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

Should you visit Saint Simons or Durham?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Durham? 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. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Saint Simons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking. See Saint Simons travel costs.

Durham

Durham is a student-filled, sports oriented, and diverse city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Durham travel costs.

Saint Simons and Durham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Durham?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Simons than Durham, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Simons is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Durham is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Saint Simons is more touristy than Durham and is known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Also, Saint Simons is famous for East Beach. Durham is well known for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Saint Simons different from Durham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Durham offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

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 Durham? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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 Durham. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

Is Saint Simons or Durham Better for Nightlife?

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

Durham has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

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 Durham Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is very good for its resorts. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or Durham Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons is a well-known place for the beach. However, Durham is not a beach destination.

Saint Simons is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Durham Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

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.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Durham?

Saint Simons is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Durham. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Is Saint Simons or Durham More Beautiful?

Saint Simons is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Simons or Durham Better for Families?

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

Durham is a family-friendly island. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Saint Simons or Durham Better for Couples?

Saint Simons is a well-known place for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Saint Simons is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

Is Saint Simons or Durham Better for Students?

Durham is a great destination for students. However, Saint Simons is not popular with students.

Durham is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Saint Simons is not popular with students.

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

Durham is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

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

Is Saint Simons or Durham a more walkable city?

Saint Simons is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

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

Durham is generally not a very walkable island. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Durham or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Durham?

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

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

One day in Saint Simons or Durham?

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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Durham, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this sports oriented city offers. 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 Durham?

Saint Simons 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.

Durham is a fun place to experience. 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 Durham?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Simons. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the student-filled destination of Durham. 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 Durham?

Saint Simons is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Durham is a popular place to visit. 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 Durham, we can see that Saint Simons 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 Durham Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Durham?

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

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 Durham in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Durham. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Durham for the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Durham during summer. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 259 hours of full sun in the summer.

Durham receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Simons gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of rain as Durham. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Durham in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Durham. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Durham in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Saint Simons is a little warmer than Durham in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Durham fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durham. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Simons this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Simons often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Durham. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 211 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Durham. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Durham in the Winter?

Both Durham and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Durham during winter. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of rain as Durham. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Durham in the Spring?

Both Durham and Saint Simons during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Saint Simons is generally a little warmer than Durham. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 68°F (20°C), and Durham fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

In Durham, 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 Durham. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 251 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets less rain in April than Durham. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Durham and Saint Simons