A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wilmington vs. Mystic for Attractions, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Wilmington or Mystic?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Mystic, 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 charming, historic, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Mystic

Mystic is a charming, quaint, and laid back town. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Wilmington and Mystic: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Mystic?

Both Mystic and Wilmington have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Wilmington is more popular for its historical sights, while Mystic is known for its museums and shopping. Mystic is more touristy than Wilmington and is known for its New England charm and local character. Wilmington is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Wilmington different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mystic 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 Mystic can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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 Mystic? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Wilmington and Mystic offer a number of good 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 Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Wilmington or Mystic Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Wilmington and Mystic.

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 Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Wilmington or Mystic Better for Beaches?

Both Wilmington and Mystic 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 Mystic attract visitors from all over. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Is Wilmington or Mystic Better for its Old Town?

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

Wilmington is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Mystic does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Mystic?

Mystic 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 Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

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 Mystic Better for Families?

Wilmington and Mystic 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.

Mystic is a very kid-friendly city. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Wilmington or Mystic Better for Couples?

Wilmington is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Wilmington makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Wilmington or Mystic Better for Students?

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

Mystic is not popular with students.

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

Wilmington is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Wilmington or Mystic a more walkable city?

Wilmington is a good destination for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of 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.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

Should I spend more time in Mystic or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Mystic?

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

Families should spend more time in Wilmington than Mystic. 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 Mystic. 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 Wilmington than Mystic 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 Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Wilmington. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the quaint town of Mystic, 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.

A weekend in Wilmington or Mystic?

Wilmington 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Mystic, 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 town.

Five days in Wilmington or Mystic?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wilmington. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Mystic, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Mystic?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Wilmington. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Mystic 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 comparing the travel costs between Wilmington and Mystic, we can see that Mystic 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 Mystic Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Mystic?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington and Mystic, 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 Mystic?

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 Mystic in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Mystic. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Mystic in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Wilmington is a little warmer than Mystic in the summer. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Mystic fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic during summer. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 293 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 Mystic. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wilmington or Mystic in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Mystic. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Mystic for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Wilmington is much warmer than Mystic. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wilmington in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Mystic averages at about 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington this time of the year. In the autumn, Wilmington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 211 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets less rain in October than Mystic. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Mystic in the Winter?

Both Mystic and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Mystic because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Mystic can be very cold. In January, Wilmington is generally much warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 45°F (7°C), and Mystic fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic during winter. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Mystic. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wilmington or Mystic in the Spring?

Both Mystic and Wilmington during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the beaches. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Mystic this time of year.

Wilmington is much warmer than Mystic in the spring. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 63°F (17°C) in April, and Mystic fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wilmington. In the spring, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Mystic. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 225 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets less rain in April than Mystic. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mystic and Wilmington