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

Should you visit Jacksonville or Sedona?

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

Sedona

Sedona is a dramatic, scenic, and striking town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Jacksonville and Sedona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Sedona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jacksonville. Although Jacksonville and Sedona are both popular with visitors, Jacksonville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Jacksonville is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Sedona is known for its resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Sedona is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its stargazing, desert setting, and yoga retreats. 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 Sedona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jacksonville is great for its historical sights. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Sedona. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There are also many galleries around town.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Jacksonville and Sedona.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sedona makes for a great culinary experience. It's grown into a foodie destination with local restaurants that pride themselves on using local ingredients. Mexican food is common but you'll also find cafes, classic American food, and other international options.

Is Jacksonville or Sedona Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its evening party scene.

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 Sedona. There are bars, live music venues, and even a casino in town. Breweries are popular and there are also upscale wine bars.

Is Jacksonville or Sedona Better for Resorts?

Sedona is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Sedona to choose from. Upscale resorts with spas, pools, and other amenities offer the perfect backdrop for a desert vacation.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Is Jacksonville or Sedona Better for Beaches?

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

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Sedona is not a beach destination.

Is Jacksonville or Sedona Better for its Old Town?

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

Sedona has an old town worth visiting. Traditional architecture and historic charm give downtown Sedona a lot of character.

Jacksonville does not have a historic old town.

Is Jacksonville or Sedona Better for Hiking?

Sedona is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Sedona. It's red rock cliffs offer the perfect setting for dramatic hikes and breathtaking views. The colors are most impressive at sunrise and sunset and some of the most famous landmarks include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Sedona?

Sedona is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Sedona specifically to go shopping. It's filled with local artisan shops and art galleries that highlight the region's beauty. Head to Uptown Sedona for some of the best boutiques. You should also check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the Sedona Art Center, and Hozho Distinctive Shops and Galleries.

Jacksonville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Jacksonville or Sedona Better for Families?

Sedona 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 Sedona. There are impressive parks and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Head to Slide Rock State Park where your kids can enjoy a natural waterslide. There's also the Out of Africa Wildlife Zoo as well as a canyon railroad.

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 Sedona Better for Couples?

Sedona is renowned for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Sedona is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Stargazing in the evening or picnicking in a park during the day. There are countless romantic activities that couples can enjoy. The area is filled with striking natural beauty that is at its best during sunset. Couples will also enjoy fine dining and a variety of outdoor activities.

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 Sedona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville and Sedona are both good 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 Sedona. You'll find campgrounds, RV parks, and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

Is Jacksonville or Sedona Better for Students?

Jacksonville is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sedona 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.

Sedona is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Sedona 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 Sedona. Verde Shuttle offers shuttle routes through town.

Is Jacksonville or Sedona a more walkable city?

Jacksonville and Sedona are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Sedona is somewhat walkable. If you stay in Uptown Sedona, then the area is walkable, but if you're planning to stay further away then you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Sedona or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Sedona?

In either Jacksonville or Sedona, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sedona than Jacksonville because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 3-5 days is enough time in Sedona.

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

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

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

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.

Sedona is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Sedona?

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.

Sedona is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the shopping. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Jacksonville or Sedona?

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.

Sedona might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the shopping. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Jacksonville or Sedona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun 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.

Sedona is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Sedona, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. And not only is Sedona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sedona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sedona 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 Sedona.

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Sedona?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Sedona. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Sedona, 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.