A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Simons vs. Virginia Beach for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Simons or Virginia Beach?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Virginia Beach? 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. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, food, and beaches.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife and beaches.

Saint Simons and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Virginia Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Simons. Although Saint Simons and Virginia Beach are popular destinations, Saint Simons has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Simons is very popular for its museums, food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife. Saint Simons is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. It is also well known for East Beach. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Saint Simons different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Simons
Virginia Beach

Saint Simons is adequate for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Saint Simons
Virginia Beach

Saint Simons is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Saint Simons or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Saint Simons
Virginia Beach

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

Virginia Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

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 Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons
Virginia Beach

Saint Simons and Virginia Beach offer a relatively similar set of nice luxury resort options.

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

With a selection of resorts, Virginia Beach makes a nice vacation spot. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.


Is Saint Simons or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons
Virginia Beach

Saint Simons is great for the beache. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the beach.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Virginia Beach. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Is Saint Simons or Virginia Beach Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons
Virginia Beach

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Virginia Beach?

Saint Simons
Virginia Beach

Saint Simons is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Saint Simons or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Saint Simons
Virginia Beach

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Saint Simons or Virginia Beach.

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, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

Is Saint Simons or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Saint Simons
Virginia Beach

Saint Simons is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

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.

Virginia Beach is a good island for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Saint Simons or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Saint Simons
Virginia Beach

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

Virginia Beach is popular with students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Saint Simons is not popular with students.


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

Saint Simons
Virginia Beach

Neither Saint Simons or Virginia Beach offer decent public transit.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Saint Simons or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Saint Simons
Virginia Beach

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination 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.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Virginia Beach?

Both Saint Simons and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Saint Simons. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Simons, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

Families should spend more time in Saint Simons than Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach 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.


  • How many days in Saint Simons or Virginia Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Simons 2-4 
    Virginia Beach 5-7

One day in Saint Simons or Virginia Beach?

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this bustling coastal 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 Virginia Beach?

Saint Simons is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Virginia Beach is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Saint Simons or Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Simons. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this fun-filled destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Saint Simons or Virginia Beach?

Saint Simons is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Virginia Beach is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach or Saint Simons?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Simons is $176, while the average daily cost in Virginia Beach is $126. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Saint Simons and Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Simons $100
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Simons $200
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Saint Simons and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Saint Simons or Virginia Beach? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Saint Simons


Hotels in Virginia Beach


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Saint Simons Hotel Prices and Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Simons $49
    Virginia Beach $39

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Simons or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach and Saint Simons change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Saint Simons $48
    Virginia Beach $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Simons $16
    Virginia Beach $21

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Virginia Beach.

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: $59
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $65
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach: $75
  • Kayak Dolphin Experience in Virginia Beach: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Simons $60
    Virginia Beach $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Simons and Virginia Beach, we can see that Saint Simons is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.

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 Virginia Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Virginia Beach?

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

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 Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach and Saint Simons during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Simons is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Simons in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach 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 around the same amount of rain in July as Virginia Beach. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Simons 82°F (28°C) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Virginia Beach. 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Saint Simons is generally a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 70°F (21°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach during autumn. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of rain as Virginia Beach. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Simons 70°F (21°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Virginia Beach. Most visitors come to Saint Simons for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the cuisine.

The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. Saint Simons is much warmer than Virginia Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Virginia Beach. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Simons 53°F (12°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

Both Virginia Beach and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

In the spring, Saint Simons is a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Simons in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during spring. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of rain as Virginia Beach. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Simons 68°F (20°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Saint Simons

Saint Simons Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)