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

Should you visit Roanoke or Mystic?

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

Should I visit Roanoke or Mystic? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a outdoorsy, laid back, and scenic town. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Roanoke travel costs.

Mystic

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

Roanoke and Mystic: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Roanoke or Mystic?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mystic than Roanoke, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mystic is better known for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, and shopping, while Roanoke is more popular for its hiking. Mystic is more touristy than Roanoke and is known for its New England charm and local character. Also, Mystic is famous for the Mystic Seaport Museum. Roanoke is well known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Roanoke different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Roanoke or Mystic?

Mystic is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Mystic offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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

Mystic is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Mystic is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Roanoke or Mystic Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Roanoke and Mystic.

If you're looking for night time activities Roanoke has a few options to choose from. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Is Roanoke or Mystic Better for Beaches?

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

Mystic is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Roanoke or Mystic Better for Hiking?

Roanoke 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 Roanoke. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Mystic?

Mystic is a great town for its shopping areas. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Roanoke is a great destination for shopping. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Roanoke or Mystic Better for Families?

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

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Roanoke or Mystic Better for Couples?

Roanoke is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Roanoke makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

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 Roanoke or Mystic Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

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

Roanoke 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 Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

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

Is Roanoke or Mystic a more walkable city?

Roanoke and Mystic are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Roanoke is generally not a very walkable town. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Mystic or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Mystic?

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

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

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

One day in Roanoke or Mystic?

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

In Mystic, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Roanoke or Mystic?

Roanoke 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.

In Mystic, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mystic has to offer.

Five days in Roanoke or Mystic?

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

Mystic is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Roanoke or Mystic?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Roanoke. This town 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mystic. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mystic. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Mystic?

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

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 Roanoke or Mystic in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Roanoke is a little warmer than Mystic. Typically, the summer temperatures in Roanoke in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Mystic averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. Roanoke usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic during summer. Roanoke gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Roanoke gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Mystic. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Roanoke or Mystic in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Mystic. The autumn months attract visitors to Roanoke because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Mystic this time of year.

In October, Roanoke is generally a little warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 60°F (16°C), and Mystic fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In the autumn, Roanoke often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic. Roanoke gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 211 hours of full sun.

Roanoke usually gets more rain in October than Mystic. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Mystic in the Winter?

Both Mystic and Roanoke 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 Roanoke this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mystic for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mystic. It's quite cold in Roanoke in the winter. Roanoke is much warmer than Mystic in the winter. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 38°F (3°C) in January, and Mystic fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Roanoke usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic during winter. Roanoke gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Roanoke usually receives less rain than Mystic. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Roanoke or Mystic in the Spring?

Both Mystic and Roanoke during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Mystic in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Roanoke is much warmer than Mystic. Typically, the spring temperatures in Roanoke in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Mystic averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Roanoke. In the spring, Roanoke often gets more sunshine than Mystic. Roanoke gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 225 hours of full sun.

Roanoke usually gets less rain in April than Mystic. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mystic and Roanoke