A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. San Diego for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Resorts

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or San Diego?

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 San Diego 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 beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and food.

San Diego

San Diego is a dynamic, energetic, and relaxed coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hilton Head Island and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or San Diego?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Diego. Although Hilton Head Island and San Diego are both popular with visitors, San Diego has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Diego is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Hilton Head Island is known for its resorts. San Diego is more touristy than Hilton Head Island and is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. It is also home to The San Diego Zoo. Hilton Head Island is popular for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails.

How is Hilton Head Island different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to San Diego specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

San Diego offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Is Hilton Head Island or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

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

San Diego has a large number of nightlife venues. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

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 San Diego Better for Music?

San Diego is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Hilton Head Island is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in San Diego while you're in town. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Hilton Head Island is not a live music destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or San Diego Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is great for its luxury resorts. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

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.

San Diego has a few great resort options. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Is Hilton Head Island or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hilton Head Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in San Diego. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Hilton Head Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is terrific for the beach. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, San Diego is a very popular vacation destination. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

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.

Is Hilton Head Island or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting San Diego. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or San Diego?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Hilton Head Island and San Diego.

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.

San Diego is a great destination for shopping. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Hilton Head Island or San Diego Better for Families?

You'll find first-rate kid-friendly activities in either Hilton Head Island or San Diego.

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.

San Diego is an amazing family-friendly coastal town to visit. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

Is Hilton Head Island or San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego is terrific for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, San Diego has plenty to offer. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

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 San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

San Diego is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit San Diego. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

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

San Diego 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 San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

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 San Diego a more walkable city?

San Diego is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable coastal city. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

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 San Diego Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or San Diego?

In either Hilton Head Island or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than San Diego because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Diego 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 San Diego.

One day in Hilton Head Island or San Diego?

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 live music and food when visiting the fun-filled destination of San Diego. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the beaches. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 San Diego?

You'll find shopping and food around the beautiful 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.

San Diego is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the energetic coastal city of San Diego. Most people visit for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or San Diego?

You'll find food and shopping around the family-friendly 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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of San Diego. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the beaches. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Diego has to offer.

A week in Hilton Head Island or San Diego?

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.

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

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 San Diego Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island and San Diego, 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 San Diego?

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 San Diego in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and San Diego. Many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Hilton Head Island is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 82°F (28°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hilton Head Island usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during summer. Hilton Head Island gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hilton Head Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than San Diego. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or San Diego in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as San Diego. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Diego because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Hilton Head Island is around the same temperature as San Diego in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In the autumn, Hilton Head Island often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Hilton Head Island gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or San Diego in the Winter?

Both San Diego and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

In the winter, Hilton Head Island is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hilton Head Island in January average around 48°F (9°C), and San Diego averages at about 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. Hilton Head Island usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Hilton Head Island gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than San Diego. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or San Diego in the Spring?

Both San Diego and Hilton Head Island during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Hilton Head Island is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 67°F (19°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. In the spring, Hilton Head Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego. Hilton Head Island gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Hilton Head Island