A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbus vs. Martha's Vineyard for Couples, Food, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Columbus or Martha's Vineyard?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Martha's Vineyard? 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a down-to-earth, authentic, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbus travel costs.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a peaceful, affluent, and coastal island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Martha's Vineyard is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

Columbus and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard than Columbus, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Martha's Vineyard is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Columbus is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Martha's Vineyard is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Also, Martha's Vineyard is famous for the Aquinnah Cliffs. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Columbus or Martha's Vineyard?

Columbus is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbus. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

Is the Food Better in Columbus or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Martha's Vineyard. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Columbus is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Columbus has a few options to choose from. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Columbus or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Martha's Vineyard is a great choice. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is Columbus or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Columbus is not a beach destination.

Martha's Vineyard is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is Columbus or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Martha's Vineyard?

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Martha's Vineyard. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

Columbus offers some nice shopping areas. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Is Columbus or Martha's Vineyard More Beautiful?

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Martha's Vineyard is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural beauty.

Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbus or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Columbus is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Columbus. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Columbus or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Martha's Vineyard makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Columbus or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Columbus and Martha's Vineyard.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Public transit is generally limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Is Columbus or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Columbus and Martha's Vineyard are notable when it comes to walkability.

Columbus is somewhat walkable. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

Martha's Vineyard is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Columbus Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Martha's Vineyard?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Columbus than Martha's Vineyard 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 Columbus.

One day in Columbus or Martha's Vineyard?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Columbus, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Columbus or Martha's Vineyard?

With shopping and museums around the welcoming city of Columbus, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Martha's Vineyard, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbus or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the authentic destination of Columbus. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Martha's Vineyard 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 Columbus or Martha's Vineyard?

Columbus is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Martha's Vineyard is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Columbus or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Columbus or Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Martha's Vineyard. Most visitors come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Columbus is generally around the same temperature as Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 77°F (25°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In Columbus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Martha's Vineyard during summer. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbus or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Martha's Vineyard. The autumn months attract visitors to Columbus because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

Columbus is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Martha's Vineyard. In the autumn, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Martha's Vineyard. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 211 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets less rain in October than Martha's Vineyard. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Columbus 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 Columbus this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Martha's Vineyard. It's quite cold in Columbus in the winter. In the winter, Columbus is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbus in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Martha's Vineyard during winter. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Columbus usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbus or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Columbus during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Columbus is generally a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Martha's Vineyard. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 225 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets less rain in April than Martha's Vineyard. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Columbus