A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Martha's Vineyard for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Washington or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard can help you decide which place is right for you.

Washington

Washington is a monument-filled, international, and diverse 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.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a peaceful, affluent, and coastal island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches.

Washington and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Washington or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Washington than Martha's Vineyard, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Washington is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Martha's Vineyard is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Washington is well 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. Martha's Vineyard is well known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping.

How is Washington different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

Is Washington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Theater?

Washington is a great city for its shows and theatre. However, Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Washington or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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, Martha's Vineyard makes for a great culinary experience. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

Is Washington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Washington is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Washington has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Washington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Music?

Washington is a good destination for its music scene. However, Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard is not a live music destination.

Is Washington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Washington is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Martha's Vineyard is a perfect choice. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Washington is not a resort destination.

Is Washington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard is great for its beaches. However, Washington is not a beach destination.

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Washington is not a beach destination.

Is Washington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard is very good for hiking. However, Washington is not a good destination for the nearby hiking options.

Many people include a hike when visiting Martha's Vineyard. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Washington or Martha's Vineyard?

If you're looking to go shopping, Washington and Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

Is Washington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Christmas?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Martha's Vineyard does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Washington. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Martha's Vineyard does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Washington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Washington is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Washington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Martha's Vineyard has plenty to offer. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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

Is Washington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Students?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Martha's Vineyard is not popular with 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.

Martha's Vineyard is not popular with students.

Is Washington or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its public transit.

Public transit in Washington is top-notch. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Is Washington or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its walkability.

Washington is a very easy city to get around 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.

Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Washington Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Washington?

How long in Washington or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Washington and Martha's Vineyard. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than in Martha's Vineyard. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Washington, and 1-3 days is enough time in Martha's Vineyard.

Families should spend more time in Washington than Martha's Vineyard. 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 Martha's Vineyard. 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 Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard?

When visiting Washington, people usually allow for lots of time. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Martha's Vineyard might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Martha's Vineyard, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Washington or Martha's Vineyard?

When visiting Washington, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Washington or Martha's Vineyard?

When visiting Washington, people usually allow for lots of time. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Martha's Vineyard, a popular island, 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Washington is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard, we can see that Martha's Vineyard is more expensive. And not only is Washington much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Washington would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Washington 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 Martha's Vineyard would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Martha's Vineyard than you might in Washington.

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

When is the best time to visit Washington or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Washington is generally a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 79°F (26°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Washington usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Washington or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Washington during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Washington is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the autumn. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 211 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets less rain in October than Martha's Vineyard. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Washington or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Martha's Vineyard. The winter months attract visitors to Washington because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

It's quite cold in Martha's Vineyard in the winter. The weather in Washington can be very cold. In the winter, Washington is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the winter temperatures in Washington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Washington usually receives less sunshine than Martha's Vineyard during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Washington usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Washington or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Washington as well as Martha's Vineyard. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Washington this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Washington is generally a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Martha's Vineyard. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In the spring, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 225 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets less rain in April than Martha's Vineyard. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Washington