A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Virginia Beach vs. Adirondack Mountains for Resorts, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a bustling, fun-filled, and relaxing coastal city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife and beaches.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a serene, pristine, and scenic region. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Virginia Beach and Adirondack Mountains: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Adirondack Mountains than Virginia Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Adirondack Mountains is better known for its skiing, museums, food, resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Virginia Beach is more popular for its beaches. Adirondack Mountains is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. Also, Adirondack Mountains is famous for Whiteface Mountain. Virginia Beach is well known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Adirondack Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains Better for Skiing?

Virginia Beach
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Virginia Beach is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Adirondack Mountains is a great destination to visit. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Virginia Beach is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains?

Virginia Beach
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Adirondack Mountains offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Virginia Beach
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Adirondack Mountains has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Adirondack Mountains

The vibe at night is notable in both Virginia Beach and Adirondack Mountains.

If you're looking for night time activities Virginia Beach has a few options to choose from. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.


Is Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Is Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Adirondack Mountains

Virginia Beach is a popular place for the beache. However, Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains Better for Hiking?

Virginia Beach
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is great for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking trails. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains?

Virginia Beach
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a nice place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Adirondack Mountains. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Adirondack Mountains

Virginia Beach and Adirondack Mountains are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

Adirondack Mountains is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

Is Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

Adirondack Mountains is a great region if you're traveling as a couple. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.


Is Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Virginia Beach
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers visit Adirondack Mountains. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Adirondack Mountains

Virginia Beach is a popular place for students. However, Adirondack Mountains is not popular with students.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city to visit for students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Adirondack Mountains is not popular with students.

Is Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Virginia Beach
Adirondack Mountains

Neither Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.


Is Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Adirondack Mountains

Virginia Beach is a moderate coastal city for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable coastal city. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Virginia Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Adirondack Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Adirondack Mountains or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains?

Both Virginia Beach and Adirondack Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Adirondack Mountains has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Adirondack Mountains than Virginia Beach. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 3-7 days is enough time in Adirondack Mountains.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than Virginia Beach 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 Adirondack Mountains.


  • How many days in Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Virginia Beach 5-7 
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7

One day in Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Virginia Beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Adirondack Mountains, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains?

Virginia Beach is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Adirondack Mountains is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.


Five days in Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains?

Many people visit Virginia Beach for five days. Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the coastal city of Virginia Beach. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adirondack Mountains. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach. Many people spend one week here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Virginia Beach, one week is sufficent for most.

In Adirondack Mountains, you'll find shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Adirondack Mountains or Virginia Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Virginia Beach is $126, while the average daily cost in Adirondack Mountains is $166. 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 Virginia Beach and Adirondack Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Adirondack Mountains $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Adirondack Mountains $194
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Adirondack Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains? 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 Virginia Beach


Hotels in Adirondack Mountains


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: Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Adirondack Mountains $33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Adirondack Mountains and Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $30
    Adirondack Mountains $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Adirondack Mountains $17

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

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

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: $59
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $65
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours | Must Know How to Swim: $78
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Virginia Beach $11
    Adirondack Mountains $19


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

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



When is the best time to visit Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains?

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 Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains in the Summer?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Virginia Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Virginia Beach is a little warmer than Adirondack Mountains in the summer. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In Adirondack Mountains, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. In the summer, Virginia Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Adirondack Mountains. Virginia Beach gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adirondack Mountains receives 285 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in July than Adirondack Mountains. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Adirondack Mountains. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Adirondack Mountains because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Virginia Beach is much warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Virginia Beach in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Adirondack Mountains averages at about 49°F (9°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains during autumn. Virginia Beach gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Adirondack Mountains receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Adirondack Mountains. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Adirondack Mountains. The winter months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Adirondack Mountains this time of year.

It's quite cold in Adirondack Mountains in the winter. The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. In January, Virginia Beach is generally much warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 39°F (4°C), and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In the winter, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains. Virginia Beach gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adirondack Mountains receives 124 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in January than Adirondack Mountains. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Adirondack Mountains in the Spring?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Adirondack Mountains for the natural beauty.

Virginia Beach is much warmer than Adirondack Mountains in the spring. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

It's quite sunny in Adirondack Mountains. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains during spring. Virginia Beach gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Adirondack Mountains receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Virginia Beach usually receives less rain than Adirondack Mountains. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 46°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Adirondack Mountains and Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Adirondack Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Mar 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)