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

Should you visit Mystic or Sacramento?

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 Sacramento. 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 quaint, laid back, and charming town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Mystic travel costs.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a laid back, relaxed, and undiscovered city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Sacramento travel costs.

Mystic and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Mystic or Sacramento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mystic. Although Mystic and Sacramento are popular destinations, Mystic has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mystic is more touristy than Sacramento and is known for its New England charm and local character. It is also well known for the Mystic Seaport Museum. Sacramento is famous for its history and state capital.

How is Mystic different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mystic
Sacramento

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Mystic or Sacramento.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Sacramento offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.


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

Mystic
Sacramento

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Mystic and Sacramento can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Sacramento. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

Is Mystic or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Mystic
Sacramento

Both Mystic and Sacramento have nice vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Mystic. 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.

Sacramento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

Is Mystic or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

Mystic
Sacramento

Mystic is a very popular place for the beach. However, Sacramento is not a beach destination.

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

Sacramento is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Sacramento?

Mystic
Sacramento

Mystic is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Mystic is well-known for its shopping. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Many visitors go to Sacramento to go shopping. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.

Is Mystic or Sacramento Better for Families?

Mystic
Sacramento

Mystic is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Mystic is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Sacramento. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.

Is Mystic or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Mystic
Sacramento

Mystic is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.


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

Mystic
Sacramento

Sacramento is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Mystic or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Mystic
Sacramento

Mystic and Sacramento are reasonable when it comes to 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.

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mystic or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mystic than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Mystic, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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

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


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

One day in Mystic or Sacramento?

With museums and nightlife around the laid back town of Mystic, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sacramento. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Mystic or Sacramento?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Mystic, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Sacramento 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.

Five days in Mystic or Sacramento?

Mystic, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?

Mystic is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of Sacramento. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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, Sacramento 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
    Sacramento Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mystic $248
    Sacramento $320

The average daily cost (per person) in Mystic is $248, while the average daily cost in Sacramento is $320. 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 Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mystic $125
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mystic $250
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Mystic and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Mystic or Sacramento? 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 Sacramento


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 Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mystic $56
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

Also for Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $74
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $294
  • Napa, CA to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer : $294

Is it cheaper to fly into Mystic or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento 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
    Sacramento $92

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sacramento

For Sacramento, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Chinese Wonton Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $115
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Discover Midtown - Delicious Walking Food Tour: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mystic $24
    Sacramento $19

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 Sacramento

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

  • 60 Minute Adventures - The Escape Game at The Galleria: $42
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $15
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $15
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $15
  • City Cruises Rock the Yacht Cocktail Cruise 21+: $49
  • Downtown Sacramento Mural and Art Walking Tour : $45
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Granite Adventure at Quarry Park Adventures Rocklin, CA: $59
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Mini Golf Experience 9 Hole Course in Sacramento: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mystic $31
    Sacramento $12

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 Sacramento

Also in Sacramento, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Apple Hill Wine Tasting Tours And Placerville wine tasting tours: $169
  • Old Vine Express Train Ride with Wine Tasting: $174


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


Which is Bigger, Mystic or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Mystic and Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?

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 Sacramento in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Mystic is around the same temperature as Sacramento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mystic in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Sacramento averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. Mystic usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Mystic gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mystic usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Mystic gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mystic 73°F (23°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Sacramento in the Autumn?

Both Sacramento and Mystic during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Mystic for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the shopping scene.

In October, Mystic is generally much colder than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 53°F (12°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mystic. In the autumn, Mystic often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Mystic gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mystic 53°F (12°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Sacramento in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Sacramento. The winter months attract visitors to Mystic because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.

The weather in Mystic can be very cold. Mystic is much colder than Sacramento in the winter. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

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

In January, Mystic usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Sacramento in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mystic as well as Sacramento. The beaches are the main draw to Mystic this time of year.

In the spring, Mystic is much colder than Sacramento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mystic in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Sacramento averages at about 58°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In the spring, Mystic often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Mystic gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mystic 48°F (9°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Mystic

Mystic Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)