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

Should you visit Jacksonville or Wilmington?

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 Wilmington. 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 under-rated, lively, and youthful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a welcoming, charming, and historic city. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Jacksonville and Wilmington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Wilmington?

You'll generally find more things to do in Jacksonville than Wilmington. Jacksonville is bigger than Wilmington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Jacksonville is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Wilmington is more popular for its historical sights. Wilmington is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. 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 Wilmington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Jacksonville can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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

Jacksonville is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is Jacksonville or Wilmington Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is great for nightlife. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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 Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Jacksonville or Wilmington Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville and Wilmington both offer great 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.

Wilmington is considered a top beach destination. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Is Jacksonville or Wilmington Better for its Old Town?

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

Wilmington has an old town worth visiting. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Jacksonville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Wilmington?

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

Wilmington offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Jacksonville or Wilmington Better for Families?

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

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 Wilmington Better for Couples?

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

Wilmington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

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 Wilmington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.

Is Jacksonville or Wilmington Better for Students?

Both Jacksonville and Wilmington are notable destinations 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.

Wilmington is popular with students. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

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

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Wilmington 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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Is Jacksonville or Wilmington a more walkable city?

Jacksonville and Wilmington are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Wilmington is somewhat walkable. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Wilmington or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Wilmington?

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

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the fun city of Jacksonville, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Wilmington, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this charming 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.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Wilmington?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Jacksonville, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Wilmington 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.

Five days in Jacksonville or Wilmington?

Jacksonville, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Wilmington, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this charming destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Jacksonville or Wilmington?

Jacksonville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Wilmington 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.

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 Wilmington, 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 Wilmington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Wilmington?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Wilmington. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Wilmington, 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 Wilmington?

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 Wilmington in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Wilmington. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wilmington for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington 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 Wilmington during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Wilmington in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Wilmington. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the shopping scene.

In October, Jacksonville is generally a little warmer than Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and Wilmington fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 227 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Wilmington. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Wilmington in the Winter?

Both Wilmington and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year.

Jacksonville is much warmer than Wilmington in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Wilmington fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 180 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Wilmington. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Wilmington in the Spring?

Both Wilmington and Jacksonville during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wilmington for the beaches.

In the spring, Jacksonville is a little warmer than Wilmington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Wilmington averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In Wilmington, 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 Wilmington. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 278 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Wilmington. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Wilmington and Jacksonville