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

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Mystic?

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

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a family-friendly, relaxing, and peaceful coastal town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Mystic

Mystic is a laid back, charming, and quaint town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hilton Head Island and Mystic: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mystic than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mystic is better known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Hilton Head Island is more popular for its resorts and impressive beauty. Hilton Head Island is well known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Mystic is well known for its New England charm and local character. Also, Mystic is famous for the Mystic Seaport Museum.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Mystic specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Hilton Head Island and Mystic.

Hilton Head Island is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Mystic offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Hilton Head Island or Mystic Better for Nightlife?

Mystic is very good for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

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 Mystic Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Hilton Head Island to choose from. 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.

Mystic is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Mystic Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island and Mystic are high quality choices for a beach vacation.

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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Mystic. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Mystic?

Mystic is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for shopping. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Hilton Head Island or Mystic Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is an amazing coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Hilton Head Island is very family-friendly. 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.

Mystic is a very kid-friendly coastal town. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Hilton Head Island or Mystic Better for Couples?

Both Hilton Head Island and Mystic are notable 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.

Mystic is a nice destination for couples. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

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

Neither Hilton Head Island or Mystic offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Hilton Head Island or Mystic a more walkable city?

Hilton Head Island and Mystic are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Hilton Head Island is generally not a very walkable coastal town. 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.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

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

How long in Hilton Head Island or Mystic?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hilton Head Island and Mystic. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Mystic. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 2-3 days is enough time in Mystic.

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

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

One day in Hilton Head Island or Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Hilton Head Island. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the charming destination of Mystic. This town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Mystic?

Hilton Head Island is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Mystic is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint town of Mystic. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mystic has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Mystic?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilton Head Island. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Mystic. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful destination of Hilton Head Island. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Mystic is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Mystic, 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 Mystic Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Mystic?

Hilton Head Island has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island and Mystic, 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 Mystic?

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 Mystic in the Summer?

Both Mystic and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Mystic for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than Mystic. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hilton Head Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Mystic averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Mystic. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island usually receives less sunshine than Mystic during summer. Hilton Head Island gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 293 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 Mystic. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Mystic and Hilton Head Island during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Mystic because of the shopping scene.

In October, Hilton Head Island is generally much warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Mystic fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. In the autumn, Hilton Head Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic. Hilton Head Island gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 211 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets less rain in October than Mystic. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Mystic. The winter months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mystic this time of year.

It's quite cold in Mystic in the winter. Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Mystic in the winter. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and Mystic fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Hilton Head Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic during winter. Hilton Head Island gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hilton Head Island usually receives less rain than Mystic. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Mystic. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Mystic for the beaches.

In the spring, Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Mystic. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hilton Head Island in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Mystic averages at about 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. 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 Mystic. Hilton Head Island gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 225 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets less rain in April than Mystic. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mystic and Hilton Head Island