A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Simons vs. Cape Cod for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Simons or Cape Cod?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Cape Cod? 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a scenic, relaxing, and laid back island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a maritime, beautiful, and peaceful beach destination. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food.

Saint Simons and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Cape Cod?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Simons than Cape Cod, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Simons is better known for its museums and nightlife, while Cape Cod is more popular for its impressive beauty and quaint atmosphere. Saint Simons is well known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Also, Saint Simons is famous for East Beach. Cape Cod is well known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales.

How is Saint Simons different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Simons or Cape Cod?

Saint Simons
Cape Cod

Saint Simons is adequate for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Saint Simons or Cape Cod? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Simons
Cape Cod

Dining out at restaurants in both Saint Simons and Cape Cod can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Simons makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Cape Cod has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

Is Saint Simons or Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Saint Simons
Cape Cod

Saint Simons is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Saint Simons or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons
Cape Cod

Saint Simons and Cape Cod offer a relatively similar set of notable luxury resort options.

Saint Simons has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

With a selection of resorts, Cape Cod makes a nice vacation spot. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.


Is Saint Simons or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons
Cape Cod

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Saint Simons and Cape Cod are superb choices.

Saint Simons is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Cape Cod is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Is Saint Simons or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons
Cape Cod

If you're looking to go hiking, Saint Simons and Cape Cod both have notable trails.

Saint Simons is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Cape Cod. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Cape Cod?

Saint Simons
Cape Cod

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cape Cod and Saint Simons.

Saint Simons is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Cape Cod is well-known for its shopping. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.


Is Saint Simons or Cape Cod Better for Families?

Saint Simons
Cape Cod

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Saint Simons or Cape Cod.

Saint Simons is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cape Cod is very family-friendly. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is Saint Simons or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Saint Simons
Cape Cod

With fun activities for couples, both Saint Simons and Cape Cod make for a superb place to visit.

Couples visit Saint Simons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Cape Cod is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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

Saint Simons
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a beach destination 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 Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

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


Is Saint Simons or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Saint Simons
Cape Cod

Saint Simons and Cape Cod both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Cape Cod?

Both Saint Simons and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Saint Simons. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Simons, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Simons than Cape Cod 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.


  • How many days in Saint Simons or Cape Cod? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Simons 2-4 
    Cape Cod 5-7

One day in Saint Simons or Cape Cod?

Saint Simons is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Cape Cod, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this relaxing beach destination 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.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Cape Cod?

Saint Simons is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Simons, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cape Cod 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.


Five days in Saint Simons or Cape Cod?

Saint Simons is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Cape Cod, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this maritime small town 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.

A week in Saint Simons or Cape Cod?

Saint Simons is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Cape Cod 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cape Cod or Saint Simons?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Simons is $176, while the average daily cost in Cape Cod is $183. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Saint Simons and Cape Cod in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Simons $100
    Cape Cod $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Simons $200
    Cape Cod $184
Compare Hotels in Saint Simons and Cape Cod

Looking for a hotel in Saint Simons or Cape Cod? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Saint Simons


Hotels in Cape Cod


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Saint Simons Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Simons $49
    Cape Cod $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Simons or Cape Cod?

Prices for flights to both Cape Cod and Saint Simons change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Saint Simons $48
    Cape Cod $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Simons $16
    Cape Cod $27

Tours and Activities in Cape Cod

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Cod.

  • Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • The Anne Hutchinson Tour of Provincetown: $30
  • Plymouth Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $36
  • 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Eastham: $39
  • National Seashore Tour with Guided Hike: $65
  • Truro Cape Cod Lighthouse and Highland House Museum Tour: $65
  • Kayak The Creek Nature Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Explorer Tour: $80
  • Yoga and National Seashore with guided Hike Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Sunset Kayak Tour: $80
  • Private Open-Air Pedicab Tour in Provincetown: $117

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Simons $60
    Cape Cod $19


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Simons and Cape Cod, we can see that Cape Cod 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 Saint Simons Expensive? and Is Cape Cod Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Saint Simons or Cape Cod?

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 Simons or Cape Cod in the Summer?

Both Cape Cod and Saint Simons during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Simons is generally a little warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 82°F (28°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Cape Cod, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. In the summer, Saint Simons often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 304 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually gets more rain in July than Cape Cod. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Simons 82°F (28°C) 
    Cape Cod 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Cape Cod. 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. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

Saint Simons is much warmer than Cape Cod in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during autumn. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Simons 70°F (21°C) 
    Cape Cod 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Cape Cod in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Cape Cod. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Cape Cod for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cape Cod. In the winter, Saint Simons is much warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Simons in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

In the winter, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Cape Cod. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 153 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. Saint Simons usually gets less rain in January than Cape Cod. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Simons 53°F (12°C) 
    Cape Cod 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Cape Cod in the Spring?

Both Cape Cod and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Cape Cod in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Simons is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 68°F (20°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite sunny in Cape Cod. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during spring. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. In April, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Simons 68°F (20°C) 
    Cape Cod 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Saint Simons

Saint Simons Cape Cod
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)