A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pensacola vs. Wilmington for Beaches, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Pensacola or Wilmington?

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 Wilmington can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a fun-filled, active, and entertaining beach town. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a historic, welcoming, and charming city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Pensacola and Wilmington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pensacola or Wilmington?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Pensacola than Wilmington. While Wilmington is larger than Pensacola, Pensacola has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pensacola is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, and hiking, while Wilmington attracts visitors for its historical sights. Pensacola is more touristy than Wilmington and is popular for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. It is also well known for Gulf Islands National Seashore. Wilmington is famous for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Pensacola different from Wilmington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Wilmington 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 Wilmington?

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Pensacola and Wilmington.

Pensacola offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wilmington. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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

Pensacola is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is Pensacola or Wilmington Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Pensacola and Wilmington.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Pensacola or Wilmington Better for Resorts?

Pensacola is great for its luxury resorts. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Is Pensacola or Wilmington Better for Beaches?

Pensacola is a must-visit destination for its beaches. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beache.

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.

The beaches at Wilmington attract visitors from all over. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Is Pensacola or Wilmington Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is very good for its old town. However, Pensacola does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Wilmington to see the old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Pensacola does not have a historic old town.

Is Pensacola or Wilmington Better for Hiking?

Pensacola is adequate for hiking. However, Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Pensacola has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Wilmington?

Both Pensacola and Wilmington are nice 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.

Wilmington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Pensacola or Wilmington Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Pensacola or Wilmington.

Pensacola is a very kid-friendly beach town. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Wilmington. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Is Pensacola or Wilmington Better for Couples?

Both Pensacola and Wilmington are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Wilmington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Is Pensacola or Wilmington Better for Students?

Wilmington is very good for students. However, Pensacola is not popular with students.

Wilmington is a good city to visit for students. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Pensacola is not popular with students.

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

Wilmington is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

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

Is Pensacola or Wilmington a more walkable city?

Wilmington is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its ease of walking around.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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 Wilmington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wilmington or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Wilmington?

In either Pensacola or Wilmington, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Pensacola than Wilmington because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pensacola, and 2-5 days is enough time in Wilmington.

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

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

One day in Pensacola or Wilmington?

With museums and nightlife around the active beach town of Pensacola, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Wilmington. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Wilmington?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Pensacola, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Wilmington. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Wilmington?

Pensacola, a popular beach town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic city of Wilmington. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Pensacola or Wilmington?

Pensacola is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach town makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Wilmington is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Wilmington, we can see that Wilmington 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 Wilmington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Wilmington?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola and Wilmington, 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 Wilmington?

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 Pensacola or Wilmington in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Wilmington. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Wilmington for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pensacola is generally around the same temperature as Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 82°F (28°C), and Wilmington fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite rainy in Wilmington. Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pensacola usually gets less rain in July than Wilmington. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pensacola or Wilmington in the Autumn?

Both Wilmington and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Wilmington in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Pensacola is a little warmer than Wilmington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Wilmington fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In October, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Wilmington. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.

Should I visit Pensacola or Wilmington in the Winter?

Both Wilmington and Pensacola during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Pensacola in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Wilmington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Pensacola is a little warmer than Wilmington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pensacola in January average around 51°F (10°C), and Wilmington averages at about 45°F (7°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in January than Wilmington. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pensacola or Wilmington in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Wilmington. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the beaches.

In April, Pensacola is generally a little warmer than Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 67°F (20°C), and Wilmington fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In April, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Wilmington. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.

Typical Weather for Wilmington and Pensacola