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

Should you visit Washington or Jacksonville?

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 Jacksonville can help you decide which place is right for you.

Washington

Washington is a diverse, active, and monument-filled city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a vibrant, under-rated, and lively city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Washington and Jacksonville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Washington or Jacksonville?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Washington than Jacksonville. While Jacksonville is larger than Washington, Washington has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Washington is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, hiking, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Jacksonville is more popular for its beaches. Washington is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. Also, Washington is famous for The Washington Monument and the White House. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area.

How is Washington different from Jacksonville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville?

Washington is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Washington has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Jacksonville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

Is Washington or Jacksonville Better for Theater?

Washington is an excellent place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Jacksonville is not a theatre destination.

Washington offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. 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.

Jacksonville is not a theatre destination.

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

Washington is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Washington, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Jacksonville makes for a great culinary experience. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

Is Washington or Jacksonville Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Washington and Jacksonville.

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.

Jacksonville has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

Is Washington or Jacksonville Better for Music?

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

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Jacksonville is not a live music destination.

Is Washington or Jacksonville Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is great for its beaches. However, Washington is not a beach destination.

Jacksonville is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Washington is not a beach destination.

Is Washington or Jacksonville Better for Hiking?

Washington is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in 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.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Washington or Jacksonville?

If you're looking to go shopping, Washington and Jacksonville both offer plenty of high quality 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.

Jacksonville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Is Washington or Jacksonville Better for Christmas?

Washington is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Jacksonville does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Washington draws large crowds. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Jacksonville does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Washington or Jacksonville Better for Families?

Washington is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Washington. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Washington or Jacksonville Better for Couples?

Washington is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Washington makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Washington or Jacksonville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington is not a good destination for backpackers.

Jacksonville is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.

Is Washington or Jacksonville Better for Students?

Washington is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Washington is a very popular place to visit for students. 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.

Jacksonville is popular with students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

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

Washington is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Jacksonville, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Is Washington or Jacksonville a more walkable city?

Washington is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Washington. 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.

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Jacksonville or Washington?

How long in Washington or Jacksonville?

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

Families should spend more time in Washington than Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville?

Each neighborhood in Washington has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

A weekend in Washington or Jacksonville?

Washington is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Jacksonville, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Jacksonville?

Each neighborhood in Washington has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Jacksonville, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Jacksonville?

Washington is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Jacksonville 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 comparing the travel costs between Washington and Jacksonville, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Washington or Jacksonville?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Washington and Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville?

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 Washington or Jacksonville in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Jacksonville. Many visitors come to Washington in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Washington is generally around the same temperature as Jacksonville. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 79°F (26°C), and Jacksonville fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jacksonville during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

Jacksonville receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Washington usually receives less rain than Jacksonville. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Washington or Jacksonville in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Washington as well as Jacksonville. Most visitors come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Washington is cooler than Jacksonville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Jacksonville fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. In the autumn, Washington often gets less sunshine than Jacksonville. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 214 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Jacksonville. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Should I visit Washington or Jacksonville in the Winter?

Both Jacksonville and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Washington because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year.

The weather in Washington can be very cold. In the winter, Washington is much colder than Jacksonville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Washington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Jacksonville averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Washington usually receives less sunshine than Jacksonville during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Jacksonville receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Washington usually receives less rain than Jacksonville. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Washington or Jacksonville in the Spring?

Both Jacksonville and Washington during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Washington this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Washington is generally cooler than Jacksonville. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°C), and Jacksonville fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Washington. In the spring, Washington often gets less sunshine than Jacksonville. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jacksonville receives 285 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Jacksonville. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Jacksonville and Washington