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

Should you visit Saint Simons or Winston-Salem?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Winston-Salem? 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 scenic, relaxing, and laid back island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a under-rated, welcoming, and friendly city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Simons and Winston-Salem: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Winston-Salem?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Simons than Winston-Salem, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Simons is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Winston-Salem is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights. Saint Simons is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Also, Saint Simons is famous for East Beach. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Saint Simons different from Winston-Salem?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?

Saint Simons
Winston-Salem

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

Winston-Salem is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

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 Winston-Salem? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Simons
Winston-Salem

Saint Simons is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Saint Simons is an experience not to be missed. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Winston-Salem. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

Is Saint Simons or Winston-Salem Better for Nightlife?

Saint Simons
Winston-Salem

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

Winston-Salem has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

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 Winston-Salem Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons
Winston-Salem

Saint Simons is a popular place for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Saint Simons has a few great resort options. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Simons or Winston-Salem Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons
Winston-Salem

Saint Simons is notable for the beach. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Winston-Salem Better for its Old Town?

Saint Simons
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Saint Simons does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to see the historical old town. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Saint Simons does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Simons or Winston-Salem Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons
Winston-Salem

Saint Simons is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Winston-Salem?

Saint Simons
Winston-Salem

Saint Simons is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Winston-Salem. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Saint Simons or Winston-Salem Better for Families?

Saint Simons
Winston-Salem

Saint Simons is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Simons is known to be 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.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly island. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Saint Simons or Winston-Salem Better for Couples?

Saint Simons
Winston-Salem

Saint Simons is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.


Is Saint Simons or Winston-Salem Better for Students?

Saint Simons
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a popular place for students. However, Saint Simons is not popular with students.

Winston-Salem is popular with students. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Saint Simons is not popular with students.

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

Saint Simons
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

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

Is Saint Simons or Winston-Salem a more walkable city?

Saint Simons
Winston-Salem

Saint Simons is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

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

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable island. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Winston-Salem or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Winston-Salem?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Simons or Winston-Salem to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Simons than Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem.

Families should spend more time in Saint Simons than Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Simons 2-4 
    Winston-Salem 1-2

One day in Saint Simons or Winston-Salem?

Even though Saint Simons is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Winston-Salem, many people enjoy the food and shopping 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 Winston-Salem?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Simons. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?

Saint Simons is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem?

Saint Simons is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Winston-Salem 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.


Which place is cheaper, Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem is $150. 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 Winston-Salem in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Simons $100
    Winston-Salem $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Simons $200
    Winston-Salem $182
Compare Hotels in Saint Simons and Winston-Salem

Looking for a hotel in Saint Simons or Winston-Salem? 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 Winston-Salem


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 Winston-Salem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Simons $49
    Winston-Salem $23

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Simons or Winston-Salem?

Prices for flights to both Winston-Salem 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
    Winston-Salem $42

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Simons $16
    Winston-Salem $20

Tours and Activities in Winston-Salem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Winston-Salem are as follows:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winston-Salem by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Simons $60
    Winston-Salem $24


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

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 Winston-Salem Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Winston-Salem?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons and Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem?

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 Winston-Salem in the Summer?

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

In July, Saint Simons is generally around the same temperature as Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 82°F (28°C), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem during summer. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Simons 82°F (28°C) 
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Winston-Salem in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Winston-Salem. 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. Additionally, many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the shopping scene.

Saint Simons is a little warmer than Winston-Salem in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 212 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Simons 70°F (21°C) 
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Winston-Salem in the Winter?

Both Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Winston-Salem can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint Simons is much warmer than Winston-Salem. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Simons in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Winston-Salem averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Winston-Salem during winter. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of rain as Winston-Salem. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Simons 53°F (12°C) 
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Winston-Salem in the Spring?

Both Winston-Salem 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 April, Saint Simons is generally a little warmer than Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 68°F (20°C), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. In the spring, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Winston-Salem. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 248 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets less rain in April than Winston-Salem. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Simons 68°F (20°C) 
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Winston-Salem and Saint Simons

Saint Simons Winston-Salem
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)