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

Should you visit Saint Simons or Anchorage?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Anchorage? 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 relaxing, laid back, and scenic island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Saint Simons is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking. See Saint Simons travel costs.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a cultural, artsy, and nature-oriented city. The famous beauty of Anchorage is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food. See Anchorage travel costs.

Saint Simons and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Anchorage?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Simons. Although Saint Simons and Anchorage are both popular with visitors, Saint Simons has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Simons is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Anchorage is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Saint Simons is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. It is also home to East Beach. Anchorage is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Saint Simons different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Anchorage is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Anchorage is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

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 Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Simons is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Saint Simons or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Simons or Anchorage has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Simons is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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.

Anchorage doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Saint Simons or Anchorage Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a island with good options for its resorts. However, Anchorage is not a resort destination.

Saint Simons has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Anchorage is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or Anchorage Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Anchorage is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Saint Simons attract visitors from all over. 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.

Anchorage is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Anchorage specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint Simons. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Anchorage?

Saint Simons is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Saint Simons or Anchorage More Beautiful?

Anchorage is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Anchorage is one of the main draws. The city offers access to spectacular beauty. It's surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains, breathtaking glaciers, and vast wilderness.

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 Anchorage Better for Families?

Saint Simons is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Simons is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Anchorage is a family-friendly island. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Saint Simons or Anchorage Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Saint Simons and Anchorage make for a excellent 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.

Anchorage is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

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

Anchorage 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 Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

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 Anchorage Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Saint Simons or Anchorage offer decent public transit.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Saint Simons or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Saint Simons is a island with good options for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable island. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Simons and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Simons than in Anchorage. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Simons, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

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

One day in Saint Simons or Anchorage?

Even though Saint Simons is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Anchorage, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this breathtaking city 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 city.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Anchorage?

Saint Simons is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Anchorage 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. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Simons or Anchorage?

Saint Simons is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the breathtaking destination of Anchorage. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Anchorage?

Saint Simons is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Anchorage 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 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Simons and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Anchorage Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons and Anchorage, 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 Anchorage?

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 Saint Simons or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Anchorage. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Simons is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during summer. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

Saint Simons gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Anchorage. Most visitors come to Saint Simons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In the autumn, Saint Simons is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Simons in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Simons this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the winter. In January, Saint Simons is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 53°F (12°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Saint Simons during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Anchorage for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. Saint Simons is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. In the spring, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Saint Simons