A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Williamsburg vs. Vernon for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a historic, charming, and quaint town. Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a quiet, peaceful, and relaxing town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food. See Vernon travel costs.

Williamsburg and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • 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 Williamsburg or Vernon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Williamsburg. Although Williamsburg and Vernon are popular destinations, Williamsburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Williamsburg is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Vernon attracts visitors for its hiking. Williamsburg is more touristy than Vernon and is known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. It is also well known for Colonial Williamsburg. Vernon is famous for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Williamsburg different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Williamsburg or Vernon?

Williamsburg
Vernon

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg can be an interesting and educational experience. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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 Williamsburg or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Williamsburg
Vernon

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg is an experience not to be missed. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

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 Williamsburg or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Williamsburg
Vernon

It's hard to distinguish whether Williamsburg or Vernon has a better nightlife scene.

Williamsburg is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Vernon doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Williamsburg or Vernon Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg
Vernon

Williamsburg is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Vernon does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Vernon does not have a historic old town.


Is Williamsburg or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Williamsburg
Vernon

Vernon is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Vernon?

Williamsburg
Vernon

Williamsburg is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Williamsburg or Vernon More Beautiful?

Williamsburg
Vernon

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

Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Williamsburg or Vernon Better for Families?

Williamsburg
Vernon

Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

Vernon is a family-friendly town. 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 Williamsburg or Vernon Better for Couples?

Williamsburg
Vernon

Williamsburg is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. 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 Williamsburg or Vernon Better for Students?

Williamsburg
Vernon

Williamsburg is terrific for students. However, Vernon is not popular with students.

Williamsburg is a great destination for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Vernon is not popular with students.


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

Williamsburg
Vernon

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

Public transit is generally limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to 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 Williamsburg or Vernon a more walkable city?

Williamsburg
Vernon

Williamsburg and Vernon both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Williamsburg is generally not very walkable. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Vernon?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg.


  • How many days in Williamsburg or Vernon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Williamsburg 2-4 
    Vernon 1-3

One day in Williamsburg or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Williamsburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Vernon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this peaceful town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.


A weekend in Williamsburg or Vernon?

Williamsburg 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.

Vernon 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 Williamsburg or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Williamsburg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 food and shopping around the quiet destination of Vernon. 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 Williamsburg or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the well-preserved destination of Williamsburg. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Vernon 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking 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 Williamsburg?

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

  • Williamsburg Prices
    USA Prices
    Vernon Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Williamsburg $135
    Vernon $49

The average daily cost (per person) in Williamsburg is $135, 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 Williamsburg and Vernon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Williamsburg $66
    Vernon $4.81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Williamsburg $132
    Vernon $9.62
Compare Hotels in Williamsburg and Vernon

Looking for a hotel in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg


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: Williamsburg Hotel Prices and Vernon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Williamsburg $11
    Vernon -

Is it cheaper to fly into Williamsburg or Vernon?

Prices for flights to both Vernon and Williamsburg 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
    Williamsburg $54
    Vernon $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Williamsburg $34
    Vernon -

Tours and Activities in Williamsburg

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

  • Williamsburg Colonial Adventure: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.00
  • Williamsburg's Famous Ghosts Self Guided Audio Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Colonial Contradictions Self Guided Walking Tour of Williamsburg: $9.99
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • Yorktown Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • The Original Ghost of Williamsburg Candlelight Walking Tour: $20
  • The Original Ghosts of Williamsburg Tour: $20
  • Williamsburg, VA: History of Slavery Guided Walking Tour: $25
  • Dark History Conspiracy Tour: $25
  • 1 Hour Christmastide Walking Tour in Virginia Past and Present : $25
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $25
  • The Patriots Historical Walking Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Williamsburg -
    Vernon $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Williamsburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Williamsburg:

  • Williamsburg Ghosts and Brews Haunted Pub Crawls: $29
  • Colonial Ghosts Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Williamsburg and Vernon, we can see that Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg or Vernon in the Summer?

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

Williamsburg is a little warmer than Vernon in the summer. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Williamsburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Vernon. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Williamsburg 78°F (26°C) 
    Vernon 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Vernon. Most visitors come to Williamsburg for the shopping 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.

In the autumn, Williamsburg is a little warmer than Vernon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Williamsburg in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Vernon averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Williamsburg usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Williamsburg 61°F (16°C) 
    Vernon 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the museums, 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. The weather in Williamsburg can be very cold. In January, Williamsburg is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 38°F (4°C), and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In January, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Vernon. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Williamsburg 38°F (4°C) 
    Vernon -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Vernon in the Spring?

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

Williamsburg is a little warmer than Vernon in the spring. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 57°F (14°C) in April, and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Williamsburg usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Williamsburg 57°F (14°C) 
    Vernon 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Vernon and Williamsburg

Williamsburg Vernon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 49°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 57°F (14°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 66°F (19°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)