A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wilmington vs. Hood River for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Wilmington or Hood River?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Hood River, 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 historic, welcoming, and charming city. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Hood River

Hood River is a scenic, charming, and agricultural town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Wilmington and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Hood River?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hood River. Although Wilmington and Hood River are popular destinations, Hood River has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hood River is very popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Wilmington attracts visitors for its museums, beaches, and historical sights. Hood River is more touristy than Wilmington and is known for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. It is also well known for Multnomah Falls. Wilmington is famous for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Wilmington different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Wilmington or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Hood River is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Wilmington is not a skiing destination.

Hood River is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Wilmington is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wilmington or Hood River?

Wilmington is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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

Hood River 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 Hood River. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

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 Hood River Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Wilmington and Hood River.

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 Hood River. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

Is Wilmington or Hood River Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is a very popular place for the beache. However, Hood River is not a beach destination.

Wilmington is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Hood River is not a beach destination.

Is Wilmington or Hood River Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is a popular place for its old town. However, Hood River does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Wilmington. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Hood River does not have a historic old town.

Is Wilmington or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Hood River is great for hiking. However, Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Hood River for the hiking trails. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Hood River?

If you're looking to go shopping, Wilmington and Hood River both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Hood River offers some nice shopping areas. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Is Wilmington or Hood River Better for Families?

Wilmington and Hood River are both very good 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.

Hood River is a very kid-friendly city. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

Is Wilmington or Hood River Better for Couples?

Wilmington and Hood River are both very good 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.

Hood River is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

Is Wilmington or Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hood River is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

Hood River is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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 Hood River Better for Students?

Wilmington is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hood River is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Hood River is not popular with students.

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

Wilmington and Hood River both offer reasonable 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 Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Is Wilmington or Hood River a more walkable city?

Wilmington is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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.

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Hood River?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Wilmington and Hood River. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Wilmington than in Hood River. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Wilmington, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hood River.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River 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 Hood River.

One day in Wilmington or Hood River?

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 shopping and skiing around the quaint town of Hood River, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wilmington or Hood River?

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 skiing and nightlife around the destination of Hood River, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 town.

Five days in Wilmington or Hood River?

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.

Hood River, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Hood River?

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.

Hood River 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 Hood River, we can see that Wilmington is more expensive. And not only is Hood River much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hood River would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hood River 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 Hood River.

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

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Hood River?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington and Hood River, 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 Hood River?

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 Hood River in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Hood River. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hood River for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Wilmington is a little warmer than Hood River. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wilmington in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Hood River averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hood River this time of the year. In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wilmington usually receives less sunshine than Hood River during summer. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

Wilmington gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Hood River. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wilmington or Hood River in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Hood River. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Hood River because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Wilmington is generally a little warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 65°F (18°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington this time of the year. In the autumn, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hood River. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Hood River in the Winter?

Both Hood River and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hood River this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hood River in the winter. Wilmington is much warmer than Hood River in the winter. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Hood River fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during winter. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hood River. In January, Wilmington usually receives less rain than Hood River. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wilmington or Hood River in the Spring?

Both Hood River and Wilmington during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hood River for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Wilmington is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wilmington in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Hood River averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Hood River, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wilmington. In the spring, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets more rain in April than Hood River. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hood River and Wilmington