A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Orlando vs. Hilton Head Island for Resorts, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Orlando or Hilton Head Island?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Orlando or Hilton Head Island? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and theater.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful coastal town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Orlando and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Orlando than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Hilton Head Island is more popular for its beaches and impressive beauty. Orlando is more touristy than Hilton Head Island and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is famous for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Hilton Head Island is well known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails.

How is Orlando different from Hilton Head Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Orlando or Hilton Head Island Better for Theater?

Orlando is very good for its shows and theatre. However, Hilton Head Island is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Orlando. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Hilton Head Island is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Orlando or Hilton Head Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orlando is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Orlando has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Hilton Head Island offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Is Orlando or Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

Orlando is very good for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Orlando or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Orlando is terrific for its luxury resorts. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Orlando is a perfect choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Hilton Head Island is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Is Orlando or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is great for its beaches. However, Orlando is not a beach destination.

Hilton Head Island is considered a top beach destination. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Hilton Head Island?

Orlando is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for shopping. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Orlando or Hilton Head Island Better for Christmas?

Orlando is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Hilton Head Island does not offer Christmas activities.

Orlando offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Hilton Head Island does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Orlando or Hilton Head Island.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular family destinations. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

Is Orlando or Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Orlando and Hilton Head Island make for a notable place to visit.

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Hilton Head Island makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is Orlando or Hilton Head Island Better for Students?

Orlando is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

Is Orlando or Hilton Head Island Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Orlando is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Orlando or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Hilton Head Island is adequate for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Hilton Head Island is generally not a very walkable coastal town. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Orlando Worth Visiting? and Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Hilton Head Island?

Both Orlando and Hilton Head Island have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Orlando. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 5-7 days is enough time in Hilton Head Island.

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

Couples should spend more time in Orlando than Hilton Head Island. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Orlando that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orlando than Hilton Head Island 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 Orlando.

One day in Orlando or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting the family-friendly destination of Orlando. This city offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Hilton Head Island, you'll find food and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Orlando or Hilton Head Island?

Orlando is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the family-friendly city of Orlando. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Hilton Head Island, you'll find shopping and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Orlando or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Orlando. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, five days is probably not enough time to see everything.

Hilton Head Island is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hilton Head Island has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Orlando or Hilton Head Island?

Orlando is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilton Head Island. In Hilton Head Island, you'll find shopping and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Hilton Head Island?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Orlando and Hilton Head Island, 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 Orlando or Hilton Head Island?

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 Orlando or Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Hilton Head Island. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Orlando is generally around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 82°F (28°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Hilton Head Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Orlando usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilton Head Island. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orlando or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Hilton Head Island. Many travelers come to Orlando for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Orlando is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Orlando receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Hilton Head Island. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

Both Hilton Head Island and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Orlando in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Orlando is much warmer than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In January, Orlando usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orlando or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

Both Hilton Head Island and Orlando during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Orlando is generally a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

Orlando usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hilton Head Island. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Orlando