A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Boca Raton for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Washington or Boca Raton?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Boca Raton can help you decide which place is right for you.

Washington

Washington is a monument-filled, international, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, Washington attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See Washington travel costs.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a relaxed, luxurious, and posh coastal city. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Boca Raton travel costs.

Washington and Boca Raton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Washington or Boca Raton?

You'll generally find more things to do in Washington than Boca Raton. Washington is bigger than Boca Raton, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Washington is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, music, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Boca Raton is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Washington is more touristy than Boca Raton and is known for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. Also, Washington is famous for The Washington Monument and the White House. Boca Raton is well known for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere.

How is Washington different from Boca Raton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Washington or Boca Raton?

Washington is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Washington has many famous sights for visitors. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

Boca Raton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

Is Washington or Boca Raton Better for Theater?

Washington is great for its shows and theatre. However, Boca Raton is not a theatre destination.

Washington offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Boca Raton is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Washington or Boca Raton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Washington is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Washington, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Boca Raton makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

Is Washington or Boca Raton Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Washington and Boca Raton.

Many people head to Washington for the nightlife scene. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

Boca Raton has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Is Washington or Boca Raton Better for Music?

Washington is a good destination for its music scene. However, Boca Raton is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Boca Raton is not a live music destination.

Is Washington or Boca Raton Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton is great for its luxury resorts. However, Washington is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Boca Raton. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Washington is not a resort destination.

Is Washington or Boca Raton Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Washington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Washington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Washington or Boca Raton Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Washington is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Boca Raton is a very popular vacation destination. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Washington is not a beach destination.

Is Washington or Boca Raton Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is very good for hiking. However, Washington is not a good destination for the nearby hiking options.

Many people include a hike when visiting Boca Raton. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Is the Shopping Better in Washington or Boca Raton?

If you're looking to go shopping, Washington and Boca Raton both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Boca Raton is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Is Washington or Boca Raton More Beautiful?

Washington is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Boca Raton is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Washington attracts visitors from all around. The city is particularly beautiful when it lights up at night or when the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom.

Boca Raton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Washington or Boca Raton Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Washington or Boca Raton.

Washington is a very family-friendly destination. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

Boca Raton is a very kid-friendly city. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Is Washington or Boca Raton Better for Couples?

Both Washington and Boca Raton are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Washington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

Boca Raton is a very popular place to visit for couples. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

Is Washington or Boca Raton Better for Students?

Washington is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Boca Raton is not popular with students.

Washington is a very popular place to visit for students. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

Boca Raton is not popular with students.

Is Washington or Boca Raton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Washington is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Washington can get you around easily. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

Boca Raton has a few public transit options. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

Is Washington or Boca Raton a more walkable city?

Washington is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its walkability.

Washington is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

Boca Raton is somewhat walkable. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Washington Worth Visiting? and Is Boca Raton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boca Raton or Washington?

How long in Washington or Boca Raton?

In either Washington or Boca Raton, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than Boca Raton because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Washington, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boca Raton.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Washington than Boca Raton 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 Washington.

One day in Washington or Boca Raton?

When visiting Washington, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the luxurious coastal city of Boca Raton, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Washington or Boca Raton?

When visiting Washington, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Boca Raton, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Washington or Boca Raton?

Washington, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Boca Raton, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Washington or Boca Raton?

Washington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Boca Raton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Washington or Boca Raton?

Washington has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Washington and Boca Raton, 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 Washington or Boca Raton?

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 Washington or Boca Raton in the Summer?

Both Boca Raton and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Washington in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Boca Raton for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Boca Raton during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Boca Raton receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. In July, Washington usually receives less rain than Boca Raton. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Boca Raton receives 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Washington or Boca Raton in the Autumn?

Both Boca Raton and Washington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Washington is much colder than Boca Raton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Boca Raton fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Washington often gets less sunshine than Boca Raton. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boca Raton receives 275 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Washington usually gets less rain in October than Boca Raton. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Boca Raton receives 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.

Should I visit Washington or Boca Raton in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Boca Raton. The winter months attract visitors to Washington because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year.

The weather in Washington can be very cold. In the winter, Washington is much colder than Boca Raton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Washington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Boca Raton averages at about 65°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Boca Raton during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Boca Raton receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Washington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Boca Raton. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Boca Raton receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Washington or Boca Raton in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Washington as well as Boca Raton. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Washington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Boca Raton for the beaches.

In April, Washington is generally much colder than Boca Raton. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°C), and Boca Raton fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In the spring, Washington often gets less sunshine than Boca Raton. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boca Raton receives 300 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets less rain in April than Boca Raton. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Boca Raton receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Boca Raton and Washington