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

Should you visit Washington or Dallas?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Dallas can help you decide which place is right for you.

Washington

Washington is a international, diverse, and active city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Washington and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Washington or Dallas?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Washington than Dallas. While Dallas is larger than Washington, Washington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Washington is more touristy than Dallas and is popular for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. It is also well known for The Washington Monument and the White House. Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture.

How is Washington different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Washington or Dallas?

Washington is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Washington are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dallas can be an interesting and educational experience. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

Is Washington or Dallas Better for Theater?

Washington is a well-known place for its theatre productions. However, Dallas is not a theatre destination.

Washington has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Dallas is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Washington or Dallas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Washington is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Washington has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

Dallas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Is Washington or Dallas Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Washington and Dallas.

Many people head to Washington for the nightlife scene. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

Dallas has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Is Washington or Dallas Better for Music?

Washington is very good for its live music scene. However, Dallas is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Dallas is not a live music destination.

Is Washington or Dallas Better for Hiking?

Washington is a moderate city for the nearby hiking options. However, Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Washington or Dallas?

If you're looking to go shopping, Washington and Dallas both offer plenty of very good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Dallas is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Is Washington or Dallas Better for Christmas?

Washington is renowned for its Christmas activities. However, Dallas does not offer Christmas activities.

Washington is a world class destination during the Christmas season. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Dallas does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Washington or Dallas Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Washington or Dallas.

Washington is a very family-friendly destination. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

Dallas is a very kid-friendly city. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Is Washington or Dallas Better for Couples?

Both Washington and Dallas are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Washington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

Is Washington or Dallas Better for Students?

Washington is renowned for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Washington. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.

Is Washington or Dallas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Washington is renowned for its public transit. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Washington has a great public transit system. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

Dallas has some public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Is Washington or Dallas a more walkable city?

Washington is renowned for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Washington on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

For even more information, also check out Is Washington Worth Visiting? and Is Dallas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Washington?

How long in Washington or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Washington or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Washington due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Washington, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dallas.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Washington than Dallas 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 Washington.

One day in Washington or Dallas?

Washington is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the upscale city of Dallas, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Washington or Dallas?

Washington 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Dallas, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Washington or Dallas?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Washington. 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.

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

A week in Washington or Dallas?

Washington is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This 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.

Dallas 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Washington or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Washington and Dallas, 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 Washington or Dallas?

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 Washington or Dallas in the Summer?

Both Dallas and Washington during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

In the summer, Washington is cooler than Dallas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Washington in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Dallas averages at about 88°F (31°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Washington. In the summer, Washington often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in July than Dallas. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Washington or Dallas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Dallas. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Washington this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Washington is generally cooler than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 60°F (15°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during autumn. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Washington usually receives less rain than Dallas. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Washington or Dallas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Washington as well as Dallas. Many travelers come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Dallas in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Washington. Washington is much colder than Dallas in the winter. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

In the winter, Washington often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in January than Dallas. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Washington or Dallas in the Spring?

Both Dallas and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Washington in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Dallas for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Washington is cooler than Dallas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Washington in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Dallas averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during spring. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Washington usually receives less rain than Dallas. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dallas and Washington