A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wilmington vs. Adirondack Mountains for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a historic, welcoming, and charming city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Wilmington travel costs.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a scenic, serene, and pristine region. Adirondack Mountains is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Adirondack Mountains travel costs.

Wilmington and Adirondack Mountains: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Adirondack Mountains. Although Wilmington and Adirondack Mountains are popular destinations, Adirondack Mountains has more sights and attractions for tourists. Adirondack Mountains is very popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Wilmington attracts visitors for its beaches and historical sights. Adirondack Mountains is more touristy than Wilmington and is popular for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. It is also well known for Whiteface Mountain. Wilmington is famous for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Wilmington different from Adirondack Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains Better for Skiing?

Wilmington
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Wilmington is not a skiing destination.

Adirondack Mountains is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Wilmington is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains?

Wilmington
Adirondack Mountains

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains.

Wilmington is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

Adirondack Mountains offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

Is the Food Better in Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wilmington
Adirondack Mountains

Both Wilmington and Adirondack Mountains offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adirondack Mountains. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Is Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Wilmington
Adirondack Mountains

The vibe at night is nice in both Wilmington and Adirondack Mountains.

If you're looking for night time activities Wilmington has a few options to choose from. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.


Is Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains Better for Resorts?

Wilmington
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is great for its luxury resorts. However, Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Is Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains Better for Beaches?

Wilmington
Adirondack Mountains

Wilmington is notable for the beach. However, Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.

Wilmington is considered a top beach destination. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington
Adirondack Mountains

Wilmington is a popular place for its old town. However, Adirondack Mountains does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Wilmington to see the old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Adirondack Mountains does not have a historic old town.


Is Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains Better for Hiking?

Wilmington
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is great for hiking. However, Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking trails. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains?

Wilmington
Adirondack Mountains

If you're looking to go shopping, Wilmington and Adirondack Mountains both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Adirondack Mountains offers some nice shopping areas. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

Is Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains More Beautiful?

Wilmington
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Wilmington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Adirondack Mountains is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Beautiful lakes and waterfalls, serene settings, and striking viewpoints make this a beautiful destination where you can escape into nature.

Wilmington is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains Better for Families?

Wilmington
Adirondack Mountains

Wilmington and Adirondack Mountains are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Wilmington is a very family-friendly destination. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Adirondack Mountains is a very kid-friendly city. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

Is Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains Better for Couples?

Wilmington
Adirondack Mountains

Wilmington and Adirondack Mountains are both very good to visit as a couple.

Wilmington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

Is Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wilmington
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

Adirondack Mountains is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.


Is Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains Better for Students?

Wilmington
Adirondack Mountains

Wilmington is a popular place for students. However, Adirondack Mountains is not popular with students.

Wilmington is a good city to visit for students. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Adirondack Mountains is not popular with students.

Is Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Wilmington
Adirondack Mountains

Wilmington is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Public transit is quite limited in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.

Is Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains a more walkable city?

Wilmington
Adirondack Mountains

Wilmington is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable city. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Wilmington Worth Visiting? and Is Adirondack Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Adirondack Mountains or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains?

Both Wilmington and Adirondack Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than in Wilmington. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Wilmington, and 3-7 days is enough time in Adirondack Mountains.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than Wilmington 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 Adirondack Mountains.


  • How many days in Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Wilmington 2-5 
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7

One day in Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Wilmington. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With nightlife and food around the serene region of Adirondack Mountains, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains?

Wilmington is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Adirondack Mountains, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains?

Many people visit Wilmington for five days. Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the city of Wilmington. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Adirondack Mountains, a popular region, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this region. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains?

The welcoming destination of Wilmington offers nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Adirondack Mountains or Wilmington?

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

  • Wilmington Prices
    USA Prices
    Adirondack Mountains Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Wilmington $245
    Adirondack Mountains $202

The average daily cost (per person) in Wilmington is $245, while the average daily cost in Adirondack Mountains is $202. 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 Wilmington and Adirondack Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wilmington $120
    Adirondack Mountains $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wilmington $240
    Adirondack Mountains $194
Compare Hotels in Wilmington and Adirondack Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains? 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 Wilmington


Hotels in Adirondack Mountains


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: Wilmington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wilmington $47
    Adirondack Mountains $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Adirondack Mountains and Wilmington 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
    Wilmington $97
    Adirondack Mountains $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wilmington $17
    Adirondack Mountains $17

Tours and Activities in Wilmington

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Wilmington.

  • True Crime Tour of Wilmington: $20
  • Downtown Wilmington Historian-Guided Walking Tour: $20
  • Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Wilmington by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Eagles Island 50 minute Narrated Boat Cruise: $24
  • History and Architecture Walking Tour : $25
  • Wraiths & Wicked Whispers: Wilmington Ghost Tour: $26
  • Holiday Lights Cruise: $30
  • Wilmington Speakeasy and History Tour: $30
  • Black Water Adventure Cruise: $33
  • Sunset Cruise with Live Music: $45
  • Wrightsville Beach Sunset Dolphin Tour: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wilmington $39
    Adirondack Mountains $19


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

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



When is the best time to visit Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains?

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 Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains in the Summer?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Wilmington during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Wilmington is a little warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wilmington in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Adirondack Mountains averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In Adirondack Mountains, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wilmington. In the summer, Wilmington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Adirondack Mountains. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adirondack Mountains receives 285 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually gets more rain in July than Adirondack Mountains. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Wilmington 81°F (27°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Adirondack Mountains. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Adirondack Mountains because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Wilmington is generally much warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 65°F (18°C), and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains during autumn. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Adirondack Mountains receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Adirondack Mountains. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Wilmington 65°F (18°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Adirondack Mountains in the winter. Wilmington is much warmer than Adirondack Mountains in the winter. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In the winter, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adirondack Mountains receives 124 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets more rain in January than Adirondack Mountains. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Wilmington 45°F (7°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or Adirondack Mountains in the Spring?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Adirondack Mountains for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Wilmington is much warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wilmington in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Adirondack Mountains averages at about 46°F (8°C).

It's quite sunny in Adirondack Mountains. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains during spring. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Adirondack Mountains receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Adirondack Mountains. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Wilmington 63°F (17°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 46°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Adirondack Mountains and Wilmington

Wilmington Adirondack Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Feb 47°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Nov 56°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)