A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Mystic vs. Napa Valley for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Mystic or Napa Valley?

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 Mystic and Napa Valley. 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.

Mystic

Mystic is a laid back, charming, and quaint town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Mystic travel costs.

Napa Valley

Napa Valley is a scenic, picturesque, and idyllic area. Napa Valley is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Napa Valley travel costs.

Mystic and Napa Valley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Mystic or Napa Valley?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Napa Valley than Mystic, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Napa Valley is better known for its food, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Mystic is more popular for its museums and attractions and beaches. Mystic is well known for its New England charm and local character. Napa Valley is well known for its world class wineries and beautiful countryside. Also, Napa Valley is famous for Louis M. Martini Winery.

How is Mystic different from Napa Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mystic or Napa Valley?

Mystic
Napa Valley

Mystic is a great town for its historical sights. However, Napa Valley is not known for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Mystic. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

Napa Valley offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time visiting vineyards, but there are a couple of local museums and galleries in the area that are worth checking out.


Is the Food Better in Mystic or Napa Valley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mystic
Napa Valley

Napa Valley is an amazing area to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Napa Valley, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's most known for its world-class wine, but Napa Valley is also filled with Michelin starred restaurants and charming local eateries. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or something more upscale, there is no shortage of options. Most places take advantage of local ingredients that are very fresh. Menus change regularly and seasonal ingredients are common. And, of course, you'll find a wide selection of local wines.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Mystic or Napa Valley Better for Nightlife?

Mystic
Napa Valley

Napa Valley is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Napa Valley has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. In the evening, visitors will enjoy the area's live music scene, theaters, and bars. There are also plenty of wine bars where you can continue to enjoy local wines.

Mystic has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Mystic or Napa Valley Better for Beaches?

Mystic
Napa Valley

Mystic is a great town for the beach. However, Napa Valley is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Mystic attract visitors from all over. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Napa Valley is not a beach destination.


Is Mystic or Napa Valley Better for Hiking?

Mystic
Napa Valley

Napa Valley is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Napa Valley. There are a number of state parks in the area, and there are also trails that pass by vineyards. Some of the best hiking trails are found in Alston Park, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, or Las Posadas State Forest.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Napa Valley?

Mystic
Napa Valley

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Mystic and Napa Valley.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Napa Valley is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many interesting local boutiques in the different towns. You'll find shops selling clothing, jewelry, local items, and gifts. Some of the best shopping is found along First Street in downtown Napa.

Is Mystic or Napa Valley More Beautiful?

Mystic
Napa Valley

Napa Valley is an amazing area to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Mystic is not a destination known for its beauty.

Napa Valley is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It is filled with rows of vineyards, classic chateaus, and picturesque settings, which make this a beautiful destination to explore.

Mystic is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Mystic or Napa Valley Better for Families?

Mystic
Napa Valley

Mystic is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Napa Valley is not as popular, but is still a nice area for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mystic. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Napa Valley is a family-friendly place to visit. Vineyards and wine tasting may be what comes to mind for most travelers in Napa Valley, but those visiting with kids will appreciate the hiking trails, markets, and outdoor activities.

Is Mystic or Napa Valley Better for Couples?

Mystic
Napa Valley

Napa Valley is an amazing area to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Napa Valley is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's long been considered a favorite honeymoon destination for newly-weds. The scenic vineyards and charming hotels make this the perfect couple's destination, whether you're celebrating an anniversary or simply want some time away together.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Mystic or Napa Valley Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mystic
Napa Valley

Neither Mystic or Napa Valley offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Napa Valley. Public transit in the area is limited but within the city of Napa there are buses operated by the Vine Transit.


Is Mystic or Napa Valley a more walkable city?

Mystic
Napa Valley

Mystic is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Napa Valley is not known for its walkability.

Mystic is generally not a very walkable town. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

Napa Valley is not a walkable town. The vineyards are spread out and require a car or bike to access.

For even more information, also check out Is Mystic Worth Visiting? and Is Napa Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Napa Valley or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Napa Valley?

It's fun to spend time in either Mystic or Napa Valley. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Napa Valley due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Mystic, and 1-4 days is enough time in Napa Valley.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Napa Valley than Mystic 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 Napa Valley.


  • How many days in Mystic or Napa Valley? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mystic 2-3 
    Napa Valley 1-4

One day in Mystic or Napa Valley?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming town of Mystic. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Napa Valley. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Mystic or Napa Valley?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming destination of Mystic. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Napa Valley is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Mystic or Napa Valley?

