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

Should you visit San Antonio or Seattle?

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 Seattle. 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. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Seattle

Seattle is a progressive, cultural, and outdoorsy city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for museums, theater, and nightlife.

San Antonio and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Antonio or Seattle?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Seattle than San Antonio. While San Antonio is larger than Seattle, Seattle has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Seattle is better known for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while San Antonio is more popular for its historical sights. Seattle is more touristy than San Antonio and is known for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. Also, Seattle is famous for The Space Needle. San Antonio is well known for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks.

How is San Antonio different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both San Antonio and Seattle 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.

Seattle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is San Antonio or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a good destination for theatre. However, San Antonio is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

San Antonio is not a theatre destination.

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

Seattle 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, Seattle makes for a great culinary experience. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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 Seattle Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Seattle know how to have a good time. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

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 Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is a great destination for live music. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its live music scene.

Seattle has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

The music scene in San Antonio is active and vibrant. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Is San Antonio or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a good destination for its beaches. However, San Antonio is not a beach destination.

Seattle offers a nice beach destination. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

San Antonio is not a beach destination.

Is San Antonio or Seattle Better for its Old Town?

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

San Antonio offers a nice historic old town area. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Is San Antonio or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, San Antonio is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

San Antonio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Antonio or Seattle?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Seattle 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 Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is San Antonio or Seattle Better for Christmas?

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

Many visitors go to San Antonio during the Christmas season. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.

Seattle does not offer Christmas activities.

Is San Antonio or Seattle Better for Families?

San Antonio is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is San Antonio or Seattle Better for Couples?

San Antonio and Seattle 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.

Seattle makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

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

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

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 Seattle Better for Students?

Seattle 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 Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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 Seattle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Seattle is a good destination for its public transit. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Seattle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

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 Seattle a more walkable city?

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

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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 Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or San Antonio?

How long in San Antonio or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Antonio and Seattle. In our opinion, Seattle has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Seattle than San Antonio. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seattle 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 Seattle.

One day in San Antonio or Seattle?

In San Antonio, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Seattle is a laid-back city where you can fill many days. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Seattle?

In San Antonio, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Antonio has to offer.

Seattle is a bustling big city where you can fill many days. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Seattle?

San Antonio is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The progressive city of Seattle offers food and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Antonio. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting San Antonio. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Seattle. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Antonio or Seattle?

San Antonio has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of San Antonio and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 San Antonio or Seattle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Antonio and Seattle. Many visitors come to San Antonio in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, San Antonio is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in San Antonio average around 87°F (31°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle 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 Seattle during summer. San Antonio gets 307 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, San Antonio usually receives more rain than Seattle. San Antonio gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Antonio or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to San Antonio as well as Seattle. Most visitors come to San Antonio for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Seattle because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

San Antonio is much warmer than Seattle in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Antonio averages around 73°F (23°C) in October, and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Antonio this time of the year. In the autumn, San Antonio often gets more sunshine than Seattle. San Antonio gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

San Antonio usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Seattle. San Antonio gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Antonio or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and San Antonio are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In the winter, San Antonio is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Antonio in January average around 54°F (12°C), and Seattle averages at about 42°F (5°C).

San Antonio usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. San Antonio gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In January, San Antonio usually receives less rain than Seattle. San Antonio gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Antonio or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and San Antonio during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, San Antonio is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in San Antonio average around 74°F (23°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Antonio. In the spring, San Antonio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle. San Antonio gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

San Antonio usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Seattle. San Antonio gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and San Antonio