A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jacksonville vs. Alexandria for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Jacksonville or Alexandria?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and Alexandria. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a youthful, fun, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Jacksonville and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Alexandria?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jacksonville than Alexandria. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Jacksonville is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Alexandria attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Alexandria is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also well known for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jacksonville or Alexandria?

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Alexandria and Jacksonville.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Jacksonville. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

Alexandria offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Is the Food Better in Jacksonville or Alexandria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Jacksonville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

Alexandria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Jacksonville or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is great for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Jacksonville for the nightlife scene. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Jacksonville or Alexandria Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is great for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Jacksonville for it's beautiful beaches. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Is Jacksonville or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Jacksonville does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Alexandria is one of the most recognized in the world. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Jacksonville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Alexandria?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Jacksonville and Alexandria.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Alexandria is an extremely popular place for shoppers. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Is Jacksonville or Alexandria Better for Families?

Jacksonville is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Jacksonville offers lots of family activities. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Jacksonville or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Alexandria is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Alexandria makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Jacksonville or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville and Alexandria are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Is Jacksonville or Alexandria Better for Students?

Jacksonville is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Alexandria is not popular with students.

Is Jacksonville or Alexandria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alexandria is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Alexandria has a great public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

You'll find some public transit in Jacksonville, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Is Jacksonville or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Alexandria is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Alexandria. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Jacksonville or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alexandria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than Alexandria 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 Jacksonville.

One day in Jacksonville or Alexandria?

With museums and nightlife around the fun city of Jacksonville, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Alexandria, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this quaint city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Alexandria?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Jacksonville, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Alexandria is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Jacksonville or Alexandria?

Jacksonville, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Alexandria?

Jacksonville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Alexandria is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Alexandria?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Alexandria, 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 Jacksonville or Alexandria?

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 Jacksonville or Alexandria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Alexandria. The summer months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alexandria this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Alexandria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Alexandria. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Alexandria for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Jacksonville is a little warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Alexandria averages at about 60°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Alexandria. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Alexandria in the Winter?

Both Alexandria and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Alexandria in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Alexandria can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Alexandria in the Spring?

Both Alexandria and Jacksonville during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Jacksonville is a little warmer than Alexandria in the spring. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In Alexandria, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Alexandria. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Jacksonville