A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Jacksonville vs. Tallahassee for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Jacksonville or Tallahassee?

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 Tallahassee. 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.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a lively, vibrant, and youthful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Jacksonville and Tallahassee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Tallahassee?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jacksonville than Tallahassee. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also well known for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities.

How is Jacksonville different from Tallahassee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

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

Jacksonville is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Jacksonville or Tallahassee Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is great for its evening party scene. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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 Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Is Jacksonville or Tallahassee Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is great for the beach. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Tallahassee?

Jacksonville is great for its shopping areas. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

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.

Tallahassee is a great destination for shopping. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

Is Jacksonville or Tallahassee Better for Families?

Both Jacksonville and Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Is Jacksonville or Tallahassee Better for Couples?

Jacksonville is a city with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Jacksonville or Tallahassee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville and Tallahassee are both nice 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 Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

Is Jacksonville or Tallahassee Better for Students?

Tallahassee is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students visit Tallahassee. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Jacksonville is popular with students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Is Jacksonville or Tallahassee 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, Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

Is Jacksonville or Tallahassee a more walkable city?

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

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

Tallahassee is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Tallahassee or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Tallahassee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Jacksonville or Tallahassee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Jacksonville than Tallahassee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 1-2 days is enough time in Tallahassee.

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Jacksonville. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Tallahassee, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Jacksonville. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee?

The lively city of Jacksonville offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the youthful destination of Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jacksonville. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Tallahassee?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Tallahassee. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Tallahassee, 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 Tallahassee?

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 Tallahassee in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Tallahassee. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Tallahassee because of the family-friendly experiences.

Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Tallahassee in the summer. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Tallahassee fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallahassee this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tallahassee during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Tallahassee receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tallahassee receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Tallahassee. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Tallahassee in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Tallahassee. The autumn months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Tallahassee this time of year.

In the autumn, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Tallahassee. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Tallahassee averages at about 69°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than Tallahassee. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tallahassee receives 256 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Tallahassee. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November. Also, the hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Tallahassee in the Winter?

Both Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Jacksonville is generally around the same temperature as Tallahassee. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Tallahassee fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tallahassee during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Tallahassee receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Tallahassee. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Tallahassee in the Spring?

Both Tallahassee and Jacksonville during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Tallahassee in the spring. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Tallahassee fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Tallahassee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tallahassee. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tallahassee receives 295 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in April than Tallahassee. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.

Typical Weather for Tallahassee and Jacksonville