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

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Ketchikan?

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

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a peaceful, beautiful, and resort-filled coastal town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Hilton Head Island and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ketchikan than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ketchikan is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Hilton Head Island is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Hilton Head Island is well known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Ketchikan is well known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Also, Ketchikan is famous for the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ketchikan is very good for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ketchikan. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ketchikan is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Ketchikan has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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 Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Ketchikan is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

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 Ketchikan Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is notable for its resorts. However, Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Hilton Head Island. 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.

Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Ketchikan Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is notable for its beaches. However, Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Ketchikan specifically for its hiking. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Ketchikan?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Hilton Head Island and Ketchikan.

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.

Ketchikan is a great destination for shopping. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Hilton Head Island or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Ketchikan is very family-friendly. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Is Hilton Head Island or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

Ketchikan is a very popular place for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Ketchikan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Hilton Head Island or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ketchikan is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Ketchikan is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Ketchikan is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

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 Ketchikan a more walkable city?

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

Ketchikan is a very walkable destination. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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 Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Hilton Head Island or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hilton Head Island and Ketchikan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Ketchikan. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ketchikan.

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

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

One day in Hilton Head Island or Ketchikan?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the local destination of Ketchikan. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Ketchikan?

You'll find shopping and food around the peaceful 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.

Ketchikan is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the local town of Ketchikan. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ketchikan has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Ketchikan?

You'll find food and shopping around the resort-filled 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 Ketchikan. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Ketchikan?

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.

Ketchikan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Ketchikan, we can see that Hilton Head Island 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 Ketchikan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Ketchikan?

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

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 Hilton Head Island or Ketchikan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Ketchikan. The summer months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

In the summer, Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hilton Head Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 58°F (15°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Hilton Head Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hilton Head Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Ketchikan. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Ketchikan and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hilton Head Island is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In October, Hilton Head Island usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Ketchikan and Hilton Head Island during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ketchikan can get quite cold in the winter. Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Ketchikan in the winter. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hilton Head Island usually gets less rain in January than Ketchikan. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Ketchikan. Many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hilton Head Island in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 44°F (6°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Hilton Head Island usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Hilton Head Island