A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wilmington vs. Alexandria for Old Town, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Wilmington or Alexandria?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Alexandria, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a welcoming, charming, and historic city. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a quaint, historic, and charming city. With fun 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Wilmington and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Alexandria?

You'll generally find more things to do in Alexandria than Wilmington. Alexandria is bigger than Wilmington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Alexandria is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Wilmington is more popular for its beaches. Alexandria is more touristy than Wilmington and is known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Also, Alexandria is famous for Mount Vernon. Wilmington is well known for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Wilmington different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wilmington or Alexandria?

Alexandria is great for its historical sights. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Alexandria can be an interesting and educational experience. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Wilmington or Alexandria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Wilmington and Alexandria offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Alexandria. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Wilmington or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Wilmington and Alexandria.

If you're looking for night time activities Wilmington has a few options to choose from. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Wilmington or Alexandria Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is great for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Wilmington for it's beautiful beaches. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Is Wilmington or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

The rich history of Alexandria can be explored in its historical center. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Many people head to Wilmington to see the old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Alexandria?

Alexandria is great for shopping. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Wilmington offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Wilmington or Alexandria Better for Families?

Wilmington is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Wilmington. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Wilmington or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Wilmington and Alexandria are both great to visit as a couple.

Wilmington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Alexandria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Is Wilmington or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alexandria is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.

Is Wilmington or Alexandria Better for Students?

Wilmington is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Alexandria is not popular with students.

Is Wilmington or Alexandria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alexandria is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for its public transit.

Alexandria has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is generally limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Is Wilmington or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Alexandria is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Alexandria is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Wilmington Worth Visiting? and Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Wilmington or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wilmington due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Wilmington, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Wilmington 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 Alexandria.

One day in Wilmington or Alexandria?

With museums and nightlife around the welcoming city of Wilmington, 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.

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Alexandria, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wilmington or Alexandria?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Wilmington, 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Alexandria, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Wilmington or Alexandria?

Wilmington, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Alexandria, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Wilmington or Alexandria?

Wilmington 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.

Alexandria 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Wilmington. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington and Alexandria, 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 Wilmington or Alexandria?

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 Wilmington or Alexandria in the Summer?

Both Alexandria and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Alexandria in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Wilmington is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 81°F (27°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Alexandria. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during summer. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Wilmington. In July, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wilmington or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Wilmington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Alexandria for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Wilmington is a little warmer than Alexandria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Alexandria fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Wilmington. In the autumn, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Alexandria. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Alexandria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Alexandria. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Alexandria can be very cold. In the winter, Wilmington is much warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wilmington in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Alexandria averages at about 35°F (1°C).

Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during winter. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wilmington or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Alexandria. The spring months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the beaches. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

In April, Wilmington is generally a little warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 63°F (17°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington this time of the year. In the spring, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Alexandria. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Wilmington