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

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Sedona?

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 Sedona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful coastal town. Hilton Head Island is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and food. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Sedona

Sedona is a dramatic, scenic, and striking town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Sedona is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sedona travel costs.

Hilton Head Island and Sedona: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sedona. Although Hilton Head Island and Sedona are both popular with visitors, Sedona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sedona is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Hilton Head Island is known for its beaches. Hilton Head Island is popular for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Sedona is popular for its stargazing, desert setting, and yoga retreats. It is also home to Red Rock Crossing Park.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Sedona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sedona 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 Sedona?

Sedona is very good for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Sedona. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There are also many galleries around town.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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, Sedona makes for a great culinary experience. It's grown into a foodie destination with local restaurants that pride themselves on using local ingredients. Mexican food is common but you'll also find cafes, classic American food, and other international options.

Is Hilton Head Island or Sedona Better for Nightlife?

Sedona 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 Sedona. There are bars, live music venues, and even a casino in town. Breweries are popular and there are also upscale wine bars.

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 Sedona Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Hilton Head Island and Sedona.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Hilton Head Island. 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.

Sedona is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Upscale resorts with spas, pools, and other amenities offer the perfect backdrop for a desert vacation.

Is Hilton Head Island or Sedona Better for Beaches?

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

Hilton Head Island is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Sedona is not a beach destination.

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

Sedona is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Hilton Head Island does not have a historic old town.

Sedona has an old town worth visiting. Traditional architecture and historic charm give downtown Sedona a lot of character.

Hilton Head Island does not have a historic old town.

Is Hilton Head Island or Sedona Better for Hiking?

Sedona is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Sedona. It's red rock cliffs offer the perfect setting for dramatic hikes and breathtaking views. The colors are most impressive at sunrise and sunset and some of the most famous landmarks include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Sedona?

Sedona is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Sedona specifically to go shopping. It's filled with local artisan shops and art galleries that highlight the region's beauty. Head to Uptown Sedona for some of the best boutiques. You should also check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the Sedona Art Center, and Hozho Distinctive Shops and Galleries.

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 Sedona More Beautiful?

Sedona is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Sedona is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The surrounded countryside is filled with dramatic desert landscapes and striking red cliffs.

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 Sedona Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Hilton Head Island is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Sedona is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are impressive parks and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Head to Slide Rock State Park where your kids can enjoy a natural waterslide. There's also the Out of Africa Wildlife Zoo as well as a canyon railroad.

Is Hilton Head Island or Sedona Better for Couples?

Sedona is terrific for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Sedona has plenty to offer. Stargazing in the evening or picnicking in a park during the day. There are countless romantic activities that couples can enjoy. The area is filled with striking natural beauty that is at its best during sunset. Couples will also enjoy fine dining and a variety of outdoor activities.

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 Sedona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Sedona is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find campgrounds, RV parks, and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

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 Sedona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sedona is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Sedona. Verde Shuttle offers shuttle routes through town.

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 Sedona a more walkable city?

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

Sedona is a somewhat walkable town. If you stay in Uptown Sedona, then the area is walkable, but if you're planning to stay further away then you'll need to have a car.

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 Sedona Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Hilton Head Island or Sedona?

In either Hilton Head Island or Sedona, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than Sedona because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 3-5 days is enough time in Sedona.

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

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

One day in Hilton Head Island or Sedona?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Hilton Head Island. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Sedona might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Sedona?

Hilton Head Island is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sedona is a popular place to visit. Even though Sedona is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most people visit for the shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Sedona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilton Head Island. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sedona is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the shopping. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sedona has to offer.

A week in Hilton Head Island or Sedona?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Hilton Head Island. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Sedona is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Sedona, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. And not only is Sedona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sedona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sedona 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 Sedona.

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 Sedona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Sedona?

Hilton Head Island has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sedona. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island and Sedona, 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.