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

Should you visit Mystic or Sedona?

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 Sedona. 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. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Sedona

Sedona is a dramatic, scenic, and striking town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Mystic and Sedona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mystic or Sedona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sedona. Although Mystic and Sedona are popular destinations, Sedona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sedona is very popular for its food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Mystic attracts visitors for its museums and beaches. Mystic is famous for its New England charm and local character. Sedona is famous for its stargazing, desert setting, and yoga retreats. It is also well known for Red Rock Crossing Park.

How is Mystic different from Sedona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mystic or Sedona?

Mystic is great for its historical sights. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Mystic offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Sedona. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There are also many galleries around town.

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

Sedona is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sedona. It's grown into a foodie destination with local restaurants that pride themselves on using local ingredients. Mexican food is common but you'll also find cafes, classic American food, and other international options.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Mystic or Sedona Better for Nightlife?

Both Mystic and Sedona have nice vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Sedona has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are bars, live music venues, and even a casino in town. Breweries are popular and there are also upscale wine bars.

Is Mystic or Sedona Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Sedona to choose from. Upscale resorts with spas, pools, and other amenities offer the perfect backdrop for a desert vacation.

Mystic is not a resort destination.

Is Mystic or Sedona Better for Beaches?

Mystic is great for the beache. However, Sedona is not a beach destination.

Mystic is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Sedona is not a beach destination.

Is Mystic or Sedona Better for its Old Town?

Sedona is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Mystic does not have a historic old town.

Sedona is a good destination for visiting its old town. Traditional architecture and historic charm give downtown Sedona a lot of character.

Mystic does not have a historic old town.

Is Mystic or Sedona Better for Hiking?

Sedona 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 Sedona. It's red rock cliffs offer the perfect setting for dramatic hikes and breathtaking views. The colors are most impressive at sunrise and sunset and some of the most famous landmarks include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Sedona?

Sedona is an amazing town to visit for shopping. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Sedona. It's filled with local artisan shops and art galleries that highlight the region's beauty. Head to Uptown Sedona for some of the best boutiques. You should also check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the Sedona Art Center, and Hozho Distinctive Shops and Galleries.

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

Is Mystic or Sedona Better for Families?

Both Mystic and Sedona are superb 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.

Sedona is a very kid-friendly town. There are impressive parks and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Head to Slide Rock State Park where your kids can enjoy a natural waterslide. There's also the Out of Africa Wildlife Zoo as well as a canyon railroad.

Is Mystic or Sedona Better for Couples?

Sedona is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Sedona is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Stargazing in the evening or picnicking in a park during the day. There are countless romantic activities that couples can enjoy. The area is filled with striking natural beauty that is at its best during sunset. Couples will also enjoy fine dining and a variety of outdoor 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 Sedona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sedona is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Sedona. You'll find campgrounds, RV parks, and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

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

Sedona 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 Sedona. Verde Shuttle offers shuttle routes through town.

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 Sedona a more walkable city?

Sedona is a good destination for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Sedona is somewhat walkable. If you stay in Uptown Sedona, then the area is walkable, but if you're planning to stay further away then you'll need to have a car.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Sedona or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Sedona?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sedona 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 Sedona.

One day in Mystic or Sedona?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Mystic. 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.

Sedona might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Sedona?

Mystic 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.

Sedona is a great place to explore. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Sedona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mystic. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sedona. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Sedona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Mystic. This town 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.

Sedona is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Mystic or Sedona?

Sedona has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Mystic and Sedona, 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.