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

Should you visit Saint Simons or Minneapolis?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Minneapolis? 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. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a dynamic, innovative, and diverse 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 Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Minneapolis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Minneapolis. Although Saint Simons and Minneapolis are popular destinations, Minneapolis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Minneapolis is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint Simons attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Saint Simons is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Minneapolis is famous for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also well known for Mall of America.

How is Saint Simons different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Minneapolis offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art 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 Minneapolis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Simons is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Saint Simons has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Minneapolis area. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Saint Simons or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Minneapolis know how to have a good time. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

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 Minneapolis Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or Minneapolis Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons is a very popular place for the beache. However, Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Simons. 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.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Minneapolis Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Saint Simons has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Minneapolis is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

Saint Simons is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Saint Simons or Minneapolis Better for Families?

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

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, Minneapolis is very family-friendly. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Is Saint Simons or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Saint Simons is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Saint Simons makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Minneapolis is a good island for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Saint Simons or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Minneapolis is a great destination for students. However, Saint Simons is not popular with students.

Minneapolis is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Saint Simons is not popular with students.

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

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers 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 Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Saint Simons and Minneapolis both are nice 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.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable place. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Simons or Minneapolis. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Saint Simons or Minneapolis?

Saint Simons is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Minneapolis, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this diverse city offers. 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 Minneapolis?

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Minneapolis 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. Lots of people come for the shopping. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Simons or Minneapolis?

Because Saint Simons is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the innovative destination of Minneapolis. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 Minneapolis?

Since Saint Simons is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, we can see that Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons and Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Minneapolis. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Simons is a little warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Simons in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 76°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Simons this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Simons often gets less sunshine than Minneapolis. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Simons usually gets more rain in July than Minneapolis. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

Both Minneapolis and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Saint Simons is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 70°F (21°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during autumn. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Minneapolis in the Winter?

Both Minneapolis and Saint Simons during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Simons for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Minneapolis can be very cold. Saint Simons is much warmer than Minneapolis in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

In the winter, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets more rain in January than Minneapolis. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Minneapolis in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Minneapolis. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.

In the spring, Saint Simons is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Simons in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 49°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during spring. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Saint Simons