A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbia vs. Williamsburg for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Columbia or Williamsburg?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Williamsburg? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Columbia

Columbia is a welcoming, suburban, and friendly city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbia travel costs.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a historic, charming, and quaint town. Williamsburg is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Columbia and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Williamsburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Williamsburg. Although Columbia and Williamsburg are both popular with visitors, Williamsburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Williamsburg is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Columbia is known for its nightlife. Williamsburg is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. It is also home to Colonial Williamsburg. Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Columbia or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbia. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

Is the Food Better in Columbia or Williamsburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Williamsburg is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Williamsburg. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Columbia or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Columbia is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Columbia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Columbia or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is renowned for its old town. However, Columbia does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Williamsburg is one of the most recognized in the world. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Columbia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Williamsburg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Columbia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Columbia or Williamsburg More Beautiful?

Williamsburg is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Williamsburg is a beautiful place to visit, too. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbia or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Williamsburg is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Williamsburg is a very family-friendly destination. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

Columbia is a family-friendly city. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Columbia or Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Williamsburg is a well-known place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Columbia or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Williamsburg is renowned for students. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Williamsburg. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Plenty of students visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Is Columbia or Williamsburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Columbia and Williamsburg offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Columbia or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Williamsburg is a moderate town for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Williamsburg is generally not very walkable. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

For even more information, also check out Is Columbia Worth Visiting? and Is Williamsburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Columbia or Williamsburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Williamsburg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbia, and 2-4 days is enough time in Williamsburg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Williamsburg than Columbia 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 Williamsburg.

One day in Columbia or Williamsburg?

In Columbia, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

The town of Williamsburg offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Columbia or Williamsburg?

Columbia is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Williamsburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Williamsburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbia or Williamsburg?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the friendly destination of Columbia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Williamsburg is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbia or Williamsburg?

Columbia is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Williamsburg is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Williamsburg?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Columbia and Williamsburg, 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 Columbia or Williamsburg?

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 Columbia or Williamsburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Williamsburg. Most visitors come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Columbia is around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbia in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg during summer. Columbia gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Williamsburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Columbia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Williamsburg. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbia or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Williamsburg. The autumn months attract visitors to Columbia because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

In October, Columbia is generally a little warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In the autumn, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Williamsburg. Columbia gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Williamsburg. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Williamsburg in the Winter?

Both Williamsburg and Columbia 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 Columbia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Williamsburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Williamsburg. Columbia is much warmer than Williamsburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

Columbia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg during winter. Columbia gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Columbia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Williamsburg. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbia or Williamsburg in the Spring?

Both Williamsburg and Columbia during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Columbia is a little warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbia in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Columbia. In the spring, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Williamsburg. Columbia gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Williamsburg. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Columbia