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

Should you visit Jacksonville or Mystic?

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 Mystic. 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. 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 food, beaches, and shopping.

Jacksonville and Mystic: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Mystic?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than Mystic, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mystic is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its New England charm and local character. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. Also, Jacksonville is famous for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mystic offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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

Jacksonville is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Jacksonville. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. 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 Jacksonville or Mystic Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Mystic has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Jacksonville or Mystic Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville and Mystic both offer excellent beaches.

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.

Mystic is considered a top beach destination. 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 Jacksonville or Mystic?

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

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.

Mystic is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Is Jacksonville or Mystic Better for Families?

Mystic 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 Mystic. 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.

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 Mystic Better for Couples?

Jacksonville and Mystic both notable destinations for a couple.

Jacksonville is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

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 Jacksonville or Mystic Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options 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.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

Is Jacksonville or Mystic Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students 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.

Mystic is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

Jacksonville has some public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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

Is Jacksonville or Mystic a more walkable city?

Jacksonville is a good destination for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

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 Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Mystic Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mystic or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Mystic?

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

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Jacksonville. 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.

In Mystic, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this laid back town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Mystic?

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Mystic is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Mystic?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jacksonville. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Mystic. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Mystic?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Jacksonville. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Mystic is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 comparing the travel costs between Jacksonville and Mystic, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Mystic Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Mystic?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Mystic in the Summer?

Both Mystic and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mystic this time of year.

In the summer, Jacksonville is a little warmer than Mystic. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Jacksonville. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Mystic. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Mystic in the Autumn?

Both Mystic and Jacksonville during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mystic for the shopping scene.

In October, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°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 Jacksonville. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 211 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets less rain in October than Mystic. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Mystic in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Mystic. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Mystic in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Mystic can get quite cold in the winter. Jacksonville is much warmer than Mystic in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Mystic fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Mystic during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mystic. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Mystic in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Mystic. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Mystic for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Jacksonville is much warmer than Mystic. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°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 Jacksonville this time of the year. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Mystic. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 225 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets less rain in April than Mystic. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Mystic and Jacksonville