A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Winston-Salem vs. Galveston for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Galveston?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Galveston? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Galveston

Galveston is a coastal, historic, and charming town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Winston-Salem and Galveston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Galveston?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Galveston than Winston-Salem. While Winston-Salem is larger than Galveston, Galveston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Galveston is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. It is also home to Pleasure Pier. Winston-Salem is popular for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Galveston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Winston-Salem or Galveston?

Winston-Salem
Galveston

Galveston is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Galveston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.

Winston-Salem is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.


Is the Food Better in Winston-Salem or Galveston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
Galveston

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Winston-Salem and Galveston.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Winston-Salem area. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Galveston. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

Is Winston-Salem or Galveston Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Galveston

Galveston is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Galveston has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Is Winston-Salem or Galveston Better for Beaches?

Winston-Salem
Galveston

Galveston is a popular place for the beach. However, Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Galveston is a good option for a beach vacation. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.


Is Winston-Salem or Galveston Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
Galveston

It's fun to wander around the good old towns in both Winston-Salem and Galveston.

Winston-Salem offers a nice historic old town area. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Galveston is a good destination for visiting its old town. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Galveston?

Winston-Salem
Galveston

Both Winston-Salem and Galveston are good shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to go shopping. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Galveston. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

Is Winston-Salem or Galveston Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Galveston

Galveston is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Galveston is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly city. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.


Is Winston-Salem or Galveston Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Galveston

Galveston is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Galveston is a very popular place to visit for couples. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Winston-Salem or Galveston Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Galveston

Winston-Salem is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Galveston is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Winston-Salem. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Galveston is not popular with students.

Is Winston-Salem or Galveston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Winston-Salem
Galveston

Both Winston-Salem and Galveston offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

Public transit is mostly limited in Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.


Is Winston-Salem or Galveston a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Galveston

Galveston is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Galveston is a somewhat walkable town. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Galveston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galveston or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Galveston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Winston-Salem and Galveston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Galveston than in Winston-Salem. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 1-3 days is enough time in Galveston.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Galveston than Winston-Salem 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 Galveston.


  • How many days in Winston-Salem or Galveston? Ideal Length of Stay
    Winston-Salem 1-2 
    Galveston 1-3

One day in Winston-Salem or Galveston?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Winston-Salem. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Winston-Salem has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Galveston. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Galveston?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Winston-Salem. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galveston. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.


Five days in Winston-Salem or Galveston?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated city of Winston-Salem. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Galveston. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Winston-Salem or Galveston?

Winston-Salem is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Galveston. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Galveston or Winston-Salem?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Winston-Salem is $150, while the average daily cost in Galveston is $183. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Winston-Salem and Galveston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Galveston $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Galveston $162
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Galveston

Looking for a hotel in Winston-Salem or Galveston? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Winston-Salem


Hotels in Galveston


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Winston-Salem Hotel Prices and Galveston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Galveston $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston

Also for Galveston, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Galveston Port to William Hobby Airport Departure Transfer: $167
  • Private Departure Transfer from Galveston Port to HOU Airport: $168
  • Private Departure Transfer from Galveston to HOU Airport: $168
  • Private Transfer from Port of Galveston to Houston Airport (HOU): $168
  • Galveston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) Private Transfer: $192
  • Privat Transfer from Galveston Port to Houston Airport (IAH): $193

Is it cheaper to fly into Winston-Salem or Galveston?

Prices for flights to both Galveston and Winston-Salem change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Winston-Salem $42
    Galveston $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galveston

For Galveston, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taste of the Strand Food Tour on Galveston Island: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Galveston $15

Tours and Activities in Winston-Salem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Winston-Salem are as follows:

  • Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour: $26
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winston-Salem by Wacky Walks: $10

Tours and Activities in Galveston

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.

  • Self-Guided Ghost Tour on the Galveston Strand: $6.75
  • Luggage Storage in Cruise Terminal: $8.65
  • Unique Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Experience in League City: $10
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Adventure in League City : $10
  • Al's Authentic Paranormal Excursion Tour: $15
  • Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast Museum Ticket: $15
  • Galveston Island Ghost Tour: $16
  • Tour Galveston's 1895 Moody Mansion: $18
  • Spooky Strand Ghost Tour: $20
  • Galveston Haunted Tour with Ghost Hunting Equipment: $20
  • Galveston Island Red Light District Tour: $20
  • Historic Galveston Red Light District Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Galveston $37

Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston

Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Galveston Island Brewing Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting : $10
  • Historical Walking Tour and Pub Crawl: $20
  • Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $25
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $25
  • Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30


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

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


Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Galveston?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Galveston, 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 Winston-Salem or Galveston?

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 Winston-Salem or Galveston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Galveston. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Galveston for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Winston-Salem is generally around the same temperature as Galveston. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 81°F (27°C), and Galveston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

Winston-Salem receives a lot of rain in the summer. Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in July than Galveston. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Galveston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Galveston in the Autumn?

Both Galveston and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Galveston in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Winston-Salem is cooler than Galveston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Galveston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In October, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Galveston. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    Galveston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Galveston in the Winter?

Both Galveston and Winston-Salem during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Galveston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Winston-Salem can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Winston-Salem is much colder than Galveston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Winston-Salem in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Galveston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in January than Galveston. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Galveston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Galveston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Galveston. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Galveston because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Winston-Salem is generally cooler than Galveston. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 61°F (16°C), and Galveston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In April, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Galveston. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Galveston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Galveston and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Galveston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)