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

Should you visit Saint Simons or Houston?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Houston? 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. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food.

Houston

Houston is a one-of-a-kind, diverse, and sprawling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Saint Simons and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Houston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston. Although Saint Simons and Houston are popular destinations, Houston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Houston is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Saint Simons attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Saint Simons is more touristy than Houston and is known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also well known for The Space Center Houston.

How is Saint Simons different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Houston is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's 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 Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Simons is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Saint Simons or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Houston is a great destination for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Houston know how to have a good time. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

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 Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a popular place for live music. However, Saint Simons is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Saint Simons is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Simons or Houston Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a good destination for its resorts. However, Houston 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.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or Houston Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons is well known for the beache. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Saint Simons for it's beautiful 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.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Houston Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.

Saint Simons offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Houston?

Saint Simons is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Saint Simons or Houston Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Saint Simons or Houston.

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, Houston is very family-friendly. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Saint Simons or Houston Better for Couples?

Saint Simons is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Houston is a good island for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Saint Simons or Houston Better for Students?

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

Houston is popular with students. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Saint Simons is not popular with students.

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

Houston 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 Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

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

Is Saint Simons or Houston a more walkable city?

Saint Simons is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known 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.

Houston is generally not a very walkable island. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Houston?

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

Families should spend more time in Saint Simons than Houston. 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 Houston. 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 Houston 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 Houston?

Saint Simons is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Each neighborhood in Houston has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Houston?

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Simons has to offer.

Houston 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 Houston?

Saint Simons is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the one-of-a-kind big city of Houston. 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 Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Simons. Since Saint Simons is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

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 Houston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons and Houston, 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 Houston?

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 Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Houston because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Simons is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Simons in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. It's quite rainy in Saint Simons. In July, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Houston. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Saint Simons during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In October, Saint Simons is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 70°F (21°C), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Simons usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Houston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Houston. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint Simons is around the same temperature as Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than Houston. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Houston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Houston. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Houston in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Saint Simons is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Simons in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Saint Simons usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Houston and Saint Simons