A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Atlanta vs. Vernon for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Atlanta or Vernon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Vernon, 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 sprawling, suburban, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Atlanta travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a quiet, peaceful, and relaxing town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Vernon travel costs.

Atlanta and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Vernon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Atlanta. Although Atlanta and Vernon are popular destinations, Atlanta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Atlanta is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Vernon attracts visitors for its hiking. 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. Vernon is famous for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Atlanta different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Atlanta is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Atlanta on the map. 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.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Atlanta is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Atlanta or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

Atlanta offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Atlanta or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Vernon is a great town for hiking. However, Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Vernon for the hiking trails. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Vernon?

Atlanta is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Atlanta is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Atlanta or Vernon Better for Families?

Atlanta is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Atlanta is known to be 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.

Vernon is a family-friendly city. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Atlanta or Vernon Better for Couples?

Atlanta and Vernon 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.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

Is Atlanta or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlanta. 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.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

Is Atlanta or Vernon Better for Students?

Atlanta is a well-known place for students. However, Vernon is not popular with students.

Atlanta is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Vernon is not popular with students.

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

Atlanta and Vernon both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

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 generally limited in Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Atlanta or Vernon a more walkable city?

Atlanta is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town 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.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable city. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Vernon?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Atlanta than Vernon. 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 Vernon 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 Vernon?

Atlanta is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Vernon, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Atlanta or Vernon?

Atlanta 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.

In Vernon, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vernon has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlanta. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vernon is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse big city of Atlanta. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vernon. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Vernon. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Vernon?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Vernon, 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 Vernon?

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 Atlanta or Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Atlanta during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vernon this time of year.

Atlanta is a little warmer than Vernon in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in July than Vernon. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Vernon. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vernon for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Atlanta is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°C), and Vernon averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Vernon. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlanta or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Vernon. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Vernon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Vernon can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the winter. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the spring for the activities around the city.

Atlanta is much warmer than Vernon in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Vernon. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Atlanta