A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Galveston vs. Arlington for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Galveston or Arlington?

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 Arlington can help you decide which place is right for you.

Galveston

Galveston is a coastal, historic, and charming town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Arlington

Arlington is a historical, educational, and international city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Galveston and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galveston or Arlington?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Galveston than Arlington. While Arlington is larger than Galveston, Galveston has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Galveston is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and small town charm, while Arlington is known for its food. Galveston is popular for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. It is also home to Pleasure Pier. Arlington is popular for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon.

How is Galveston different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arlington 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 Arlington?

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

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 Arlington can be an interesting and educational experience. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

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

Arlington is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Arlington has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Galveston area. 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.

Is Galveston or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is excellent in both Galveston and Arlington.

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.

Arlington has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

Is Galveston or Arlington Better for Beaches?

Galveston is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

Galveston has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is Galveston or Arlington Better for its Old Town?

Galveston is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Arlington does not have a historic old town.

Galveston has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Arlington does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galveston or Arlington?

If you're looking to go shopping, Galveston and Arlington both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Galveston. 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.

Many visitors go to Arlington to go shopping. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Is Galveston or Arlington Better for Families?

Galveston is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Galveston or Arlington Better for Couples?

Galveston is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Galveston makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Is Galveston or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Galveston is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

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 Arlington Better for Students?

Arlington is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Galveston is not popular with students.

Arlington is very popular with students. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Galveston is not popular with students.

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

Arlington 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 Arlington is top-notch. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

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 Arlington a more walkable city?

Arlington is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Arlington is a very walkable city. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

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 Arlington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Galveston?

How long in Galveston or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either Galveston or Arlington. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Arlington 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 Arlington.

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

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

One day in Galveston or Arlington?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Galveston. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Galveston has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Arlington. 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 Arlington?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the educational destination of Arlington. 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 Arlington?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic town of Galveston. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the international city of Arlington. 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.

A week in Galveston or Arlington?

Galveston 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.

Arlington 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Galveston or Arlington?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of Galveston and Arlington, 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 Arlington?

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 Arlington in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Galveston and Arlington. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Galveston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences.

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

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

Should I visit Galveston or Arlington in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Galveston as well as Arlington. Many travelers come to Galveston for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Arlington in the autumn for the shopping scene.

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

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

Should I visit Galveston or Arlington in the Winter?

Both Arlington and Galveston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Galveston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Arlington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Arlington can be very cold during winter. Galveston is much warmer than Arlington in the winter. The daily temperature in Galveston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Arlington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

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

Should I visit Galveston or Arlington in the Spring?

Both Arlington and Galveston during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Galveston for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

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

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

Typical Weather for Arlington and Galveston