A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wilmington vs. Cape Cod for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Wilmington or Cape Cod?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Cape Cod, 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.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a relaxing, laid-back, and wealthy beach destination. 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. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches.

Wilmington and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Cape Cod?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Wilmington than Cape Cod, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Wilmington is better known for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights, while Cape Cod is more popular for its food, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cape Cod is more touristy than Wilmington and is known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. Wilmington is well known for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. Also, Wilmington is famous for the Battleship North Carolina.

How is Wilmington different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Wilmington is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cape Cod is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cape Cod. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Wilmington or Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Wilmington is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Wilmington or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Cape Cod is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Cape Cod has a handful of resorts to choose from. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Is Wilmington or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Both Wilmington and Cape Cod have great beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wilmington. 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.

The beaches at Cape Cod attract visitors from all over. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Is Wilmington or Cape Cod Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Cod does not have a historic old town.

Wilmington has an old town worth visiting. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Cape Cod does not have a historic old town.

Is Wilmington or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Cape Cod is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Cape Cod has hiking trails worth exploring. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Cape Cod?

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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 Cape Cod Better for Families?

Wilmington and Cape Cod are both great destinations for the whole family.

Wilmington is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Cape Cod is a very kid-friendly city. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is Wilmington or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Wilmington and Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

Is Wilmington or Cape Cod Better for Students?

Wilmington is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is not popular with students.

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

Wilmington and Cape Cod both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

Is Wilmington or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Wilmington and Cape Cod are notable when it comes to walkability.

Wilmington is somewhat walkable. 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.

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Cape Cod?

Both Wilmington and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Wilmington. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Wilmington, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

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

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

One day in Wilmington or Cape Cod?

The city of Wilmington offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Cape Cod 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wilmington or Cape Cod?

Wilmington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wilmington, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Even though Cape Cod is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Wilmington or Cape Cod?

Wilmington is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wilmington, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cape Cod, a popular beach destination, 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 beach destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wilmington or Cape Cod?

Wilmington is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Cape Cod is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach destination makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach destination has to offer. 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 comparing the travel costs between Wilmington and Cape Cod, we can see that Wilmington is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

When is the best time to visit Wilmington or Cape Cod?

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 Cape Cod in the Summer?

Both Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Wilmington is generally a little warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 81°F (27°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Cape Cod. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod during summer. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Wilmington. In July, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Cape Cod. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wilmington or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

Both Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Wilmington is much warmer than Cape Cod in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Wilmington. In the autumn, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Cape Cod. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 194 hours of full sun.

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Wilmington usually gets less rain in October than Cape Cod. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Cape Cod in the Winter?

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

The weather in Cape Cod can be very cold. In the winter, Wilmington is much warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wilmington in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during winter. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Wilmington usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wilmington or Cape Cod in the Spring?

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

In April, Wilmington is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 63°F (17°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington this time of the year. In the spring, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Cape Cod. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 225 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. Wilmington usually gets less rain in April than Cape Cod. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Wilmington