A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Virginia Beach vs. Juneau for Couples, Food, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Juneau?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Juneau, 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.

Juneau

Juneau is a breathtaking, historic, and scenic city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking.

Virginia Beach and Juneau: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Juneau?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Juneau than Virginia Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Juneau is better known for its museums, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Virginia Beach is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Juneau is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. Also, Juneau is famous for the Mendenhall Glacier. Virginia Beach is well known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Virginia Beach
Juneau

Juneau is great for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Juneau can be an interesting and educational experience. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Virginia Beach
Juneau

Juneau is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Juneau has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

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 Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Juneau

Virginia Beach is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Virginia Beach. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Virginia Beach or Juneau Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Juneau

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its resorts. However, Juneau is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Virginia Beach makes a nice vacation spot. 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.

Juneau is not a resort destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Juneau Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Juneau

Virginia Beach is a popular place for the beache. However, Juneau 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.

Juneau is not a beach destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Virginia Beach
Juneau

Juneau is terrific for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Juneau draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Juneau?

Virginia Beach
Juneau

Juneau is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Juneau is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Juneau Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Juneau

Virginia Beach and Juneau 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.

Juneau is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

Is Virginia Beach or Juneau Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Juneau

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

Juneau has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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 Juneau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Virginia Beach
Juneau

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

Many backpackers visit Juneau. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Juneau Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Juneau

Virginia Beach is a popular place for students. However, Juneau 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.

Juneau is not popular with students.

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

Virginia Beach
Juneau

Juneau is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

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

Is Virginia Beach or Juneau a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Juneau

Juneau is great for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Juneau is a very walkable city. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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.


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

Should I spend more time in Juneau or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Juneau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Virginia Beach and Juneau. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Juneau. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Juneau.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Virginia Beach or Juneau? Ideal Length of Stay
    Virginia Beach 5-7 
    Juneau 2-3

One day in Virginia Beach or Juneau?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Virginia Beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Juneau, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Juneau?

Virginia Beach is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Juneau is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Virginia Beach or Juneau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Virginia Beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Juneau. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Virginia Beach or Juneau?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the bustling destination of Virginia Beach. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the city of Juneau. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.


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, Juneau 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 Juneau is $160. 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 Juneau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Juneau $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Juneau $176
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Juneau

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach or Juneau? 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 Juneau


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 and Juneau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Juneau $38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

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


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Juneau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Juneau:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Juneau Airport (JNU): $48
  • Private Departure Transfer to Juneau Airport (JNU): $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Virginia Beach or Juneau?

Prices for flights to both Juneau 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
    Juneau $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Juneau $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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Juneau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Juneau are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $25
  • Admission to Alaska State Museum
    $5.00
  • Glacier Gardens
    $22

Tours and Activities in Juneau

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Juneau are as follows:

  • 3 Hours Fishing Experience Class in Juneau: $225
  • 3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau Alaska: $189
  • Alpine Zipline Adventure in Juneau, AK: $245
  • Five-Star Juneau Pedicab Private Tour: $200
  • From Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft Tour: $850
  • From Whale Watching Cruise with Snacks: $132
  • Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure: $99
  • Historic Gold Panning Adventure & Salmon Bake: $139
  • Juneau City Tour: $52
  • Juneau Underground Gold Mine and Panning Experience: $79
  • Juneau Whale Watching Adventure: $189
  • Juneau, The Last Frontier Self Guided (Smart Phone App/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $6.75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Virginia Beach $11
    Juneau $16


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Virginia Beach and Juneau, we can see that Juneau 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 Juneau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Juneau 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 Juneau Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Juneau?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Juneau. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach and Juneau, 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 Virginia Beach or Juneau?

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 Juneau in the Summer?

Both Juneau 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Juneau for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Virginia Beach is much warmer than Juneau in the summer. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Juneau fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. In the summer, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Virginia Beach gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 179 hours of full sun.

Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in July than Juneau. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C) 
    Juneau 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Juneau in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Virginia Beach is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Virginia Beach in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Juneau averages at about 42°F (6°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during autumn. Virginia Beach gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 69 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Juneau receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Virginia Beach usually receives less rain than Juneau. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C) 
    Juneau 42°F (6°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Juneau in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Juneau in the winter. The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. In January, Virginia Beach is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 39°F (4°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 24°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Virginia Beach gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 87 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Juneau. Virginia Beach usually gets less rain in January than Juneau. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C) 
    Juneau 24°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Juneau in the Spring?

Both Juneau 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 Juneau for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Juneau. Virginia Beach is much warmer than Juneau in the spring. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Juneau fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during spring. Virginia Beach gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Virginia Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Juneau. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Juneau 40°F (4°C)

Typical Weather for Juneau and Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Juneau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 24°F (-4°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 33°F (0°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 40°F (4°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm) 56°F (13°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 55°F (13°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 49°F (10°C) 7 inches (179 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 42°F (6°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.9 inches (123 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)