A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Arlington for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island and Arlington can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a beautiful, resort-filled, and family-friendly coastal town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Arlington

Arlington is a educational, international, and historical city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Hilton Head Island and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Arlington?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arlington. Although Hilton Head Island and Arlington are popular destinations, Arlington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arlington is very popular for its museums, food, and nightlife, while Hilton Head Island attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hilton Head Island is famous for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Arlington is famous for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. It is also well known for Arlington National Cemetery.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or Arlington?

Arlington is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Arlington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arlington is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Arlington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Hilton Head Island offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Is Hilton Head Island or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

Arlington is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Arlington has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Hilton Head Island or Arlington Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington is not a resort destination.

Hilton Head Island is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Arlington is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Arlington Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hilton Head Island. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Arlington?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Hilton Head Island and Arlington.

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Arlington is a great destination for 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 Hilton Head Island or Arlington Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Hilton Head Island is an amazing family-friendly coastal town to visit. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

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 Hilton Head Island or Arlington Better for Couples?

Both Hilton Head Island and Arlington are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Hilton Head Island is a good coastal town for couples to visit. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

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 Hilton Head Island or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Arlington Better for Students?

Arlington is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

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

Arlington is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Arlington can take you anywhere. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Hilton Head Island or Arlington a more walkable city?

Arlington is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

For even more information, also check out Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Arlington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either Hilton Head Island or Arlington. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 2-4 days is enough time in Arlington.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington than Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or Arlington?

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal town of Hilton Head Island. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the educational destination of Arlington. This city offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Arlington?

You'll find shopping and food around the relaxing destination of Hilton Head Island. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Arlington is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the educational city of Arlington. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arlington has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Arlington?

You'll find food and shopping around the peaceful coastal town of Hilton Head Island. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Arlington. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days 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.

A week in Hilton Head Island or Arlington?

Hilton Head Island is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hilton Head Island, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Arlington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Hilton Head Island and Arlington, we can see that Arlington is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Arlington?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or Arlington in the Summer?

Both Arlington and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences.

Hilton Head Island is around the same temperature as Arlington in the summer. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Arlington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Arlington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arlington during summer. Hilton Head Island gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Hilton Head Island. In July, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Arlington. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Arlington in the Autumn?

Both Arlington and Hilton Head Island during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Arlington in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than Arlington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hilton Head Island in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Arlington averages at about 60°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. In the autumn, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Arlington. Hilton Head Island gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 197 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Arlington. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Arlington in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Arlington. Many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Arlington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Arlington can be very cold during winter. In January, Hilton Head Island is generally much warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 48°F (9°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

Hilton Head Island usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during winter. Hilton Head Island gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Arlington. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Arlington in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Arlington. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than Arlington in the spring. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Arlington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arlington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In the spring, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Arlington. Hilton Head Island gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 228 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Arlington. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arlington and Hilton Head Island