A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlottesville vs. San Diego for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Charlottesville or San Diego?

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 Charlottesville and San Diego. 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.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a collegiate, southern, and proud university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Charlottesville is a beautiful place to visit, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and nightlife. See Charlottesville travel costs.

San Diego

San Diego is a dynamic, energetic, and relaxed coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. San Diego is a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music. See San Diego travel costs.

Charlottesville and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlottesville or San Diego?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Diego than Charlottesville, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Diego is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Charlottesville is more popular for its historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. San Diego is more touristy than Charlottesville and is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. Also, San Diego is famous for The San Diego Zoo. Charlottesville is well known for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Charlottesville different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charlottesville or San Diego?

San Diego is a great coastal city for its historical sights. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around San Diego. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlottesville. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

Is the Food Better in Charlottesville or San Diego? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Diego is a great coastal city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

San Diego has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Charlottesville or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

San Diego is a great coastal city for nightlife and partying. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in San Diego has something for everybody. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlottesville. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

Is Charlottesville or San Diego Better for Music?

San Diego is a great coastal city for its live music scene. However, Charlottesville is not a live music destination.

San Diego has a thriving music scene. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Charlottesville is not a live music destination.

Is Charlottesville or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, San Diego makes a nice vacation spot. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

Is Charlottesville or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Charlottesville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in San Diego. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Charlottesville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Charlottesville or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is terrific for the beach. However, Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

San Diego offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

Is Charlottesville or San Diego Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville is a good destination for its old town. However, San Diego does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Charlottesville. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

San Diego does not have a historic old town.

Is Charlottesville or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is a great coastal city for hiking. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to San Diego for the hiking trails. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Charlottesville is a good destination for hiking. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlottesville or San Diego?

San Diego is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting San Diego. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Charlottesville or San Diego More Beautiful?

Charlottesville and San Diego are somewhat similar when it comes to the notable scenery.

Charlottesville is a beautiful place to visit, too. Surrounded by the Shenandoah Mountains, this is a beautiful town and home to the beautiful University of Virginia.

San Diego offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Many people enjoy city's beautiful coastline and surrounding natural beauty.

Is Charlottesville or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, San Diego is very family-friendly. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Charlottesville or San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for couples.

San Diego is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

Charlottesville is a good university town for couples to visit. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Is Charlottesville or San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Diego is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlottesville is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Charlottesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is camping an hiking in the area that is a good option for backpackers.

Is Charlottesville or San Diego Better for Students?

For students, both Charlottesville and San Diego are terrific places to visit.

Charlottesville is a very popular place to visit for students. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Many students frequent San Diego. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Is Charlottesville or San Diego Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Charlottesville and San Diego both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Public transit is generally limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is Charlottesville or San Diego a more walkable city?

San Diego is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Charlottesville is not known for its ease of walking around.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

For even more information, also check out Is Charlottesville Worth Visiting? and Is San Diego Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Charlottesville?

How long in Charlottesville or San Diego?

In either Charlottesville or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in San Diego than Charlottesville because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlottesville, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Diego than Charlottesville 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 San Diego.

One day in Charlottesville or San Diego?

Even though Charlottesville is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

The outdoorsy destination of San Diego offers shopping and museums. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Charlottesville or San Diego?

Charlottesville is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this university town has to offer. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The coastal city of San Diego offers museums and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Charlottesville or San Diego?

Charlottesville is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

San Diego is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Charlottesville or San Diego?

Charlottesville 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.

Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting San Diego. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Charlottesville or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Charlottesville. When comparing the sizes of Charlottesville and San Diego, 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 Charlottesville or San Diego?

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 Charlottesville or San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego and Charlottesville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

Charlottesville is a little warmer than San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in Charlottesville averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. Charlottesville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during summer. Charlottesville gets 305 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Charlottesville. In July, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than San Diego. Charlottesville gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charlottesville or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego and Charlottesville during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Charlottesville is cooler than San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charlottesville in October average around 59°F (15°C), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. In the autumn, Charlottesville often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Charlottesville gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

Charlottesville usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Charlottesville gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlottesville or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlottesville and San Diego. Many travelers come to Charlottesville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Diego in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Charlottesville. In January, Charlottesville is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 36°F (2°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. Charlottesville usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Charlottesville gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than San Diego. Charlottesville gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charlottesville or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charlottesville as well as San Diego. Many visitors come to Charlottesville in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Charlottesville is cooler than San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in Charlottesville averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlottesville this time of the year. In the spring, Charlottesville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego. Charlottesville gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Charlottesville usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Charlottesville gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Charlottesville