A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wilmington vs. Dallas for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Wilmington or Dallas?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Dallas, 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Wilmington travel costs.

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Dallas travel costs.

Wilmington and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Dallas?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dallas than Wilmington. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dallas is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Wilmington attracts visitors for its beaches and historical sights. Wilmington is more touristy than Dallas and is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also well known for the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Wilmington different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wilmington or Dallas?

Dallas is great for its historical sights. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dallas can be an interesting and educational experience. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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

Dallas is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Dallas. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Wilmington or Dallas Better for Nightlife?

Dallas is great for nightlife. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Dallas for the nightlife scene. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Wilmington. 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.

Is Wilmington or Dallas Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is a well-known place for the beach. However, Dallas is not a beach destination.

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Dallas is not a beach destination.

Is Wilmington or Dallas Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is very good for its old town. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Dallas?

Dallas is great for shopping. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Wilmington offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Wilmington or Dallas Better for Families?

Wilmington and Dallas are both excellent 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.

Dallas is a very kid-friendly city. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Is Wilmington or Dallas Better for Couples?

Wilmington and Dallas are both excellent 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.

Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

Is Wilmington or Dallas Better for Students?

Wilmington is very good for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.

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

Dallas is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Dallas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

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.

Is Wilmington or Dallas a more walkable city?

Wilmington is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city 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.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Wilmington or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wilmington due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Wilmington, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dallas.

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

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

One day in Wilmington or Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Wilmington. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the upscale city of Dallas, there's plenty to do. 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.

A weekend in Wilmington or Dallas?

Wilmington 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Dallas, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Wilmington or Dallas?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wilmington. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Dallas, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wilmington or Dallas?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Wilmington. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dallas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wilmington and Dallas, we can see that Wilmington is more expensive. And not only is Dallas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dallas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dallas 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 Dallas.

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

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Wilmington. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington and Dallas, 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 Wilmington or Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

Both Dallas and Wilmington during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Dallas because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Wilmington is cooler than Dallas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wilmington in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Dallas averages at about 88°F (31°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wilmington. In the summer, Wilmington often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually gets more rain in July than Dallas. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Dallas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Dallas. The autumn months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

In October, Wilmington is generally cooler than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 65°F (18°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas during autumn. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Wilmington usually receives less rain than Dallas. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Wilmington or Dallas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Dallas. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dallas for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Wilmington is around the same temperature as Dallas in the winter. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

In the winter, Wilmington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets more rain in January than Dallas. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Dallas in the Spring?

Both Dallas and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Dallas in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Wilmington is cooler than Dallas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wilmington in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Dallas averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Dallas during spring. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Wilmington usually receives less rain than Dallas. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dallas and Wilmington