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

Should you visit Jacksonville or Sonoma?

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

Sonoma

Sonoma is a scenic, serene, and relaxing county. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking.

Jacksonville and Sonoma: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Sonoma?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville. Although Jacksonville and Sonoma are popular destinations, Jacksonville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jacksonville is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Sonoma attracts visitors for its food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Sonoma is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its world-class winemaking and sustainable agriculture. 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 Sonoma?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jacksonville is a great city for its historical sights. However, Sonoma is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Sonoma offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't think of museums when they think of Sonoma, there are actually some interesting local options. The California Indian Museum, the Cotati Museum, and the Depot Park Museum are also local are fascinating.

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

Sonoma is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Sonoma, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Although wine may be the first thing you think about, the region is also filled with farm-to-table restaurants and award-winning dining options. The food is almost always fresh and local. You can sample many local ingredients such as vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, and fish.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Jacksonville makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Jacksonville or Sonoma Better for Nightlife?

Both Jacksonville and Sonoma 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 Sonoma know how to have a good time. Lounges, wine bars, and live music venues offer a variety of activities for visitors during the evening hours.

Is Jacksonville or Sonoma Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Sonoma to choose from. Spa hotels, charming inns, and beautiful resorts all offer a variety of options for visitors.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Is Jacksonville or Sonoma Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville and Sonoma both offer very good 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.

Sonoma is considered a top beach destination. The county has a coastline that includes several great beaches as well as rocky shoreline. The beaches include secluded coves and picturesque cliffs as well as sand dunes and sandy beaches.

Is Jacksonville or Sonoma Better for Hiking?

Sonoma 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 Sonoma. In between wine tastings you can explore the area's stunning natural beauty. There are hikes through the vineyards, along the coast, or through forested parks. Some of the best hikes are found in Jack London State Historic Park, Sugarloaf State Park, and Armstrong Woods State Park.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Sonoma?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Jacksonville and Sonoma.

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.

Sonoma is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a range of local vendors in the area, selling everything from jewelry to art, home decor, and olive oil.

Is Jacksonville or Sonoma Better for Families?

Both Jacksonville and Sonoma are nice 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 Sonoma. While most people think immediately of wine tours, there's actually a lot more to Sonoma County. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in the area, which include beaches, parks, wildlife viewing, and more. There's also horseback riding and even ziplining opportunities.

Is Jacksonville or Sonoma Better for Couples?

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

Sonoma is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination for couples who come for the vineyards and wine tours. There are also charming hotels, award winning restaurants, and beautiful beaches.

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 Sonoma Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sonoma is not known for backpackers.

Jacksonville is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Sonoma is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few budget hotel options in the area, but not much in the form of hostels.

Is Jacksonville or Sonoma Better for Students?

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

Sonoma is not popular with students.

Is Jacksonville or Sonoma 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, Sonoma is not known 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 limited or non-existant in Sonoma. While there are buses, they are almost never used by tourists. There is the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley which you should purchase tickets for in advance.

Is Jacksonville or Sonoma a more walkable city?

Jacksonville is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Sonoma is not known for its walkability.

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

Sonoma is not a walkable city. You really must have a car to get around the area and explore it efficiently.

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

Should I spend more time in Sonoma or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Sonoma?

It's fun to spend time in either Jacksonville or Sonoma. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Sonoma 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 Sonoma.

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

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

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 Sonoma, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this relaxing county offers. 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 Sonoma?

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.

Sonoma is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Jacksonville or Sonoma?

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 nightlife and food around the scenic destination of Sonoma. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Sonoma?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the youthful 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.

Sonoma 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 comparing the travel costs between Jacksonville and Sonoma, 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 Sonoma Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Sonoma?

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

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 Sonoma in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Sonoma. 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 Sonoma because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Jacksonville is a little warmer than Sonoma in the summer. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Sonoma fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Sonoma in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Sonoma. The autumn months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sonoma this time of year.

In the autumn, Jacksonville is a little warmer than Sonoma. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Sonoma averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in October than Sonoma. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Sonoma in the Winter?

Both Sonoma and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sonoma for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Sonoma fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

In January, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Sonoma. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Sonoma in the Spring?

Both Sonoma and Jacksonville during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sonoma in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Jacksonville is a little warmer than Sonoma in the spring. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Sonoma fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in April than Sonoma. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Jacksonville