A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Savannah vs. Wilmington for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Savannah or Wilmington?

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

Should I visit Savannah or Wilmington? 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.

Savannah

Savannah is a scenic, historic, and beautiful city. Savannah is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Savannah travel costs.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a charming, historic, and welcoming city. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums. See Wilmington travel costs.

Savannah and Wilmington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Savannah or Wilmington?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Savannah than Wilmington, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Savannah is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Wilmington is known for its beaches. Savannah is popular for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District. It is also home to Forsyth Park. Wilmington is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Savannah different from Wilmington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Savannah or Wilmington?

Savannah is great for its historical sights. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Savannah can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Savannah or Wilmington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Savannah is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Savannah. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is Savannah or Wilmington Better for Nightlife?

Savannah is great for nightlife. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Savannah for the nightlife scene. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Savannah or Wilmington Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beach.

Wilmington is considered a top beach destination. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Many people head to Savannah to enjoy the beach. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Is Savannah or Wilmington Better for its Old Town?

Savannah is great for its historic old town. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

Many visitors go to Savannah to see the historical old town. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Many people head to Wilmington to see the old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Savannah or Wilmington?

Savannah is great for shopping. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Savannah. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

Wilmington offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Savannah or Wilmington More Beautiful?

Savannah is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Wilmington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Savannah is a gorgeous place to visit. The city is filled with historic buildings and streets lined with trees draped in Spanish Moss.

Wilmington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Savannah or Wilmington Better for Families?

Wilmington is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Wilmington is a very family-friendly place to visit. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Savannah is a family-friendly city. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Is Savannah or Wilmington Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Savannah and Wilmington make for a very good place to visit.

Savannah is a very popular place to visit for couples. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

Wilmington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Is Savannah or Wilmington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Savannah is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Savannah. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.

Is Savannah or Wilmington Better for Students?

Savannah and Wilmington are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Savannah is a good city to visit for students. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Plenty of students visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Is Savannah or Wilmington Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Savannah and Wilmington offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Is Savannah or Wilmington a more walkable city?

Savannah is great for its walkability. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Savannah is very walkable. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Savannah Worth Visiting? and Is Wilmington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wilmington or Savannah?

How long in Savannah or Wilmington?

In either Savannah or Wilmington, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Wilmington than Savannah because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Savannah, and 2-5 days is enough time in Wilmington.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Savannah than Wilmington 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 Savannah.

One day in Savannah or Wilmington?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Savannah, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Savannah, one day is sufficent for most.

The city of Wilmington offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Savannah or Wilmington?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Savannah, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Wilmington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wilmington, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Savannah or Wilmington?

Savannah, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wilmington is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wilmington, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Savannah or Wilmington?

Savannah is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Wilmington is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Savannah or Wilmington?

Savannah has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Wilmington. When comparing the sizes of Savannah and Wilmington, 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 Savannah or Wilmington?

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 Savannah or Wilmington in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Savannah as well as Wilmington. Many travelers come to Savannah for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Wilmington in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Savannah is around the same temperature as Wilmington in the summer. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Wilmington fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Savannah this time of the year. In the summer, Savannah often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington. Savannah gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 283 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Wilmington. Savannah receives a lot of rain in the summer. Savannah usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Wilmington. Savannah gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savannah or Wilmington in the Autumn?

Both Wilmington and Savannah are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Savannah in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Wilmington for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Savannah is around the same temperature as Wilmington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Savannah in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Wilmington averages at about 65°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Wilmington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Savannah. Savannah usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington during autumn. Savannah gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Savannah usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wilmington. Savannah gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Savannah or Wilmington in the Winter?

Both Wilmington and Savannah during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Savannah for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Savannah is generally a little warmer than Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 49°F (9°C), and Wilmington fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Savannah often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington. Savannah gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 180 hours of full sun.

Savannah usually gets less rain in January than Wilmington. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savannah or Wilmington in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Savannah and Wilmington. The spring months attract visitors to Savannah because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year.

Savannah is a little warmer than Wilmington in the spring. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 66°F (19°C) in April, and Wilmington fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington this time of the year. In Savannah, it's very sunny this time of the year. Savannah usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington during spring. Savannah gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Savannah usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wilmington. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wilmington and Savannah