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

Should you visit Saint Simons or Columbia?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Columbia? 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 laid back, scenic, and relaxing island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Columbia

Columbia is a suburban, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Saint Simons and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Columbia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Simons. Although Saint Simons and Columbia are popular destinations, Saint Simons has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Simons is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Columbia attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Saint Simons is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. It is also well known for East Beach. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Saint Simons different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Columbia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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 Columbia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Simons is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Simons. 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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Saint Simons or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

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

Columbia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

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 Columbia Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a popular place for its resorts. However, Columbia is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Simons makes a nice vacation spot. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or Columbia Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons is a well-known place for the beache. However, Columbia is not a beach destination.

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.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Columbia Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia is not a hiking destination.

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.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Columbia?

Saint Simons is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Saint Simons is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Columbia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Saint Simons or Columbia Better for Families?

Saint Simons is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Simons is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Columbia is a family-friendly island. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Saint Simons or Columbia Better for Couples?

Saint Simons is a well-known place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Saint Simons is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Saint Simons or Columbia Better for Students?

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

Columbia is popular with students. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Saint Simons is not popular with students.

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

Columbia is a city 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 Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

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

Is Saint Simons or Columbia a more walkable city?

Saint Simons is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Columbia is not a very walkable island. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Simons or Columbia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Simons than Columbia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Simons, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbia.

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

One day in Saint Simons or Columbia?

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 Columbia, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this welcoming 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 Columbia?

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.

Columbia 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 Columbia?

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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the friendly destination of Columbia. 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 Columbia?

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.

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

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 Columbia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Columbia?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons and Columbia, 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 Columbia?

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 Saint Simons or Columbia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Columbia. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia this time of year.

In the summer, Saint Simons is around the same temperature as Columbia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Simons in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Columbia averages at about 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia 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 Columbia during summer. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Simons gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Columbia. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Columbia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Columbia. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbia for the shopping scene.

In October, Saint Simons is generally a little warmer than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 70°F (21°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Simons this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Simons often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Columbia. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Columbia in the Winter?

Both Columbia and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Columbia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint Simons is much warmer than Columbia in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Columbia fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Columbia during winter. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than Columbia. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Columbia in the Spring?

Both Columbia and Saint Simons during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Saint Simons is a little warmer than Columbia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Simons in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Columbia averages at about 64°F (18°C).

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. In the spring, Saint Simons often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Columbia. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Saint Simons