $52
    Alexandria -

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galveston

For Galveston, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taste of the Strand Food Tour on Galveston Island: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Galveston $15
    Alexandria -

Tours and Activities in Galveston

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.

  • 2 Hours Private Cemeteries of Galveston Walking Tour: $179
  • Al's Authentic Paranormal Excursion Tour: $15
  • Authentic Galveston Ghost City Tour: $25
  • Baywatch Dolphin Tour : $25
  • Baywatch Galveston Island Bus Tours: $25
  • Dark Side and Cemeteries of Galveston – Walking Tour: $351
  • Demo and Reno Galveston Reconstructed Private Tour: $85
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Guide: $34
  • Galveston Cemetery Private Tour: $85
  • Galveston Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour with Red Light District: $25
  • Galveston Dark of the Moon Tour: $25
  • Galveston Ghosts of the Gulf Haunted Tour: $33

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Alexandria.

  • A Walk in Washington's Footsteps History Tour: $32
  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Phantoms of the Potomac Walking Tour: $26
  • Private Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon: $165
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $38
  • Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127
  • Philadelphia Tour from Alexandria by Rail: $329

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Galveston $37
    Alexandria -

Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston

Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Galveston Island Brewing Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting : $10
  • Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $25
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $25
  • Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Alexandria:

  • Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35


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

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


Which is Bigger, Galveston or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of Galveston and Alexandria, 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 Galveston or Alexandria?

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 Galveston or Alexandria in the Summer?

Both Alexandria and Galveston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Galveston in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Galveston is around the same temperature as Alexandria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Galveston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Alexandria averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In July, Galveston usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Galveston gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Galveston 84°F (29°C) 
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Galveston or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Galveston during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Galveston for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Galveston is generally a little warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Galveston average around 71°F (22°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

Galveston usually gets less rain in October than Alexandria. Galveston gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Galveston 71°F (22°C) 
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Galveston or Alexandria in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Alexandria in the winter. Galveston is much warmer than Alexandria in the winter. The daily temperature in Galveston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Alexandria fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

In January, Galveston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alexandria. Galveston gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Galveston 52°F (11°C) 
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Galveston or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Galveston as well as Alexandria. The beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Galveston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Galveston is much warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Galveston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Alexandria averages at about 56°F (14°C).

Galveston usually gets less rain in April than Alexandria. Galveston gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Galveston 70°F (21°C) 
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Galveston

Galveston Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 83°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)