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

Should you visit Pensacola or Seattle?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pensacola and Seattle can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a entertaining, fun-filled, and active beach town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Seattle

Seattle is a outdoorsy, laid-back, and bustling city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Pensacola and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pensacola or Seattle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seattle than Pensacola, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seattle is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Pensacola is known for its resorts and beaches. Pensacola is more touristy than Seattle and is known for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. Seattle is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle.

How is Pensacola different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pensacola or Seattle?

Seattle is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Seattle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pensacola. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

Is Pensacola or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is very good for its theatre productions. However, Pensacola is not a theatre destination.

Seattle offers a number of shows and performances. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Pensacola is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Pensacola or Seattle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Pensacola and Seattle both to be excellent destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pensacola. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

Seattle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Pensacola or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Seattle is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its evening party scene.

Seattle has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

Is Pensacola or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is notable for its live music scene. However, Pensacola is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Seattle. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Pensacola is not a live music destination.

Is Pensacola or Seattle Better for Resorts?

Pensacola is notable for its resorts. However, Seattle is not a resort destination.

Pensacola is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

Seattle is not a resort destination.

Is Pensacola or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Pensacola is renowned for the beach. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

The beaches in Pensacola are among the best in the world. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Seattle. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Is Pensacola or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its hiking trails.

Seattle is a popular spot for hiking. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Pensacola. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Seattle?

Both Pensacola and Seattle are good shopping destinations.

Pensacola offers some nice shopping areas. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

Seattle has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Pensacola or Seattle Better for Families?

Pensacola is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Pensacola is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

Seattle is a family-friendly beach town. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Pensacola or Seattle Better for Couples?

Pensacola is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Pensacola is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Pensacola or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seattle is very good for backpackers. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Seattle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Pensacola is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few budget-friendly places to stay, particularly away from the beach.

Is Pensacola or Seattle Better for Students?

Seattle is notable for students. However, Pensacola is not popular with students.

Seattle is very popular with students. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Pensacola is not popular with students.

Is Pensacola or Seattle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Seattle is very good for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

Seattle has a few public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Public transit is quite limited in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Is Pensacola or Seattle a more walkable city?

Seattle is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its ease of walking around.

Seattle is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

Pensacola is generally not a very walkable beach town. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

For even more information, also check out Is Pensacola Worth Visiting? and Is Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pensacola and Seattle. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pensacola than in Seattle. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pensacola, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seattle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seattle than Pensacola 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 Seattle.

One day in Pensacola or Seattle?

In Pensacola, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This beach town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Seattle because there is so much to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Pensacola or Seattle?

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

People visit Seattle because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Pensacola or Seattle?

Pensacola 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 Pensacola has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the laid-back city of Seattle. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Pensacola or Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pensacola. In Pensacola, you'll find museums and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Seattle is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Pensacola and Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Pensacola Expensive? and Is Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola and Seattle, 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 Pensacola or Seattle?

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 Pensacola or Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pensacola is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pensacola in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In July, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Seattle. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pensacola or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Pensacola during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Pensacola is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 69°F (21°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in October than Seattle. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Pensacola or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Seattle. Many visitors come to Pensacola in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Pensacola is much warmer than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 51°F (10°C) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pensacola usually receives less rain than Seattle. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pensacola or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Seattle. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Seattle because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Pensacola is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pensacola in April average around 67°F (20°C), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Pensacola usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Pensacola