A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tallahassee vs. Ketchikan for Food, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Tallahassee or Ketchikan?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tallahassee and Ketchikan can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a vibrant, youthful, and lively city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Tallahassee travel costs.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Tallahassee and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Ketchikan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ketchikan than Tallahassee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ketchikan is better known for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Tallahassee is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Ketchikan is more touristy than Tallahassee and is popular for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Also, Ketchikan is famous for the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Tallahassee is well known for its capital building and many universities.

How is Tallahassee different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tallahassee or Ketchikan?

Tallahassee is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Tallahassee specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

Is the Food Better in Tallahassee or Ketchikan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ketchikan is an amazing town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Ketchikan have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Tallahassee or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee is very good for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Tallahassee or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is an amazing town to visit for hiking. However, Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Around Ketchikan visitors will find world-class hiking trails. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Ketchikan?

If you're looking to go shopping, Tallahassee and Ketchikan both offer plenty of notable spots.

Tallahassee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

Ketchikan is a great destination for shopping. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Tallahassee or Ketchikan More Beautiful?

Ketchikan is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Tallahassee is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Tallahassee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tallahassee or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Ketchikan is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Ketchikan. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Tallahassee is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Is Tallahassee or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

Ketchikan is great for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Ketchikan is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Tallahassee or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tallahassee and Ketchikan are notable places to visit.

Tallahassee is a good city to visit for backpackers. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Is Tallahassee or Ketchikan Better for Students?

Tallahassee is notable for students. However, Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Tallahassee is very popular with students. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Is Tallahassee or Ketchikan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tallahassee and Ketchikan both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

Public transit is generally limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Tallahassee or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Ketchikan is great for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its walkability.

Ketchikan is a very walkable destination. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

Tallahassee is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Tallahassee Worth Visiting? and Is Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Ketchikan?

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

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

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

One day in Tallahassee or Ketchikan?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Tallahassee. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tallahassee has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the local town of Ketchikan. 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 Tallahassee or Ketchikan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Tallahassee. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Ketchikan. 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 Tallahassee or Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the youthful city of Tallahassee. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The local town of Ketchikan 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 Tallahassee or Ketchikan?

Tallahassee is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Ketchikan. 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 Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Ketchikan?

Tallahassee has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee and Ketchikan, 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 Tallahassee or Ketchikan?

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 Tallahassee or Ketchikan in the Summer?

Both Ketchikan and Tallahassee during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tallahassee in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Tallahassee is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallahassee in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 58°F (15°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in July than Ketchikan. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallahassee or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Ketchikan. Most visitors come to Tallahassee for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tallahassee is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 69°F (20°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Tallahassee usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.

Should I visit Tallahassee or Ketchikan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Ketchikan. The winter months attract visitors to Tallahassee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ketchikan in the winter. Tallahassee is much warmer than Ketchikan in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Tallahassee usually gets less rain in January than Ketchikan. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallahassee or Ketchikan in the Spring?

Both Ketchikan and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Tallahassee is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallahassee in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 44°F (6°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. It's quite rainy in Tallahassee. In April, Tallahassee usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Tallahassee is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Tallahassee