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

Should you visit Jacksonville or Nashville?

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 Nashville. 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 lively, youthful, and fun city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Nashville

Nashville is a country music lovers, eclectic, and southern city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and museums.

Jacksonville and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Nashville?

You'll generally find more things to do in Jacksonville than Nashville. Jacksonville is bigger than Nashville, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Jacksonville is better known for its museums, food, beaches, and shopping, while Nashville is more popular for its music and resorts. Nashville is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. 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 Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jacksonville is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Nashville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.

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

Jacksonville is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Nashville 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 Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Is Jacksonville or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Both Jacksonville and Nashville have very good 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 Nashville know how to have a good time. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Is Jacksonville or Nashville Better for Music?

Nashville is renowned for its music scene. However, Jacksonville is not a live music destination.

Nashville has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Jacksonville is not a live music destination.

Is Jacksonville or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Nashville is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Nashville has a few great resort options. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Is Jacksonville or Nashville Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Jacksonville attract visitors from all over. 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.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Nashville?

Jacksonville is a very popular place for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Jacksonville or Nashville Better for Christmas?

Nashville is a good destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Jacksonville does not offer Christmas activities.

Nashville worth visiting during the Christmas season. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Jacksonville does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Jacksonville or Nashville Better for Families?

Both Jacksonville and Nashville are notable family-friendly destinations.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nashville. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Jacksonville or Nashville Better for Couples?

Jacksonville and Nashville 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.

Nashville is a nice destination for couples. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

Is Jacksonville or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville and Nashville are both notable 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 Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Is Jacksonville or Nashville Better for Students?

Jacksonville is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for 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.

Nashville is a decent spot for students. Several universities bring in international students, but the city is smaller and it isn't the most popular student destination in America.

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

Jacksonville is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good 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 Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Jacksonville or Nashville a more walkable city?

Jacksonville is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Nashville?

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

Families should spend more time in Jacksonville than Nashville. 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 Jacksonville than Nashville. 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 Nashville 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 Nashville?

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 Nashville, many people enjoy the live music and food that this eclectic city offers. 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 Nashville?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively 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.

Nashville 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. Lots of people come for the live music. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Jacksonville or Nashville?

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 southern destination of Nashville. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. 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 Nashville?

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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Nashville?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Nashville. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Nashville, 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 Nashville?

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 Nashville in the Summer?

Both Nashville and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Nashville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Nashville averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Nashville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Jacksonville. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Nashville. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Nashville in the Autumn?

Both Nashville and Jacksonville during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Nashville this time of year.

In October, Jacksonville is generally a little warmer than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In Nashville, 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 Nashville. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in October than Nashville. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Nashville in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Nashville. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nashville. Jacksonville is much warmer than Nashville in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Nashville fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Nashville during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nashville. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Nashville in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Nashville. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Nashville in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Jacksonville is a little warmer than Nashville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Nashville averages at about 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Nashville. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 234 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nashville. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in April than Nashville. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Nashville and Jacksonville