A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Hilton Head Island for Families, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island, 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a beautiful, resort-filled, and family-friendly coastal town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Saint Augustine and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Hilton Head Island is more popular for its resorts. Saint Augustine is well known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter. Hilton Head Island is well known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails.

How is Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island?

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Saint Augustine specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

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 Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

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.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Both Saint Augustine and Hilton Head Island have excellent beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Augustine. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

The beaches at Hilton Head Island attract visitors from all over. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Hilton Head Island does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Hilton Head Island does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Hilton Head Island is an amazing family-friendly coastal town to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Augustine is very family-friendly. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Is Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Saint Augustine makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. 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 Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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 Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island?

Both Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 5-7 days is enough time in Hilton Head Island.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

One day in Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the notable destination of Saint Augustine. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The peaceful destination of Hilton Head Island offers food and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island?

Saint Augustine is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colonial city of Saint Augustine. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The coastal town of Hilton Head Island offers shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Saint Augustine. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days 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.

Hilton Head Island is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastal town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island?

Saint Augustine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

The beautiful coastal town of Hilton Head Island offers shopping and food. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island?

Hilton Head Island has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island?

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 Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Hilton Head Island. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilton Head Island. Saint Augustine receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in July than Hilton Head Island. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

Both Hilton Head Island and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilton Head Island. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

Both Hilton Head Island and Saint Augustine during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in January than Hilton Head Island. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Hilton Head Island. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilton Head Island. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Saint Augustine