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

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Santa Fe?

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 Santa Fe 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a cultural, historic, and charming historic 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 museums, skiing, and live music.

Hilton Head Island and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Santa Fe?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Fe. Although Hilton Head Island and Santa Fe are popular destinations, Santa Fe has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Fe is very popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Hilton Head Island attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Santa Fe and is known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Santa Fe is famous for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. It is also well known for The Museum of New Mexico Complex.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hilton Head Island or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Santa Fe is very good for skiing and snowboarding. However, Hilton Head Island is not a skiing destination.

Head to Santa Fe for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

Hilton Head Island is not a skiing destination.

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

Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

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 Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.

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 Santa Fe Better for Music?

Santa Fe is very good for its music scene. However, Hilton Head Island is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Santa Fe. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Hilton Head Island is not a live music destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Santa Fe Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is a great coastal town for its luxury resorts. However, Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Santa Fe Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is a great coastal town for the beach. However, Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

Santa Fe is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Hilton Head Island does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

Hilton Head Island does not have a historic old town.

Is Hilton Head Island or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

Santa Fe is very good for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Santa Fe. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

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 Santa Fe Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its family-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.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is Hilton Head Island or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

Both Hilton Head Island and Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

Is Hilton Head Island or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Santa Fe is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Santa Fe. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

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

Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

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 Santa Fe a more walkable city?

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

Santa Fe is a very walkable destination. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

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 Santa Fe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Fe or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Santa Fe?

In either Hilton Head Island or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than Santa Fe because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 2-5 days is enough time in Santa Fe.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe.

One day in Hilton Head Island or Santa Fe?

The coastal town of Hilton Head Island offers shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the charming destination of Santa Fe. This historic town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Santa Fe?

Hilton Head Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Santa Fe is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the skiing and live music when visiting the cultural historic town of Santa Fe. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Fe has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Santa Fe?

Hilton Head Island is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hilton Head Island, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Santa Fe. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Fe has to offer.

A week in Hilton Head Island or Santa Fe?

Hilton Head Island is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hilton Head Island has to offer. This coastal town offers something for everyone.

Santa Fe is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Santa Fe, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. And not only is Santa Fe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Fe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe.

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 Santa Fe Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island and Santa Fe, 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.