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

Should you visit Wilmington or Williamsburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Williamsburg, 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. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a well-preserved, historic, and charming town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Wilmington and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Williamsburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Williamsburg than Wilmington, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Williamsburg is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Wilmington is more popular for its nightlife and beaches. Williamsburg is more touristy than Wilmington and is popular for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Also, Williamsburg is famous for Colonial Williamsburg. Wilmington is well known for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Wilmington different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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 Williamsburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. 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.

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 Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Wilmington is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Wilmington has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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.

Is Wilmington or Williamsburg Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is a great destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Wilmington or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg can be explored in its historical center. 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.

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 Williamsburg?

Williamsburg 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 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.

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 Williamsburg Better for Families?

Williamsburg is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Williamsburg is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

Wilmington is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Wilmington or Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Wilmington and Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Wilmington or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Williamsburg is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Williamsburg is a great destination for students. 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.

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

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

Wilmington and Williamsburg 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 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.

Is Wilmington or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

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

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable city. 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.

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Wilmington Worth Visiting? and Is Williamsburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Wilmington or Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg.

One day in Wilmington or Williamsburg?

In Wilmington, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

With museums and food around the well-preserved town of Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg?

Wilmington is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With food and shopping around the destination of Williamsburg, 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 town.

Five days in Wilmington or Williamsburg?

In Wilmington, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this welcoming destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Williamsburg, a popular town, 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 Williamsburg?

Wilmington is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg, we can see that Wilmington 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 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 Williamsburg.

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

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Williamsburg?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington and Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Wilmington or Williamsburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Williamsburg. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Wilmington is generally around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 81°F (27°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington this time of the year. In the summer, Wilmington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Williamsburg. Wilmington receives a lot of rain in the summer. Wilmington usually gets more rain in July than Williamsburg. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

Both Williamsburg and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Wilmington is a little warmer than Williamsburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg during autumn. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Williamsburg. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Wilmington or Williamsburg in the Winter?

Both Williamsburg and Wilmington during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Williamsburg can be very cold. In the winter, Wilmington is much warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wilmington in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 38°F (4°C).

In the winter, Wilmington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Williamsburg. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Williamsburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Williamsburg. The spring months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the beaches. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

In April, Wilmington is generally a little warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 63°F (17°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Williamsburg during spring. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Williamsburg. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Wilmington