A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hilton Head Island vs. Vernon for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island and Vernon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a beautiful, resort-filled, and family-friendly coastal town. Hilton Head Island offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a quiet, peaceful, and relaxing town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Vernon travel costs.

Hilton Head Island and Vernon: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vernon. Although Hilton Head Island and Vernon are popular destinations, Vernon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vernon is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and hiking, while Hilton Head Island attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Vernon and is popular for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Vernon is famous for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails. It is also well known for Davison Orchards Country Village.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vernon 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 Vernon. 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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hilton Head Island is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Hilton Head Island is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. 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 Hilton Head Island or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Vernon is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

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 Vernon Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Vernon is not a resort destination.

Hilton Head Island is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Vernon is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Vernon Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is a well-known place for the beach. However, Vernon is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hilton Head Island. 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.

Vernon is not a beach destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Vernon 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 Vernon. 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.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Vernon?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Hilton Head Island and Vernon.

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Vernon is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Hilton Head Island or Vernon More Beautiful?

Hilton Head Island is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Hilton Head Island offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hilton Head Island or Vernon Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hilton Head Island is an amazing family-friendly coastal town to visit. 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.

Vernon is a family-friendly coastal 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 Hilton Head Island or Vernon Better for Couples?

Both Hilton Head Island and Vernon are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Hilton Head Island is a good coastal town for couples to visit. 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.

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

Vernon 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 Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

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 Vernon a more walkable city?

Hilton Head Island and Vernon are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Hilton Head Island is generally not a very walkable coastal town. 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.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Hilton Head Island or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hilton Head Island and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Vernon. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

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

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

One day in Hilton Head Island or Vernon?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the peaceful destination of Vernon. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Vernon?

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.

Vernon is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the peaceful town of Vernon. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vernon has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Vernon?

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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Vernon. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the family-friendly 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.

Vernon 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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hilton Head Island and Vernon, we can see that Hilton Head Island 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 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 Vernon.

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 Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or Vernon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Vernon. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Vernon for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than Vernon in the summer. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Hilton Head Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in July than Vernon. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Vernon and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Vernon in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hilton Head Island in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Vernon averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Vernon. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Vernon and Hilton Head Island during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Vernon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vernon can be very cold during winter. In January, Hilton Head Island is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 48°F (9°C), and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Vernon. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Vernon in the spring. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Vernon. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Hilton Head Island