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

Should you visit Galveston or Vernon?

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 Galveston and Vernon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Galveston

Galveston is a coastal, historic, and charming town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Galveston travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a relaxing, quiet, and peaceful town. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking. See Vernon travel costs.

Galveston and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galveston or Vernon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Galveston. Although Galveston and Vernon are both popular with visitors, Galveston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Galveston is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and small town charm, while Vernon is known for its hiking. Galveston is more touristy than Vernon and is popular for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. It is also home to Pleasure Pier. Vernon is popular for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Galveston different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Galveston or Vernon?

Galveston is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Galveston can be an interesting and educational experience. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.

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 Galveston or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Galveston and Vernon can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Galveston has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Vernon area. 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 Galveston or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

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

Galveston offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.

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 Galveston or Vernon Better for Beaches?

Galveston is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Vernon is not a beach destination.

Galveston has a beach worth visiting. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Vernon is not a beach destination.

Is Galveston or Vernon Better for its Old Town?

Galveston is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Vernon does not have a historic old town.

Galveston offers a nice historic old town area. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Vernon does not have a historic old town.

Is Galveston or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Vernon is great for hiking. However, Galveston 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.

Galveston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Galveston or Vernon?

If you're looking to go shopping, Galveston and Vernon both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Galveston. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

Many visitors go to Vernon to go shopping. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Galveston or Vernon Better for Families?

Galveston 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.

Galveston is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

Vernon is a family-friendly town. 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 Galveston or Vernon Better for Couples?

Galveston is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Galveston is a very popular place to visit for couples. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

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

Galveston and Vernon both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.

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

Is Galveston or Vernon a more walkable city?

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

Galveston is a somewhat walkable town. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Galveston?

How long in Galveston or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Galveston and Vernon. In our opinion, Galveston has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Galveston than Vernon. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Galveston or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Galveston. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Vernon. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vernon has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Galveston or Vernon?

Galveston 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.

You'll find museums and food around the peaceful destination of Vernon. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Galveston or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galveston. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful town of Vernon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Galveston or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Galveston. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Vernon is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages 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 Galveston and Vernon, we can see that Galveston 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 Galveston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Galveston 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 Galveston Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Galveston or Vernon?

Galveston has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Galveston 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 Galveston 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 Galveston or Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Galveston during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Galveston this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Vernon for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Galveston is a little warmer than Vernon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Galveston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Vernon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Galveston usually gets more rain in July than Vernon. Galveston gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galveston or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Galveston and Vernon. Many travelers come to Galveston for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vernon in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Galveston is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Galveston average around 71°F (22°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Galveston usually receives more rain than Vernon. Galveston gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Galveston or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Galveston as well as Vernon. Many visitors come to Galveston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Vernon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vernon can be very cold during winter. Galveston is much warmer than Vernon in the winter. The daily temperature in Galveston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Galveston usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Galveston gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galveston or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Galveston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Galveston for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Galveston is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Galveston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Vernon averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In April, Galveston usually receives more rain than Vernon. Galveston gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Galveston