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

Should you visit Williamsburg or Juneau?

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 Juneau. 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.

Juneau

Juneau is a historic, scenic, and breathtaking city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Williamsburg and Juneau: 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
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • 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 Williamsburg or Juneau?

Both Juneau 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 historical sights, while Juneau is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Williamsburg is popular for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Juneau is popular for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880.

How is Williamsburg different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Williamsburg or Juneau?

Williamsburg
Juneau

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Williamsburg or Juneau.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Williamsburg. 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.

Juneau offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.


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

Williamsburg
Juneau

Foodies will find both Williamsburg and Juneau both to be superb destinations.

Dining out in Williamsburg is an experience not to be missed. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Juneau. 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.

Is Williamsburg or Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Williamsburg
Juneau

It's hard to distinguish whether Williamsburg or Juneau has a better nightlife scene.

Williamsburg is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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.

Juneau doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Williamsburg or Juneau Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg
Juneau

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its old town. However, Juneau 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.

Juneau does not have a historic old town.


Is Williamsburg or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Williamsburg
Juneau

Juneau is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Juneau is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Juneau?

Williamsburg
Juneau

Shopping is a popular activity in both Juneau and Williamsburg.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Williamsburg. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Juneau. 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.

Is Williamsburg or Juneau Better for Families?

Williamsburg
Juneau

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Juneau is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Juneau. 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 Williamsburg or Juneau Better for Couples?

Williamsburg
Juneau

Juneau is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Juneau is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Williamsburg is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Is Williamsburg or Juneau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Williamsburg
Juneau

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

Juneau is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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 Juneau Better for Students?

Williamsburg
Juneau

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for students. However, Juneau 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.

Juneau is not popular with students.


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

Williamsburg
Juneau

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Williamsburg and Juneau.

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

Is Williamsburg or Juneau a more walkable city?

Williamsburg
Juneau

Juneau is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Juneau or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Juneau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Williamsburg and Juneau. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Williamsburg than in Juneau. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Williamsburg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Juneau.

Families should spend more time in Williamsburg than Juneau. 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 Juneau than Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg or Juneau? Ideal Length of Stay
    Williamsburg 2-4 
    Juneau 2-3

One day in Williamsburg or Juneau?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Williamsburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Juneau, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic city 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 Juneau?

Williamsburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Juneau is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Williamsburg or Juneau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Williamsburg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the breathtaking destination of Juneau. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Williamsburg or Juneau?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Williamsburg. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Juneau is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. 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, Juneau 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 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 Williamsburg and Juneau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Williamsburg $66
    Juneau $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Williamsburg $132
    Juneau $176
Compare Hotels in Williamsburg and Juneau

Looking for a hotel in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg


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: Williamsburg Hotel Prices and Juneau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Williamsburg $11
    Juneau $38

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 Williamsburg or Juneau?

Prices for flights to both Juneau 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
    Juneau $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
    Juneau $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

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:

  • Juneau, The Last Frontier Self Guided (Smart Phone App/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Juneau City Tour: $52
  • Juneau Underground Gold Mine and Panning Experience: $79
  • Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure: $99
  • Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau: $123
  • From Whale Watching Cruise with Snacks: $132
  • Historic Gold Panning Adventure & Salmon Bake: $139
  • eBikes Alaska - Rainforest Adventure: $160
  • Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruise with Local Guide: $177
  • 3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau Alaska: $189
  • Juneau Whale Watching Adventure: $189

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Williamsburg -
    Juneau $16

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 Juneau, we can see that Juneau 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 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 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 Juneau Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Juneau?

Juneau has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg or Juneau?

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 Juneau in the Summer?

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

In July, Williamsburg is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 78°F (26°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during summer. Williamsburg gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.

Juneau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Williamsburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Juneau. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Williamsburg 78°F (26°C) 
    Juneau 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Juneau in the Autumn?

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

Williamsburg is much warmer than Juneau in the autumn. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 61°F (16°C) in October, and Juneau fluctuates around 42°F (6°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 Juneau. Williamsburg gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 69 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Juneau. Williamsburg usually gets less rain in October than Juneau. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Williamsburg 61°F (16°C) 
    Juneau 42°F (6°C)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Juneau in the Winter?

Both Juneau 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 Juneau for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Juneau can be very cold during winter. Williamsburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Williamsburg is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the winter temperatures in Williamsburg in January average around 38°F (4°C), and Juneau averages at about 24°F (-4°C).

Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during winter. Williamsburg gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. In January, Williamsburg usually receives less rain than Juneau. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Williamsburg 38°F (4°C) 
    Juneau 24°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Juneau in the Spring?

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

The weather in Juneau can be very cold. In April, Williamsburg is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 57°F (14°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. In the spring, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Williamsburg gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 185 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg usually gets more rain in April than Juneau. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Williamsburg 57°F (14°C) 
    Juneau 40°F (4°C)

Typical Weather for Juneau and Williamsburg

Williamsburg Juneau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm) 24°F (-4°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 49°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 33°F (0°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 57°F (14°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 40°F (4°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 56°F (13°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 55°F (13°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 49°F (10°C) 7 inches (179 mm)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 42°F (6°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.9 inches (123 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)