A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Simons vs. Charlotte for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Saint Simons or Charlotte?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Charlotte? 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.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a up-and-coming, growing, and evolving city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Simons and Charlotte: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Charlotte?

Both Charlotte and Saint Simons have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Saint Simons is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Charlotte is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities. Saint Simons is more touristy than Charlotte and is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Charlotte is well known for its banking industry and growing Uptown area.

How is Saint Simons different from Charlotte?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Charlotte is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Charlotte is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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.

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

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

Saint Simons has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Charlotte offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

Is Saint Simons or Charlotte Better for Nightlife?

Charlotte is a popular place for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Charlotte has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the 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 Saint Simons or Charlotte Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Charlotte is not a resort destination.

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

Charlotte is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or Charlotte Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons is great for the beach. However, Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Saint Simons is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Charlotte Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is very good for hiking. However, Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint Simons. 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.

Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Charlotte?

Saint Simons is great for its shopping areas. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Simons. 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.

Charlotte is a great destination for shopping. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

Is Saint Simons or Charlotte Better for Families?

Saint Simons is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Saint Simons. 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.

Charlotte is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Is Saint Simons or Charlotte Better for Couples?

Saint Simons is great for couples. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Saint Simons is a great island 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.

Charlotte is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

Is Saint Simons or Charlotte Better for Students?

Charlotte is a popular place for students. However, Saint Simons is not popular with students.

Charlotte is popular with students. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Saint Simons is not popular with students.

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

Charlotte is a popular place for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Charlotte, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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

Is Saint Simons or Charlotte a more walkable city?

Saint Simons and Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is a somewhat walkable place. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Charlotte or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Charlotte?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Simons and Charlotte. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Simons than in Charlotte. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Simons, and 1-3 days is enough time in Charlotte.

Families should spend more time in Saint Simons than Charlotte. 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 Charlotte. 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.

One day in Saint Simons or Charlotte?

Even though Saint Simons is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

In Charlotte, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this growing city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Charlotte?

Saint Simons is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Charlotte is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Simons or Charlotte?

Saint Simons is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the up-and-coming destination of Charlotte. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Saint Simons or Charlotte?

Saint Simons 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.

Charlotte is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Charlotte?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons and Charlotte, 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 Simons or Charlotte?

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 Charlotte in the Summer?

Both Charlotte and Saint Simons during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Charlotte for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Charlotte, 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 Charlotte. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 289 hours of full sun.

Charlotte gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually gets more rain in July than Charlotte. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Charlotte in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Charlotte. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Charlotte in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Saint Simons is a little warmer than Charlotte in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlotte during autumn. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charlotte. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Charlotte in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Charlotte. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Charlotte for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Saint Simons is much warmer than Charlotte. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Simons in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Charlotte averages at about 42°F (6°C).

In the winter, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Charlotte. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 173 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Charlotte. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Charlotte in the Spring?

Both Charlotte and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the activities around the city.

In April, Saint Simons is generally a little warmer than Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 68°F (20°C), and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlotte. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlotte during spring. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than Charlotte. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Charlotte and Saint Simons