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

Should you visit Jacksonville or Galveston?

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 Galveston. 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 vibrant, under-rated, and lively city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Galveston

Galveston is a coastal, historic, and charming town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Jacksonville and Galveston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Galveston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than Galveston, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Jacksonville is more popular for its food, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Galveston is known for its historical sights and small town charm. Galveston is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. Jacksonville is popular for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also home to Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Galveston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Galveston 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.

Galveston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.

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

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

Jacksonville has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Galveston area. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

Is Jacksonville or Galveston Better for Nightlife?

Both Jacksonville and Galveston have high quality vibes after the sun sets.

Jacksonville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in Galveston know how to have a good time. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.

Is Jacksonville or Galveston Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is great for the beache. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the beach.

Jacksonville is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Galveston has a beach worth visiting. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Is Jacksonville or Galveston Better for its Old Town?

Galveston is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Jacksonville does not have a historic old town.

Galveston has an old town worth visiting. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Jacksonville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Galveston?

Jacksonville is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping areas.

Jacksonville is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Galveston to go shopping. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

Is Jacksonville or Galveston Better for Families?

Galveston is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Galveston. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. 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.

Is Jacksonville or Galveston Better for Couples?

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

Galveston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

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 Galveston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Galveston is not a good destination for backpackers.

Jacksonville is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Galveston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The beaches are great, but most backpackers don't think to visit Galveston.

Is Jacksonville or Galveston Better for Students?

Jacksonville is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Galveston 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.

Galveston is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Galveston is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Jacksonville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Public transit is generally limited in Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.

Is Jacksonville or Galveston a more walkable city?

Jacksonville and Galveston are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Galveston is somewhat walkable. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.

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

Should I spend more time in Galveston or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Galveston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jacksonville and Galveston. In our opinion, Jacksonville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Jacksonville than Galveston. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Galveston.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than Galveston 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 Galveston?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Jacksonville. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

In Galveston, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this charming town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Galveston?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the youthful destination of Jacksonville. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Galveston is a fun place to experience. 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 Galveston?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun city of Jacksonville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Galveston. 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 Galveston?

Jacksonville is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Galveston is a popular place to visit. 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 Galveston, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. And not only is Galveston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Galveston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Galveston 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 Galveston.

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Galveston?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Galveston, 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 Galveston?

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 Galveston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Galveston. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Galveston in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Jacksonville is generally around the same temperature as Galveston. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 82°F (28°C), and Galveston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Galveston. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Galveston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Galveston. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Galveston for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Galveston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Galveston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in October than Galveston. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Galveston in the Winter?

Both Galveston and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Galveston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Galveston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jacksonville in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Galveston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

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

Should I visit Jacksonville or Galveston in the Spring?

Both Galveston and Jacksonville during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Galveston this time of year.

In April, Jacksonville is generally around the same temperature as Galveston. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 68°F (20°C), and Galveston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in April than Galveston. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Galveston and Jacksonville