A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. Hilton Head Island for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Atlanta or Hilton Head Island?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Hilton Head Island, 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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a suburban, cultural, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Atlanta travel costs.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a beautiful, resort-filled, and family-friendly coastal town. Hilton Head Island offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Atlanta and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Hilton Head Island?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Atlanta. Although Atlanta and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations, Atlanta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Atlanta is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Hilton Head Island attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Atlanta and is known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Atlanta is famous for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. It is also well known for the Georgia Aquarium.

How is Atlanta different from Hilton Head Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hilton Head Island and Atlanta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or Hilton Head Island?

Atlanta is terrific for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Atlanta has many famous sights for visitors. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Hilton Head Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Atlanta and Hilton Head Island.

Atlanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hilton Head Island makes for a great culinary experience. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Is Atlanta or Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Atlanta has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Atlanta or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is a great coastal town for its luxury resorts. However, Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Hilton Head Island is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Is Atlanta or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is a great coastal town for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hilton Head Island. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Hilton Head Island?

Atlanta is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Atlanta specifically to go shopping. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for shopping. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Atlanta or Hilton Head Island More Beautiful?

Hilton Head Island is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Atlanta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Hilton Head Island offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

Atlanta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Atlanta or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Hilton Head Island is an amazing family-friendly coastal town to visit. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

Atlanta is a very family-friendly place to visit. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Atlanta or Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

Atlanta and Hilton Head Island are both nice to visit as a couple.

Atlanta is a good city for couples to visit. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is Atlanta or Hilton Head Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Atlanta is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Hilton Head Island is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This is a family-focused beach destination with almost no backpackers around.

Is Atlanta or Hilton Head Island Better for Students?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

Atlanta is very popular with students. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

Is Atlanta or Hilton Head Island Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atlanta is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Atlanta or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Atlanta is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Hilton Head Island?

Both Atlanta and Hilton Head Island have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Atlanta. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 5-7 days is enough time in Hilton Head Island.

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

Couples should spend more time in Atlanta than Hilton Head Island. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Atlanta that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta than Hilton Head Island 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 Atlanta.

One day in Atlanta or Hilton Head Island?

Atlanta is a suburban big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Hilton Head Island, you'll find food and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Hilton Head Island?

Atlanta is a popular place to visit. Atlanta is a sprawling city where you can fill many days. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlanta has to offer.

In Hilton Head Island, you'll find shopping and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Atlanta or Hilton Head Island?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Atlanta. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Hilton Head Island is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hilton Head Island has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Hilton Head Island?

Atlanta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilton Head Island. In Hilton Head Island, you'll find shopping and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Hilton Head Island?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Hilton Head Island, 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 Atlanta or Hilton Head Island?

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 Atlanta or Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Hilton Head Island. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Atlanta is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hilton Head Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlanta usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Hilton Head Island. The autumn months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

In the autumn, Atlanta is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun.

Atlanta usually gets more rain in October than Hilton Head Island. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

Both Hilton Head Island and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Atlanta is generally cooler than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Hilton Head Island. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

Both Hilton Head Island and Atlanta during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Atlanta is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the spring, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Hilton Head Island. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Atlanta