A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jacksonville vs. Ketchikan for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Jacksonville or Ketchikan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and Ketchikan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a vibrant, under-rated, and lively city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Jacksonville travel costs.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Jacksonville and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Ketchikan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than Ketchikan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jacksonville is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Ketchikan is more popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ketchikan is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. Also, Jacksonville is famous for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jacksonville or Ketchikan?

Jacksonville is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Jacksonville specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

Is the Food Better in Jacksonville or Ketchikan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ketchikan is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Ketchikan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Jacksonville makes for a great culinary experience. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

Is Jacksonville or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is notable for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Jacksonville has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Jacksonville or Ketchikan Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is notable for its beaches. However, Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

Jacksonville is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

Is Jacksonville or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Ketchikan is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Ketchikan?

Jacksonville is notable for shopping. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Jacksonville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Jacksonville or Ketchikan More Beautiful?

Ketchikan is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Jacksonville is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Jacksonville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jacksonville or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Ketchikan is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Ketchikan. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Jacksonville or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

Ketchikan is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Ketchikan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Jacksonville or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville and Ketchikan are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Is Jacksonville or Ketchikan Better for Students?

Jacksonville is very good for students. However, Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Jacksonville is a good city to visit for students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Is Jacksonville or Ketchikan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Jacksonville is very good for its public transit. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Jacksonville has a few public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Jacksonville or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Ketchikan is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Ketchikan is a very walkable destination. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jacksonville and Ketchikan. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ketchikan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than Ketchikan 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 Jacksonville.

One day in Jacksonville or Ketchikan?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Jacksonville. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Ketchikan, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Ketchikan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Jacksonville. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Ketchikan is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Jacksonville or Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun city of Jacksonville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the local destination of Ketchikan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Ketchikan?

Jacksonville is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Ketchikan is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Jacksonville and Ketchikan, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Ketchikan?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Ketchikan, 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 Jacksonville or Ketchikan?

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 Jacksonville or Ketchikan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Ketchikan. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jacksonville is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 58°F (15°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Jacksonville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in July than Ketchikan. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

Both Ketchikan and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In October, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Ketchikan in the Winter?

Both Ketchikan and Jacksonville during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ketchikan can be very cold. Jacksonville is much warmer than Ketchikan in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in January than Ketchikan. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Ketchikan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Ketchikan. The spring months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

In the spring, Jacksonville is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 44°F (6°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Jacksonville