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

Should you visit Baltimore or Hilton Head Island?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Hilton Head Island can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Baltimore travel costs.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a peaceful, beautiful, and resort-filled coastal town. Hilton Head Island is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and food. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Baltimore and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Hilton Head Island are both popular with visitors, Baltimore has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Baltimore is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Hilton Head Island is known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Baltimore is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also home to the National Aquarium. Hilton Head Island is popular for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails.

How is Baltimore 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 Baltimore. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Baltimore is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Baltimore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Baltimore and Hilton Head Island both to be very good destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Hilton Head Island has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Baltimore or Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

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

Baltimore has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 Baltimore or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is well known for its resorts. However, Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Hilton Head Island. 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.

Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Is Baltimore or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is well known for the beach. However, Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Hilton Head Island?

Baltimore is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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 Baltimore or Hilton Head Island More Beautiful?

Hilton Head Island is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

Hilton Head Island is a beautiful place to visit, too. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Baltimore or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Baltimore. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Baltimore or Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

Both Baltimore and Hilton Head Island are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Hilton Head Island is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Baltimore or Hilton Head Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Baltimore is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

Baltimore is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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 Baltimore or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Baltimore is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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 Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Baltimore or Hilton Head Island?

Both Baltimore 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 Baltimore. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Baltimore, and 5-7 days is enough time in Hilton Head Island.

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

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

One day in Baltimore or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the historic destination of Baltimore. This city offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal town of Hilton Head Island. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Baltimore or Hilton Head Island?

Baltimore is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Baltimore. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Baltimore has to offer.

You'll find shopping and food around the family-friendly destination of Hilton Head Island. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Baltimore or Hilton Head Island?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Baltimore. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the family-friendly coastal town of Hilton Head Island. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer.

A week in Baltimore or Hilton Head Island?

Baltimore 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.

Hilton Head Island is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hilton Head Island, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baltimore and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. And not only is Baltimore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Baltimore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Baltimore 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 Baltimore.

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

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Hilton Head Island?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Hilton Head Island?

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 Baltimore or Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Hilton Head Island. The summer months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

In the summer, Baltimore is cooler than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 82°F (28°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 Baltimore this time of the year. In the summer, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilton Head Island. Baltimore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Baltimore usually gets less rain in July than Hilton Head Island. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Hilton Head Island and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Baltimore is generally cooler than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Hilton Head Island during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilton Head Island. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Hilton Head Island and Baltimore during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Baltimore. Baltimore is much colder than Hilton Head Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Hilton Head Island. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Hilton Head Island. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Baltimore is much colder than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baltimore in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Hilton Head Island during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilton Head Island. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Baltimore