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

Should you visit Jacksonville or Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg. 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a charming, quaint, and well-preserved town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Jacksonville and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Williamsburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville. Although Jacksonville and Williamsburg are popular destinations, Jacksonville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jacksonville is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Williamsburg attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Williamsburg is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. 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 Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Jacksonville and Williamsburg.

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, Williamsburg makes for a great culinary experience. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Is Jacksonville or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Jacksonville know how to have a good time. 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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Jacksonville or Williamsburg Better for Beaches?

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

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.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Jacksonville or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Jacksonville does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Williamsburg is one of the most recognized in the world. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Jacksonville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Williamsburg?

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

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.

Williamsburg is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Is Jacksonville or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Williamsburg is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Williamsburg is very family-friendly. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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 Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Williamsburg is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Williamsburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

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 Williamsburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is a good destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.

Is Jacksonville or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Williamsburg is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

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 Williamsburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Jacksonville is a good destination for its public transit. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Jacksonville, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Public transit is mostly limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Jacksonville or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Jacksonville is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable city. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Williamsburg?

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

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

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

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

In Jacksonville, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this lively city 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.

In Williamsburg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Williamsburg?

Jacksonville 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.

Williamsburg is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Williamsburg?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the youthful destination of Jacksonville. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Williamsburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Williamsburg?

Jacksonville 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.

Williamsburg is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Williamsburg, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. And not only is Williamsburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Williamsburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg.

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Williamsburg?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Williamsburg in the Summer?

Both Williamsburg and Jacksonville during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Williamsburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the summer, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually gets more rain in July than Williamsburg. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Jacksonville is a little warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 61°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg during autumn. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Williamsburg. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Williamsburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Williamsburg. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Williamsburg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

In the winter, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Williamsburg. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets less rain in January than Williamsburg. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Williamsburg in the Spring?

Both Williamsburg and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Williamsburg for the natural beauty during these months.

Jacksonville is a little warmer than Williamsburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Williamsburg during spring. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Williamsburg. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Jacksonville