A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jacksonville vs. Vernon for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Jacksonville or Vernon?

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 Vernon. 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 under-rated, lively, and youthful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Vernon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville. Although Jacksonville and Vernon are popular destinations, Jacksonville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jacksonville is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Vernon attracts visitors for its hiking. Vernon is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also well known for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jacksonville is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Jacksonville can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

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

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville is an experience not to be missed. 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.

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 Jacksonville or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

Jacksonville offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Jacksonville or Vernon Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is a well-known place for the beach. However, Vernon is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Jacksonville. 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.

Vernon is not a beach destination.

Is Jacksonville or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Vernon is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Vernon?

Jacksonville is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Jacksonville. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Jacksonville or Vernon Better for Families?

Both Jacksonville and Vernon are nice family-friendly destinations.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vernon. 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 Jacksonville or Vernon Better for Couples?

Jacksonville and Vernon both nice destinations for a couple.

Jacksonville is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

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 Jacksonville or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

Is Jacksonville or Vernon Better for Students?

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for students. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Vernon is not a good 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 Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Jacksonville or Vernon a more walkable city?

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jacksonville and Vernon. In our opinion, Jacksonville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Jacksonville than Vernon. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than Vernon 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 Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Jacksonville. 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.

In Vernon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quiet 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 Vernon?

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Vernon 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 Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jacksonville. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the peaceful destination of Vernon. 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 Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Jacksonville. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jacksonville and Vernon, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Vernon?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Vernon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Vernon. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

Jacksonville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jacksonville usually gets more rain in July than Vernon. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Vernon because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Jacksonville is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Vernon averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Vernon. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Jacksonville during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vernon this time of year.

It's quite cold in Vernon in the winter. In January, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Vernon. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year.

Jacksonville is much warmer than Vernon in the spring. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Vernon. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Jacksonville