A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Simons vs. Alexandria for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Simons or Alexandria?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Alexandria? 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a scenic, relaxing, and laid back island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Saint Simons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Saint Simons travel costs.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a quaint, historic, and charming city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Alexandria is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Alexandria travel costs.

Saint Simons and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Alexandria?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Alexandria than Saint Simons, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Alexandria is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Saint Simons is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Saint Simons is well known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Alexandria is well known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Also, Alexandria is famous for Mount Vernon.

How is Saint Simons different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Simons or Alexandria?

Saint Simons
Alexandria

Alexandria is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Alexandria offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.


Is the Food Better in Saint Simons or Alexandria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Simons
Alexandria

Dining out at restaurants in both Saint Simons and Alexandria can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Simons makes for a great culinary experience. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

Alexandria has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Saint Simons or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Saint Simons
Alexandria

Alexandria is a popular place for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Alexandria has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Saint Simons or Alexandria Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons
Alexandria

Saint Simons is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Alexandria is not a resort destination.

Saint Simons has a few great resort options. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Alexandria is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Simons or Alexandria Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons
Alexandria

Saint Simons is great for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Saint Simons for it's beautiful beaches. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Saint Simons
Alexandria

Alexandria is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Saint Simons does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Alexandria offers plenty to see. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Saint Simons does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Simons or Alexandria Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons
Alexandria

Saint Simons is a good destination for hiking. However, Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Saint Simons offers some nice hiking trails. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Alexandria?

Saint Simons
Alexandria

Shopping is a popular activity in both Alexandria and Saint Simons.

Saint Simons is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

Alexandria is well-known for its shopping. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Is Saint Simons or Alexandria More Beautiful?

Saint Simons
Alexandria

Alexandria is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

Alexandria is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The historic architecture and beautiful waterfront make this an iconic destination.

Saint Simons is a beautiful place to visit, too. Beautiful beaches and live oaks with Spanish moss give the island a southern charm.

Is Saint Simons or Alexandria Better for Families?

Saint Simons
Alexandria

Saint Simons is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Saint Simons. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.


Is Saint Simons or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Saint Simons
Alexandria

With fun activities for couples, both Saint Simons and Alexandria make for a superb place to visit.

Couples visit Saint Simons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

Alexandria is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Is Saint Simons or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Simons
Alexandria

Alexandria is a popular place for backpackers. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Saint Simons is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds in the area that offer access to the island.

Is Saint Simons or Alexandria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Simons
Alexandria

Alexandria is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Alexandria can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is quite limited in Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.


Is Saint Simons or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Saint Simons
Alexandria

Alexandria is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Alexandria on foot is easy. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Simons Worth Visiting? and Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Simons or Alexandria. In our opinion, Alexandria has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Alexandria than Saint Simons. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Saint Simons 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 Alexandria.


  • How many days in Saint Simons or Alexandria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Simons 2-4 
    Alexandria 2-4

One day in Saint Simons or Alexandria?

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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.

In Alexandria, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Alexandria?

Even though Saint Simons is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 island.

Alexandria is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Saint Simons or Alexandria?

Saint Simons, a popular island, 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Saint Simons or Alexandria?

Saint Simons 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.

Alexandria is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Saint Simons?

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

  • Saint Simons Prices
    USA Prices
    Alexandria Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Simons $211
    Alexandria $0.00

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Simons is $211, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $0.00. 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 Saint Simons and Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Simons $100
    Alexandria $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Simons $200
    Alexandria $76
Compare Hotels in Saint Simons and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Saint Simons or Alexandria? 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 Saint Simons


Hotels in Alexandria


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: Saint Simons Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Simons $49
    Alexandria -

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Simons or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Saint Simons 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
    Saint Simons $83
    Alexandria -

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Simons $16
    Alexandria -

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Phantoms of the Potomac: Old Town Alexandria Ghost Tour: $27
  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Old Town Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $39
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Semi-Private Walking Tour Old Town Alexandria & Carlyle: $69
  • Alexandria & Mt Vernon Tour: $99
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Simons $60
    Alexandria -

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

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

  • Alexandria Ghosts: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30


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

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


Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons and Alexandria, 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 Saint Simons or Alexandria?

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 Saint Simons or Alexandria in the Summer?

Both Alexandria and Saint Simons during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Simons is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 82°F (28°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Alexandria, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. In the summer, Saint Simons often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually gets more rain in July than Alexandria. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Simons 82°F (28°C) 
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Alexandria in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Alexandria. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

Saint Simons is a little warmer than Alexandria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Alexandria fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during autumn. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alexandria. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Simons 70°F (21°C) 
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Alexandria in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Alexandria. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Alexandria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alexandria. In the winter, Saint Simons is much warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Simons in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Alexandria averages at about 35°F (1°C).

In the winter, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets more rain in January than Alexandria. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Simons 53°F (12°C) 
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Alexandria in the Spring?

Both Alexandria and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Alexandria in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Simons is generally a little warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 68°F (20°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Alexandria. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during spring. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alexandria. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Simons 68°F (20°C) 
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Saint Simons

Saint Simons Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)