A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Panama City vs. Saint Simons for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Panama City or Saint Simons?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Saint Simons, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Panama City

Panama City is a fun-filled, active, and cosmopolitan beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a laid back, scenic, and relaxing island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food.

Panama City and Saint Simons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Saint Simons?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Simons. Although Panama City and Saint Simons are popular destinations, Saint Simons has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Simons is very popular for its museums, food, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Panama City attracts visitors for its nightlife and music. Panama City is more touristy than Saint Simons and is known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Saint Simons is famous for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. It is also well known for East Beach.

How is Panama City different from Saint Simons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Panama City or Saint Simons?

Saint Simons is a island with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Saint Simons offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Panama City or Saint Simons? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Simons is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Simons. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

Panama City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

Is Panama City or Saint Simons Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a great destination for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Panama City know how to have a good time. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Panama City or Saint Simons Better for Music?

Panama City is a popular place for live music. However, Saint Simons is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Panama City is active and vibrant. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Saint Simons is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Saint Simons Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, nice resorts can be found in both Panama City and Saint Simons.

With a selection of resorts, Panama City makes a nice vacation spot. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Saint Simons has a few great resort options. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Is Panama City or Saint Simons Better for Beaches?

Both Panama City and Saint Simons have very good beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Panama City. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

The beaches at Saint Simons attract visitors from all over. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Is Panama City or Saint Simons Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Saint Simons has hiking trails worth exploring. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Saint Simons?

Saint Simons is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Saint Simons is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

Panama City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Is Panama City or Saint Simons Better for Families?

Panama City is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Panama City is a very family-friendly destination. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Simons is very family-friendly. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Is Panama City or Saint Simons Better for Couples?

Panama City and Saint Simons are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Panama City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

Saint Simons is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

Is Panama City or Saint Simons Better for Students?

Panama City is a great destination for students. However, Saint Simons is not popular with students.

Panama City is a very popular beach town for students and younger travelers. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Saint Simons is not popular with students.

Is Panama City or Saint Simons Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Panama City is a beach town with a few options for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

Public transit is quite limited in Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Panama City or Saint Simons a more walkable city?

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

Panama City is not a very walkable beach town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

For even more information, also check out Is Panama City Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Simons Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Simons or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Saint Simons?

It's fun to spend time in either Panama City or Saint Simons. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Panama City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Saint Simons.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Simons than Panama City 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 Saint Simons.

One day in Panama City or Saint Simons?

In Panama City, many people enjoy the live music and food that this active beach town 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.

Saint Simons is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Saint Simons?

Panama City is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Panama City or Saint Simons?

In Panama City, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this fun-filled 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.

Because Saint Simons is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Panama City or Saint Simons?

Panama City is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Since Saint Simons is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Saint Simons?

Panama City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Saint Simons, 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 Panama City or Saint Simons?

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 Panama City or Saint Simons in the Summer?

Both Saint Simons and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Panama City in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Panama City is generally around the same temperature as Saint Simons. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 82°F (28°C), and Saint Simons fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Simons during summer. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. It's quite rainy in Panama City. In July, Panama City usually receives more rain than Saint Simons. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Panama City or Saint Simons in the Autumn?

Both Saint Simons and Panama City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Panama City is around the same temperature as Saint Simons in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Saint Simons fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the autumn, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Saint Simons. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 214 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in October than Saint Simons. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Saint Simons in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Saint Simons. The winter months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year.

In the winter, Panama City is around the same temperature as Saint Simons. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Saint Simons averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Panama City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Simons during winter. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Panama City usually receives more rain than Saint Simons. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Panama City or Saint Simons in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Saint Simons. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Panama City is generally around the same temperature as Saint Simons. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 68°F (20°C), and Saint Simons fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In the spring, Panama City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Simons. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 285 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint Simons. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint Simons and Panama City