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

Should you visit Saint Simons or Chattanooga?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Chattanooga? 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. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Saint Simons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and food. See Saint Simons travel costs.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a outdoorsy, thriving, and bustling city. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See Chattanooga travel costs.

Saint Simons and Chattanooga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Chattanooga?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Simons than Chattanooga, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Simons is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Chattanooga is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and hiking. Saint Simons is more touristy than Chattanooga and is known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Also, Saint Simons is famous for East Beach. Chattanooga is well known for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Saint Simons different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chattanooga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

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 Chattanooga? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Simons is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Saint Simons is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chattanooga. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Is Saint Simons or Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

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

Chattanooga has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check 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 Chattanooga Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a popular place for its resorts. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or Chattanooga Better for Beaches?

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

Saint Simons is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Chattanooga. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

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 Chattanooga?

Saint Simons is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Saint Simons. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chattanooga. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Is Saint Simons or Chattanooga More Beautiful?

Saint Simons is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Chattanooga is not a destination known for its beauty.

Saint Simons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Beautiful beaches and live oaks with Spanish moss give the island a southern charm.

Chattanooga is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Simons or Chattanooga Better for Families?

Saint Simons is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Simons is known to be 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.

Chattanooga offers lots of family activities. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Is Saint Simons or Chattanooga Better for Couples?

Saint Simons is a great destination for couples. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Chattanooga is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

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

Chattanooga is a great destination for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Chattanooga is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

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

Is Saint Simons or Chattanooga a more walkable city?

Chattanooga is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Chattanooga is very walkable. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

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 Chattanooga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chattanooga or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Chattanooga?

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

Families should spend more time in Saint Simons than Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga.

One day in Saint Simons or Chattanooga?

Saint Simons is a small town with plenty to do. 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.

In Chattanooga, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this bustling city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Chattanooga?

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island 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.

Chattanooga 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. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Simons or Chattanooga?

Because Saint Simons is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the thriving destination of Chattanooga. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Chattanooga?

Since Saint Simons is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga, we can see that Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Chattanooga?

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

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 Chattanooga in the Summer?

Both Chattanooga and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chattanooga this time of year.

In July, Saint Simons is generally around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 82°F (28°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during summer. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. It's quite rainy in Saint Simons. In July, Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chattanooga. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

Both Chattanooga and Saint Simons during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chattanooga for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Saint Simons is a little warmer than Chattanooga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. In the autumn, Saint Simons often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 211 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Chattanooga. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Chattanooga in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Chattanooga. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Chattanooga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Chattanooga can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint Simons is much warmer than Chattanooga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Simons in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 40°F (5°C).

Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during winter. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun in the winter.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Chattanooga in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Chattanooga. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Simons is generally a little warmer than Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 68°F (20°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Simons this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Saint Simons usually gets less rain in April than Chattanooga. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Saint Simons