A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Williamsburg vs. Adirondack Mountains for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Williamsburg and Adirondack Mountains. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a historic, charming, and quaint town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a pristine, scenic, and serene region. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Williamsburg and Adirondack Mountains: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Williamsburg have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Williamsburg is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Adirondack Mountains is known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Williamsburg is popular for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Adirondack Mountains is popular for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests.

How is Williamsburg different from Adirondack Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains Better for Skiing?

Williamsburg
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a good destination for winter skiing. However, Williamsburg is not a skiing destination.

Head to Adirondack Mountains for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Williamsburg is not a skiing destination.


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

Williamsburg
Adirondack Mountains

Williamsburg is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Adirondack Mountains. 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.

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

Williamsburg
Adirondack Mountains

Williamsburg is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Williamsburg. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Adirondack Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Williamsburg
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Adirondack Mountains has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.


Is Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains Better for Resorts?

Williamsburg
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a great destination for its resorts. However, Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Adirondack Mountains to choose from. 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.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

Is Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg
Adirondack Mountains

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its old town. However, Adirondack Mountains does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Adirondack Mountains does not have a historic old town.

Is Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains Better for Hiking?

Williamsburg
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Adirondack Mountains. 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.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains?

Williamsburg
Adirondack Mountains

Williamsburg is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping areas.

Williamsburg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Adirondack Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Is Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains Better for Families?

Williamsburg
Adirondack Mountains

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Williamsburg is a very family-friendly destination. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Adirondack Mountains. 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 Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains Better for Couples?

Williamsburg
Adirondack Mountains

Williamsburg and Adirondack Mountains both superb destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Williamsburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

Adirondack Mountains is a great town 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.


Is Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Williamsburg
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a great destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular region for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.

Is Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains Better for Students?

Williamsburg
Adirondack Mountains

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for students. However, Adirondack Mountains is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Williamsburg. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Adirondack Mountains is not popular with students.

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

Williamsburg
Adirondack Mountains

Williamsburg is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Public transit is quite limited in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.


Is Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains a more walkable city?

Williamsburg
Adirondack Mountains

Williamsburg is a moderate town for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

Williamsburg is generally not very walkable. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable town. 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 Williamsburg Worth Visiting? and Is Adirondack Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Adirondack Mountains or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains?

Both Williamsburg and Adirondack Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than in Williamsburg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Williamsburg, and 3-7 days is enough time in Adirondack Mountains.

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

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


  • How many days in Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Williamsburg 2-4 
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7

One day in Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Williamsburg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this serene region offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

A weekend in Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains?

Williamsburg is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Adirondack Mountains is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.


Five days in Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains?

Many people visit Williamsburg for five days. You'll find museums and food around the town of Williamsburg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

In Adirondack Mountains, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this pristine destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A week in Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains?

The charming destination of Williamsburg offers food and shopping. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Adirondack Mountains or Williamsburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Williamsburg is $112, 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 Williamsburg and Adirondack Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Williamsburg $66
    Adirondack Mountains $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Williamsburg $132
    Adirondack Mountains $194
Compare Hotels in Williamsburg and Adirondack Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg


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: Williamsburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Williamsburg $11
    Adirondack Mountains $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Adirondack Mountains and Williamsburg 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
    Williamsburg $31
    Adirondack Mountains $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Williamsburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Williamsburg.

  • Taste of Williamsburg Food Tour by Junket: $79
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $84

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Williamsburg $34
    Adirondack Mountains $17

Tours and Activities in Williamsburg

Here are a few actual costs in Williamsburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Williamsburg by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Williamsburg West Tour: $15
  • Colonial Self-Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Williamsburg East Ghost Tour: $16
  • Yorktown Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $20
  • The Original Ghost of Williamsburg Candlelight Walking Tour: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Williamsburg by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • The Original Ghosts of Williamsburg Tour: $20
  • Yorktown Hallowed Ground Candlelight Walking Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Williamsburg -
    Adirondack Mountains $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Williamsburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Williamsburg:

  • Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
  • The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Williamsburg and Adirondack Mountains, we can see that Adirondack Mountains is more expensive. And not only is Williamsburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Williamsburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg.

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



When is the best time to visit Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains?

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 Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Adirondack Mountains. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Williamsburg is generally a little warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 78°F (26°C), and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adirondack Mountains this time of the year. In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Williamsburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Adirondack Mountains during summer. Williamsburg gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Adirondack Mountains receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

Williamsburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Adirondack Mountains. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Williamsburg 78°F (26°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Adirondack Mountains. Many travelers come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Adirondack Mountains in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Williamsburg is much warmer than Adirondack Mountains in the autumn. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 61°F (16°C) in October, and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains. Williamsburg gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adirondack Mountains receives 144 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Adirondack Mountains. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Williamsburg 61°F (16°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains in the Winter?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Williamsburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Adirondack Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Adirondack Mountains can be very cold during winter. Williamsburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Williamsburg is much warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Typically, the winter temperatures in Williamsburg in January average around 38°F (4°C), and Adirondack Mountains averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains during winter. Williamsburg gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Adirondack Mountains receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Adirondack Mountains. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Williamsburg 38°F (4°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Adirondack Mountains in the Spring?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Williamsburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Williamsburg for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Adirondack Mountains because of the natural beauty.

In April, Williamsburg is generally much warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 57°F (14°C), and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

In Adirondack Mountains, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. In the spring, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains. Williamsburg gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adirondack Mountains receives 210 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Adirondack Mountains. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Williamsburg 57°F (14°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 46°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Adirondack Mountains and Williamsburg

Williamsburg Adirondack Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Mar 49°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Apr 57°F (14°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)