A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Alexandria vs. Martha's Vineyard for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Alexandria and Martha's Vineyard. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Alexandria attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Alexandria travel costs.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a coastal, peaceful, and affluent island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

Alexandria and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Alexandria. Although Alexandria and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations, Alexandria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alexandria is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and historical sights, while Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Alexandria is famous for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Mount Vernon. Martha's Vineyard is famous for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping.

How is Alexandria different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard?

Alexandria
Martha's Vineyard

Alexandria is a great city for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Alexandria. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.


Is the Food Better in Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alexandria
Martha's Vineyard

Dining out at restaurants in both Alexandria and Martha's Vineyard can be an enjoyable experience.

Alexandria has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Martha's Vineyard makes for a great culinary experience. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

Is Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Alexandria
Martha's Vineyard

Alexandria is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Alexandria has a few options to choose from. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Alexandria
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Alexandria is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Martha's Vineyard for its luxury resorts. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Alexandria is not a resort destination.


Is Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Alexandria
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is great for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Martha's Vineyard for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Is Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria
Martha's Vineyard

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Martha's Vineyard does not have a historic old town.

Alexandria offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Martha's Vineyard does not have a historic old town.

Is Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Alexandria
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. However, Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard offers some nice hiking trails. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard?

Alexandria
Martha's Vineyard

If you're looking to go shopping, Alexandria and Martha's Vineyard both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Martha's Vineyard is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

Is Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard More Beautiful?

Alexandria
Martha's Vineyard

You'll find a similar quality of excellent scenery and beauty in both Alexandria and Martha's Vineyard.

With stunning beauty, Alexandria attracts visitors from all around. The historic architecture and beautiful waterfront make this an iconic destination.

Martha's Vineyard is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural beauty.

Is Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Alexandria
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Martha's Vineyard offers lots of family activities. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.


Is Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Alexandria
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Martha's Vineyard is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

Alexandria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Is Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alexandria
Martha's Vineyard

Alexandria is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Martha's Vineyard is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Budget options are limited, making this an inconvenient destination for backpackers.

Is Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alexandria
Martha's Vineyard

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its public transit.

Public transit in Alexandria is top-notch. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is generally limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.


Is Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Alexandria
Martha's Vineyard

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its walkability.

Alexandria is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Alexandria Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Alexandria and Martha's Vineyard. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Alexandria than in Martha's Vineyard. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alexandria, and 1-3 days is enough time in Martha's Vineyard.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Martha's Vineyard 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 Alexandria.


  • How many days in Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard? Ideal Length of Stay
    Alexandria 2-4 
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3

One day in Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Alexandria, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Martha's Vineyard 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Martha's Vineyard, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard?

With museums and nightlife around the quaint city of Alexandria, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Even though Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.


Five days in Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming destination of Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Martha's Vineyard, a popular island, 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 Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard?

Alexandria is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Martha's Vineyard 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Martha's Vineyard or Alexandria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Alexandria Prices
    USA Prices
    Martha's Vineyard Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Alexandria $0.00
    Martha's Vineyard $285

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Martha's Vineyard is $285. 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 Alexandria and Martha's Vineyard in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $38
    Martha's Vineyard $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $76
    Martha's Vineyard $264
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Martha's Vineyard

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard? 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 Alexandria


Hotels in Marthas Vineyard


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: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria -
    Martha's Vineyard $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard?

Prices for flights to both Martha's Vineyard and Alexandria 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
    Alexandria -
    Martha's Vineyard $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria -
    Martha's Vineyard $30

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Alexandria & Mt Vernon Tour: $99
  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Old Town Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $39
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127
  • Phantoms of the Potomac: Old Town Alexandria Ghost Tour: $27
  • Semi-Private Walking Tour Old Town Alexandria & Carlyle: $69

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • Best of Martha's Vineyard 3 hour Full-Island Tour: $65
  • 4 hours Hop-on Hop-off Jawsome Jaws Tour: $120
  • All Island Bus Tour: $75
  • All New Shared Jaws tour Budget Friendly: $130
  • Best 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard shared Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $65
  • Discovering Oak Bluffs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Down Island Tour with One Hour in Edgartown: $65
  • Edgartown Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Martha Vineyard Bus Tour: $60
  • Martha's Vineyard: All Island Tour: $70
  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria -
    Martha's Vineyard $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Alexandria:

  • Alexandria Ghosts: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30


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

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



When is the best time to visit Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

Alexandria is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. Alexandria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard during summer. Alexandria gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Alexandria during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Alexandria is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Alexandria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Alexandria gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 211 hours of full sun.

Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Martha's Vineyard. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Martha's Vineyard. Many travelers come to Alexandria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Martha's Vineyard can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Alexandria. In January, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 35°F (1°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Alexandria usually receives less sunshine than Martha's Vineyard during winter. Alexandria gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Martha's Vineyard. Many visitors come to Alexandria in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Alexandria is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Martha's Vineyard. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alexandria this time of the year. In the spring, Alexandria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Alexandria gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 225 hours of full sun.

Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Martha's Vineyard. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Alexandria

Alexandria Martha's Vineyard
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)


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