The quaint town of Mystic offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Napa Valley. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Mystic or Napa Valley?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mystic. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the picturesque destination of Napa Valley. This area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Napa Valley or Mystic?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Mystic Prices
    USA Prices
    Napa Valley Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mystic $248
    Napa Valley $333

The average daily cost (per person) in Mystic is $248, while the average daily cost in Napa Valley is $333. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Mystic and Napa Valley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mystic $125
    Napa Valley $126
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mystic $250
    Napa Valley $252
Compare Hotels in Mystic and Napa Valley

Looking for a hotel in Mystic or Napa Valley? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Mystic


Hotels in Napa Valley


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Mystic Hotel Prices and Napa Valley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mystic $56
    Napa Valley $183

Is it cheaper to fly into Mystic or Napa Valley?

Prices for flights to both Napa Valley and Mystic change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mystic $90
    Napa Valley $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mystic $24
    Napa Valley $28

Tours and Activities in Mystic

For Mystic, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $32
  • Mystic's Ghosts GPS Self Guided Audio Walking Tour w/EMF Reader: $7.80
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Downtown Mystic at Night: $35
  • Guided Graveyard Ghost Tour by Moonlight: $35

Tours and Activities in Napa Valley

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Napa Valley.

  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour Around Bodega Head : $9.99
  • Behind-the-Scenes Food and Wine E-Bike Tour: $159
  • Full-Day Napa Valley E-Bike Tour with Picnic Lunch: $224
  • Half Day Bike Tour: $139
  • Half Day Tour: $139
  • Half-Day Napa Valley E-Bike Tour: $169
  • Napa Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Napa Valley & Sonoma Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $25
  • Napa Valley Daily Join In Group Wineries Tour Including Lunch: $125
  • Napa Valley Mountainside Small Group Winery Tour: $141
  • Napa Valley Small Group Winery Tour: $141
  • Napa Valley Wine Trolley Castle Tour: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mystic $31
    Napa Valley $66

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100

Sample the Local Flavors in Napa Valley

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Napa Valley:

  • Guided Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $137
  • ATV Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting: $150
  • ATV Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting: $155
  • Intro to Wine Tasting with Napa Sommelière : $156
  • #1 Sonoma Walking Food, Wine Tasting & History Tour (Public Tour): $179
  • Healdsburg Cycling Wine Tour : $199
  • Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour | 6-8hr Private Fully Customized.*XL SUV: $250


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mystic and Napa Valley, we can see that Napa Valley is more expensive. And not only is Mystic much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mystic would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mystic 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 Napa Valley would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Napa Valley than you might in Mystic.

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


Which is Bigger, Mystic or Napa Valley?

Napa Valley has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Mystic and Napa Valley, 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 Mystic or Napa Valley?

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 Mystic or Napa Valley in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Napa Valley. Most visitors come to Mystic for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Napa Valley because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Mystic is generally around the same temperature as Napa Valley. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 73°F (23°C), and Napa Valley fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Napa Valley this time of the year. In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mystic usually receives less sunshine than Napa Valley during summer. Mystic gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Napa Valley receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mystic usually receives more rain than Napa Valley. Mystic gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Napa Valley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mystic 73°F (23°C) 
    Napa Valley 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Napa Valley in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mystic as well as Napa Valley. The autumn months attract visitors to Mystic because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Napa Valley this time of year.

Mystic is cooler than Napa Valley in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Napa Valley fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Napa Valley. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In the autumn, Mystic often gets less sunshine than Napa Valley. Mystic gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Napa Valley receives 300 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets more rain in October than Napa Valley. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Napa Valley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mystic 53°F (12°C) 
    Napa Valley 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Napa Valley in the Winter?

Both Napa Valley and Mystic are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mystic this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Napa Valley for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Mystic in the winter. In the winter, Mystic is much colder than Napa Valley. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mystic in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Napa Valley averages at about 46°F (8°C).

Mystic usually receives more sunshine than Napa Valley during winter. Mystic gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Napa Valley receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mystic usually receives less rain than Napa Valley. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Napa Valley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C) 
    Napa Valley 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Napa Valley in the Spring?

Both Napa Valley and Mystic during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Mystic for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Napa Valley in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Mystic is generally cooler than Napa Valley. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 48°F (9°C), and Napa Valley fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In Napa Valley, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mystic. In the spring, Mystic often gets less sunshine than Napa Valley. Mystic gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Napa Valley receives 328 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets more rain in April than Napa Valley. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Napa Valley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mystic 48°F (9°C) 
    Napa Valley 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Napa Valley and Mystic

Mystic Napa Valley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)