A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Antonio vs. Vernon for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit San Antonio or Vernon?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for San Antonio and Vernon. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a fun, historic, and cultural city. San Antonio offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music. See San Antonio travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food. See Vernon travel costs.

San Antonio and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in San Antonio or Vernon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Antonio than Vernon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Antonio is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Vernon is more popular for its hiking. San Antonio is well known for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks. Also, San Antonio is famous for The Alamo. Vernon is well known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is San Antonio different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Antonio or Vernon?

San Antonio
Vernon

San Antonio is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to San Antonio can be an interesting and educational experience. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.


Is the Food Better in San Antonio or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Antonio
Vernon

San Antonio is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in San Antonio is an experience not to be missed. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is San Antonio or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

San Antonio
Vernon

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Antonio. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is San Antonio or Vernon Better for Music?

San Antonio
Vernon

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Vernon is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep San Antonio active and fun. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Vernon is not a live music destination.


Is San Antonio or Vernon Better for its Old Town?

San Antonio
Vernon

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Vernon does not have a historic old town.

San Antonio offers a nice historic old town area. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Vernon does not have a historic old town.

Is San Antonio or Vernon Better for Hiking?

San Antonio
Vernon

Vernon is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, San Antonio is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

San Antonio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Antonio or Vernon?

San Antonio
Vernon

Shopping is a popular activity in both Vernon and San Antonio.

San Antonio is a great destination for shopping. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.


Is San Antonio or Vernon More Beautiful?

San Antonio
Vernon

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

San Antonio offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The RiverWalk feels almost like a European city and its filled with colors and festiveness.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is San Antonio or Vernon Better for Families?

San Antonio
Vernon

San Antonio is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

San Antonio is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

Vernon is a family-friendly city. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is San Antonio or Vernon Better for Couples?

San Antonio
Vernon

San Antonio and Vernon both notable destinations for a couple.

San Antonio is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

Vernon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.


Is San Antonio or Vernon Better for Students?

San Antonio
Vernon

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for students. However, Vernon is not popular with students.

San Antonio is a good city to visit for students. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.

Vernon is not popular with students.

Is San Antonio or Vernon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Antonio
Vernon

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both San Antonio and Vernon.

Public transit is generally limited in San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

Public transit is mostly limited in Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is San Antonio or Vernon a more walkable city?

San Antonio
Vernon

San Antonio and Vernon both are respectable when exploring on foot.

San Antonio is generally not very walkable. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable city. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.


For even more information, also check out Is San Antonio Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or San Antonio?

How long in San Antonio or Vernon?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Antonio than Vernon 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 San Antonio.


  • How many days in San Antonio or Vernon? Ideal Length of Stay
    San Antonio 2-3 
    Vernon 1-3

One day in San Antonio or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of San Antonio. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing town of Vernon. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in San Antonio or Vernon?

San Antonio 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Vernon. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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.

Five days in San Antonio or Vernon?

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

The peaceful town of Vernon offers museums and food. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in San Antonio or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the fun destination of San Antonio. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Vernon. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vernon or San Antonio?

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

  • San Antonio Prices
    USA Prices
    Vernon Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    San Antonio $161
    Vernon $49

The average daily cost (per person) in San Antonio is $161, while the average daily cost in Vernon is $49. 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 San Antonio and Vernon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Antonio $69
    Vernon $4.81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Antonio $138
    Vernon $9.62
Compare Hotels in San Antonio and Vernon

Looking for a hotel in San Antonio or Vernon? 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 San Antonio


Hotels in Vernon


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: San Antonio Hotel Prices and Vernon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Antonio $20
    Vernon -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Antonio

Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Antonio are as follows:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Antonio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Antonio:

  • Private Transfer in a Luxury Vehicle to and/or from SAT Airport: $50
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $68
  • San Antonio to San Antonio Airport (SAT) - Departure Private Transfer: $73
  • San Antonio Airport (SAT) to San Antonio - Arrival Private Transfer: $73
  • Private One Way Transfer from San Antonio to San Antonio Airport : $74
  • Private One-way Transfer from San Antonio Airport to San Antonio: $74
  • San Antonio Airport (SAT) to San Antonio - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $146

Is it cheaper to fly into San Antonio or Vernon?

Prices for flights to both Vernon and San Antonio 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
    San Antonio $69
    Vernon $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Antonio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Antonio.

  • Asian Dumplings Cooking Class in San Antonio: $75
  • Asian Dumpling Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • The Haunted Dinner Tour: $80
  • San Antonio Centre Food Tour of 6 Tastings with Tacos & Ice Cream: $95
  • San Antonio Secret Food Tour - Tacos, BBQ & Tex-Mex Classics: $100
  • San Antonio Premium Night Driving Tour with Dinner & Cruise: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Antonio $36
    Vernon -
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Antonio

Here are a few typical costs in San Antonio for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Spa Treatments
    $200

Tours and Activities in San Antonio

Here are a few actual costs in San Antonio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • The Alamo Exhibit Entry Ticket: $14
  • San Antonio Texas Audio Adventure: $15
  • San Antonio Private Scavenger Hunts Experience: $15
  • River Walk Cruise Ticket: $17
  • Witte Museum Admission Ticket: $17
  • Botanical Garden Admission Ticket: $18
  • Buckhorn Saloon & Museum / Texas Ranger Museum Entry Ticket: $18
  • San Antonio Ranger Creek Brewstillery Tour: $20
  • Tower of the Americas Entry Ticket: $21
  • San Antonio Museum of Art Entry Ticket: $22
  • Hopscotch Immersive Art Experience Ticket: $24
  • Hopscotch San Antonio Immersive Art Experience: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Antonio -
    Vernon $13

Sample the Local Flavors in San Antonio

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Antonio:

  • Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • San Antonio Texas Bar Crawl: Drinks Up in San Antonio!: $15
  • Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Guided Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • River City: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Ghost Bus Haunted Pub Crawl: $62
  • Taste of Fredericksburg Small-Group Wine Tour from San Antonio: $179
  • Fredericksburg Hill Country Aficionado Wine Tour from San Antonio: $229


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

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


Which is Bigger, San Antonio or Vernon?

San Antonio has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of San Antonio and Vernon, 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 San Antonio or Vernon?

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 San Antonio or Vernon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Antonio and Vernon. Many visitors come to San Antonio in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, San Antonio is generally a little warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in San Antonio average around 87°F (31°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, San Antonio usually receives more rain than Vernon. San Antonio gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Antonio 87°F (31°C) 
    Vernon 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit San Antonio or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to San Antonio as well as Vernon. Most visitors come to San Antonio for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Vernon because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

San Antonio is much warmer than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Antonio averages around 73°F (23°C) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

San Antonio usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. San Antonio gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Antonio 73°F (23°C) 
    Vernon 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit San Antonio or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and San Antonio are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to San Antonio because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vernon this time of year.

It's quite cold in Vernon in the winter. In the winter, San Antonio is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Antonio in January average around 54°F (12°C), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In January, San Antonio usually receives more rain than Vernon. San Antonio gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Antonio 54°F (12°C) 
    Vernon -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit San Antonio or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and San Antonio during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year.

In April, San Antonio is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in San Antonio average around 74°F (23°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

San Antonio usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. San Antonio gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Antonio 74°F (23°C) 
    Vernon 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Vernon and San Antonio

San Antonio Vernon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 79°F (26°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 84°F (29°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)