A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Simons vs. New Orleans for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Simons or New Orleans?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or New Orleans? 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 relaxing, laid back, and scenic island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a fun-filled, festive, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Saint Simons and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or New Orleans?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans. Although Saint Simons and New Orleans are both popular with visitors, New Orleans has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New Orleans is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint Simons is known for its museums, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Saint Simons and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also home to The French Quarter. Saint Simons is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses.

The French Quarter

How is Saint Simons different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Simons is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, New Orleans is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

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.

Is Saint Simons or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in New Orleans is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

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 New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Saint Simons is not a live music destination.

New Orleans is a world class music destination. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Saint Simons is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Simons or New Orleans Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a island with good options for its luxury resorts. However, New Orleans is not a resort destination.

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

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or New Orleans Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, New Orleans is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Saint Simons attract visitors from all over. 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.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Saint Simons does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Saint Simons does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Simons or New Orleans Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is a island with good options for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or New Orleans?

Saint Simons is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is Saint Simons or New Orleans Better for Families?

Saint Simons is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Saint Simons is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is Saint Simons or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Saint Simons is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Is Saint Simons or New Orleans Better for Students?

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

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Saint Simons is not popular with students.

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

New Orleans 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 New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

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

Is Saint Simons or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Saint Simons and New Orleans both are good 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.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or New Orleans?

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

Families should spend more time in Saint Simons than New Orleans. 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 New Orleans. 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans.

One day in Saint Simons or New Orleans?

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 New Orleans, many people enjoy the live music and food that this energetic city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 New Orleans?

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.

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 New Orleans?

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 nightlife and live music around the energetic destination of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 New Orleans?

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.

New Orleans is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans 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 New Orleans would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New Orleans 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 New Orleans Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or New Orleans?

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

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 New Orleans in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as New Orleans. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Simons is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Simons this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than New Orleans. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Saint Simons receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Simons usually gets less rain in July than New Orleans. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or New Orleans in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Saint Simons is around the same temperature as New Orleans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Simons in October average around 70°F (21°C), and New Orleans averages at about 69°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during autumn. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of rain as New Orleans. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Simons or New Orleans in the Winter?

Both New Orleans and Saint Simons during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

In January, Saint Simons is generally around the same temperature as New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 53°F (12°C), and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than New Orleans. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Simons usually gets less rain in January than New Orleans. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or New Orleans in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and New Orleans. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Orleans for the activities around the city.

Saint Simons is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than New Orleans during spring. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Saint Simons