A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America San Antonio vs. Arlington for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit San Antonio or Arlington?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for San Antonio and Arlington. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a fun, historic, and cultural city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Arlington

Arlington is a international, historical, and educational city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

San Antonio and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Antonio or Arlington?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Antonio than Arlington. San Antonio is bigger than Arlington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Antonio is better known for its music, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Arlington is more popular for its food and nightlife. Arlington is more touristy than San Antonio and is popular for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. San Antonio is well known for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks. Also, San Antonio is famous for The Alamo.

How is San Antonio different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arlington and San Antonio. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Antonio or Arlington?

Both San Antonio and Arlington have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around San Antonio. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.

Arlington offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Is the Food Better in San Antonio or Arlington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arlington is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arlington makes for a great culinary experience. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

San Antonio has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

Is San Antonio or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

Arlington is a great destination for nightlife. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Arlington know how to have a good time. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

If you're looking for night time activities San Antonio has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

Is San Antonio or Arlington Better for Music?

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Arlington is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep San Antonio active and fun. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Arlington is not a live music destination.

Is San Antonio or Arlington Better for its Old Town?

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Arlington does not have a historic old town.

San Antonio has an old town worth visiting. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Arlington does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Antonio or Arlington?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Arlington and San Antonio.

San Antonio is a great destination for shopping. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Arlington. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Is San Antonio or Arlington Better for Christmas?

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Arlington does not offer Christmas activities.

San Antonio worth visiting during the Christmas season. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.

Arlington does not offer Christmas activities.

Is San Antonio or Arlington Better for Families?

San Antonio is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

San Antonio is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is San Antonio or Arlington Better for Couples?

San Antonio and Arlington both notable destinations for a couple.

San Antonio is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

Arlington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Is San Antonio or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is a great destination for backpackers. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

San Antonio is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While its not on most backpacker's lists, it does have a fun atmosphere and a social setting.

Is San Antonio or Arlington Better for Students?

Arlington is a great destination for students. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Arlington. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

It's common for students to visit San Antonio. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.

Is San Antonio or Arlington Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arlington is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Arlington can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Public transit is mostly limited in San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

Is San Antonio or Arlington a more walkable city?

Arlington is a great destination for its walkability. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Arlington is very walkable. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

San Antonio is generally not a very walkable city. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is San Antonio Worth Visiting? and Is Arlington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arlington or San Antonio?

How long in San Antonio or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either San Antonio or Arlington. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Arlington due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Antonio, and 2-4 days is enough time in Arlington.

Families should spend more time in San Antonio than Arlington. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Antonio, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Arlington than San Antonio. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Arlington that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington than San Antonio 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 Arlington.

One day in San Antonio or Arlington?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of San Antonio. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the educational city of Arlington. 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.

A weekend in San Antonio or Arlington?

You'll find live music and food around the cultural destination of San Antonio. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the educational destination of Arlington. This city 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.

Five days in San Antonio or Arlington?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fun city of San Antonio. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The international city of Arlington offers shopping and museums. 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.

A week in San Antonio or Arlington?

San Antonio is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arlington. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Antonio and Arlington, we can see that Arlington is more expensive. And not only is San Antonio much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Antonio would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Antonio 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 Arlington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arlington than you might in San Antonio.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Antonio Expensive? and Is Arlington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Antonio or Arlington?

San Antonio has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Arlington. When comparing the sizes of San Antonio and Arlington, 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 San Antonio or Arlington?

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 San Antonio or Arlington in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to San Antonio as well as Arlington. Many visitors come to San Antonio in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, San Antonio is generally a little warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in San Antonio average around 87°F (31°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arlington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Antonio this time of the year. In the summer, San Antonio often gets more sunshine than Arlington. San Antonio gets 307 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 278 hours of full sun.

San Antonio usually gets less rain in July than Arlington. San Antonio gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Antonio or Arlington in the Autumn?

Both Arlington and San Antonio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to San Antonio for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Arlington because of the shopping scene.

San Antonio is much warmer than Arlington in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Antonio averages around 73°F (23°C) in October, and Arlington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Antonio. San Antonio usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during autumn. San Antonio gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, San Antonio usually receives more rain than Arlington. San Antonio gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit San Antonio or Arlington in the Winter?

Both Arlington and San Antonio during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to San Antonio because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Arlington this time of year.

It's quite cold in Arlington in the winter. In the winter, San Antonio is much warmer than Arlington. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Antonio in January average around 54°F (12°C), and Arlington averages at about 35°F (1°C).

In the winter, San Antonio often gets more sunshine than Arlington. San Antonio gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 139 hours of full sun.

San Antonio usually gets less rain in January than Arlington. San Antonio gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Antonio or Arlington in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Antonio and Arlington. The natural beauty are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year.

In April, San Antonio is generally much warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in San Antonio average around 74°F (23°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arlington this time of the year. In San Antonio, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Antonio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arlington during spring. San Antonio gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, San Antonio usually receives less rain than Arlington. San Antonio gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Arlington and San Antonio