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

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Alexandria?

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 Hilton Head Island and Alexandria can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a family-friendly, relaxing, and peaceful coastal town. Hilton Head Island offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Alexandria attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Alexandria travel costs.

Hilton Head Island and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Alexandria. Although Hilton Head Island and Alexandria are popular destinations, Alexandria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alexandria is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Hilton Head Island attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. Hilton Head Island is famous for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Alexandria is famous for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Mount Vernon.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Alexandria specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Hilton Head Island and Alexandria.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Alexandria makes for a great culinary experience. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Hilton Head Island or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Alexandria is very good for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

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 Hilton Head Island or Alexandria Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is great for its luxury resorts. However, Alexandria is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Hilton Head Island to choose from. 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.

Alexandria is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Alexandria Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is great for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Hilton Head Island for it's beautiful 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.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Hilton Head Island does not have a historic old town.

Alexandria has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Hilton Head Island does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Alexandria?

Alexandria 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 Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

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 Hilton Head Island or Alexandria More Beautiful?

Alexandria is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Alexandria attracts visitors from all around. The historic architecture and beautiful waterfront make this an iconic destination.

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

Is Hilton Head Island or Alexandria Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Hilton Head Island is very family-friendly. 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.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Hilton Head Island or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Alexandria is a very popular place for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Alexandria makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. 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 Hilton Head Island or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Alexandria is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

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

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Alexandria can take you anywhere. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro 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 Hilton Head Island or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Alexandria is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Alexandria. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

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

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

How long in Hilton Head Island or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Hilton Head Island or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

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

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

One day in Hilton Head Island or Alexandria?

With shopping and food around the beautiful coastal town of Hilton Head Island, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Alexandria?

With food and shopping around the destination of Hilton Head Island, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Alexandria is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Alexandria. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Alexandria has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Alexandria?

Hilton Head Island, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Alexandria. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

A week in Hilton Head Island or Alexandria?

Hilton Head Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Alexandria is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island and Alexandria, 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 Hilton Head Island or Alexandria?

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 Hilton Head Island or Alexandria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Alexandria. Many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hilton Head Island is around the same temperature as Alexandria in the summer. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Alexandria fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alexandria this time of the year. In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hilton Head Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during summer. Hilton Head Island gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hilton Head Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Alexandria. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hilton Head Island in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Alexandria averages at about 60°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In the autumn, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Hilton Head Island gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Alexandria. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Alexandria and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

It's quite cold in Alexandria in the winter. In January, Hilton Head Island is generally much warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 48°F (9°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

Hilton Head Island usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during winter. Hilton Head Island gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Alexandria and Hilton Head Island during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than Alexandria in the spring. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In Alexandria, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. In the spring, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Hilton Head Island gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Alexandria. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Hilton Head Island