A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tallahassee vs. Mystic for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Tallahassee or Mystic?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tallahassee and Mystic can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a vibrant, youthful, and lively city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Mystic

Mystic is a laid back, charming, and quaint town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Tallahassee and Mystic: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Mystic?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mystic than Tallahassee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mystic is more touristy than Tallahassee and is known for its New England charm and local character. Also, Mystic is famous for the Mystic Seaport Museum. Tallahassee is well known for its capital building and many universities.

How is Tallahassee different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tallahassee or Mystic?

Tallahassee
Mystic

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Mystic and Tallahassee.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Tallahassee. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Mystic. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.


Is the Food Better in Tallahassee or Mystic? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tallahassee
Mystic

Mystic is a town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Mystic is becoming an appealing option for foodies. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Tallahassee or Mystic Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Mystic

The vibe at night is notable in both Tallahassee and Mystic.

If you're looking for night time activities Tallahassee has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Tallahassee or Mystic Better for Beaches?

Tallahassee
Mystic

Mystic is great for the beach. However, Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Mystic attract visitors from all over. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Mystic?

Tallahassee
Mystic

Mystic is great for its shopping areas. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Tallahassee is a great destination for shopping. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

Is Tallahassee or Mystic Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Mystic

Mystic is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mystic. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Tallahassee is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Is Tallahassee or Mystic Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Mystic

Mystic is a town with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Mystic is a good town for couples to visit. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.


Is Tallahassee or Mystic Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Mystic

Tallahassee is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

Is Tallahassee or Mystic Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Mystic

Tallahassee is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Mystic is not popular with students.

Many students visit Tallahassee. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Mystic is not popular with students.

Is Tallahassee or Mystic Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tallahassee
Mystic

Tallahassee is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.


Is Tallahassee or Mystic a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Mystic

Tallahassee and Mystic are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Tallahassee is generally not a very walkable city. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

For even more information, also check out Is Tallahassee Worth Visiting? and Is Mystic Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mystic or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Mystic?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tallahassee and Mystic. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mystic than in Tallahassee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Tallahassee, and 2-3 days is enough time in Mystic.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tallahassee than Mystic 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 Tallahassee.


  • How many days in Tallahassee or Mystic? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    Mystic 2-3

One day in Tallahassee or Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Tallahassee. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back town of Mystic. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Tallahassee or Mystic?

Tallahassee is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Mystic. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town 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 Tallahassee or Mystic?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallahassee. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The laid back town of Mystic offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Tallahassee or Mystic?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the youthful destination of Tallahassee. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Mystic or Tallahassee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tallahassee is $156, while the average daily cost in Mystic is $210. 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 Tallahassee and Mystic in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Mystic $125
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Mystic $250
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Mystic

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee or Mystic? 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 Tallahassee


Hotels in Mystic


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: Tallahassee Hotel Prices and Mystic Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Mystic $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or Mystic?

Prices for flights to both Mystic and Tallahassee 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
    Tallahassee $47
    Mystic $52

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    Mystic $24

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

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

  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $245
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $483
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $192
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $376

Tours and Activities in Mystic

For Mystic, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Moonlit Mystic Graveyard Ghost Tour: $35
  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $31
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Downtown Mystic at Night: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Mystic $31

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Mystic?

Tallahassee has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee and Mystic, 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 Tallahassee or Mystic?

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 Tallahassee or Mystic in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Mystic. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tallahassee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mystic for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tallahassee is a little warmer than Mystic. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallahassee in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Mystic averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In Tallahassee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallahassee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic during summer. Tallahassee gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tallahassee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Mystic. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tallahassee 82°F (28°C) 
    Mystic 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Mystic in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Mystic. Many travelers come to Tallahassee for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Mystic in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Tallahassee is generally much warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 69°F (20°C), and Mystic fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallahassee this time of the year. In the autumn, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Mystic. Tallahassee gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 211 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee usually gets less rain in October than Mystic. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Tallahassee is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Mystic 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Mystic in the Winter?

Both Mystic and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tallahassee in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Mystic for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Mystic can be very cold during winter. Tallahassee is much warmer than Mystic in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Mystic fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Mystic during winter. Tallahassee gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallahassee usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mystic. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Mystic in the Spring?

Both Mystic and Tallahassee during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Mystic because of the beaches.

In the spring, Tallahassee is much warmer than Mystic. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallahassee in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Mystic averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. In the spring, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Mystic. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 225 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in April than Mystic. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Mystic 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Mystic and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Mystic
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)