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

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Victoria?

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 Victoria 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.

Victoria

Victoria is a cultural, scenic, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Victoria travel costs.

Hilton Head Island and Victoria: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Victoria. Although Hilton Head Island and Victoria are popular destinations, Victoria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Victoria 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 famous for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Victoria is famous for its colonial buildings and public parks. It is also well known for Butchart Gardens.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Victoria 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 Victoria. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Victoria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Is Hilton Head Island or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Victoria 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 Victoria. There are a good number of bars and pubs around town. Most offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a cold drink in a casual setting.

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 Victoria Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Victoria 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.

Victoria is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Victoria Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place for the beach. However, Victoria 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.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Victoria is very good for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Victoria. There are many outdoor spaces and parks that offer local hiking trails. This is a great way to experience the scenic beauty of the area.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Victoria?

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

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.

Victoria is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Hilton Head Island or Victoria More Beautiful?

Hilton Head Island is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Victoria 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.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hilton Head Island or Victoria Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is an amazing coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Victoria is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and get the energy out. Walking trails are popular. You can also do the Malahat SkyWalk which offers impressive views. Cadboro-Gyro Park has a playground, zip-line, and picnic areas. Another hightlight for kids is a visit to the Beacon Hill Children's Farm. If the weather isn't cooperating, you can visit the BC Aviation Museum.

Is Hilton Head Island or Victoria Better for Couples?

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

Victoria makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city offers many great activities for couples such as a visit to Hatley Park and Castle. The city is also famous for its many flower gardens which are best visited in spring. Kayaking, hiking, and exploring are also favorite activities for couples.

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 Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Victoria is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

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

Victoria 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 Victoria. While there are buses, it's best not to count on them because they're not particularly reliable.

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 Victoria a more walkable city?

Victoria is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Victoria is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights are close by and easy to walk to.

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 Victoria Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Hilton Head Island or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Hilton Head Island or Victoria. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

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

One day in Hilton Head Island or Victoria?

The coastal town of Hilton Head Island offers shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the scenic destination of Victoria. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Victoria?

Hilton Head Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Victoria is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Victoria. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Victoria?

Hilton Head Island is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hilton Head Island, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Victoria. 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 Victoria?

Hilton Head Island is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hilton Head Island has to offer. This coastal town offers something for everyone.

Victoria is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.

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

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 Victoria Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island and Victoria, 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 Victoria?

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 Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Victoria for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Victoria in the summer. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Hilton Head Island. In July, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Victoria. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Victoria and Hilton Head Island during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Victoria because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hilton Head Island in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in October than Victoria. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Victoria. 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 Victoria this time of year.

It's quite cold in Victoria in the winter. In January, Hilton Head Island is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 48°F (9°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Victoria receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Hilton Head Island usually receives less rain than Victoria. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Victoria. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Victoria and Hilton Head Island