A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Mystic vs. Pocono Mountains for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Mystic or Pocono Mountains?

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 Mystic and Pocono Mountains. 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.

Mystic

Mystic is a quaint, laid back, and charming town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a beautiful, magnificent, and relaxing region. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Mystic and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mystic or Pocono Mountains?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pocono Mountains. Although Mystic and Pocono Mountains are popular destinations, Pocono Mountains has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pocono Mountains is very popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Mystic attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and shopping. Mystic is famous for its New England charm and local character. Pocono Mountains is famous for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. It is also well known for Bushkill Falls.

How is Mystic different from Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pocono Mountains and Mystic. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Mystic or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Mystic is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Mystic is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mystic or Pocono Mountains?

Mystic is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Mystic. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pocono Mountains. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

Is the Food Better in Mystic or Pocono Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Mystic and Pocono Mountains can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Pocono Mountains. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Is Mystic or Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Mystic is a town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

Is Mystic or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

Pocono Mountains is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic is not a resort destination.

Pocono Mountains has a handful of resorts to choose from. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Mystic is not a resort destination.

Is Mystic or Pocono Mountains Better for Beaches?

Mystic is notable for the beache. However, Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Mystic attract visitors from all over. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Mystic or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Pocono Mountains is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Pocono Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Pocono Mountains?

Mystic is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping areas.

Mystic is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Pocono Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Is Mystic or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Both Mystic and Pocono Mountains are very good family-friendly destinations.

Mystic is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Pocono Mountains is a very kid-friendly town. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

Is Mystic or Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

Pocono Mountains is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Pocono Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Mystic or Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pocono Mountains is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

Pocono Mountains is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

Is Mystic or Pocono Mountains Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pocono Mountains is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Mystic or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Mystic and Pocono Mountains are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Mystic is generally not a very walkable town. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

Pocono Mountains is generally not very walkable. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Mystic Worth Visiting? and Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Pocono Mountains?

Both Mystic and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than in Mystic. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Mystic, and 3-7 days is enough time in Pocono Mountains.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Mystic 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 Pocono Mountains.

One day in Mystic or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Mystic. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the destination of Pocono Mountains. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Mystic or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find shopping and museums around the charming town of Mystic. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Pocono Mountains is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Mystic or Pocono Mountains?

Mystic is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pocono Mountains. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Mystic or Pocono Mountains?

Mystic is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Pocono Mountains. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mystic and Pocono Mountains, we can see that Mystic is more expensive. And not only is Pocono Mountains much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pocono Mountains would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pocono Mountains 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 Mystic would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mystic than you might in Pocono Mountains.

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

Which is Bigger, Mystic or Pocono Mountains?

Mystic has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Mystic and Pocono Mountains, 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 Mystic or Pocono Mountains?

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 Mystic or Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mystic as well as Pocono Mountains. Most visitors come to Mystic for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mystic is around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mystic in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In the summer, Mystic often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains. Mystic gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pocono Mountains. Mystic usually gets less rain in July than Pocono Mountains. Mystic gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mystic or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Pocono Mountains and Mystic are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Mystic because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

In October, Mystic is generally around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 53°F (12°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. Mystic usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during autumn. Mystic gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mystic usually receives more rain than Pocono Mountains. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mystic or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

Both Pocono Mountains and Mystic during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mystic this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Pocono Mountains. It's quite cold in Mystic in the winter. Mystic is around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains in the winter. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Mystic often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Mystic gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets more rain in January than Pocono Mountains. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mystic or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Pocono Mountains. Many travelers come to Mystic for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Mystic is cooler than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mystic in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pocono Mountains this time of the year. In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mystic usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains during spring. Mystic gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mystic usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pocono Mountains. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Mystic