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

Should you visit Wilmington or Lewisburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Lewisburg, 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 charming, historic, and welcoming city. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums. See Wilmington travel costs.

Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a quaint, charming, and historical town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include shopping and museums. See Lewisburg travel costs.

Wilmington and Lewisburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Wilmington or Lewisburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wilmington. Although Wilmington and Lewisburg are both popular with visitors, Wilmington has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wilmington is more popular for its food, nightlife, and beaches, while Lewisburg is known for its small town charm. Wilmington is more touristy than Lewisburg and is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. It is also home to the Battleship North Carolina. Lewisburg is popular for its historical charm and friendly personality.

How is Wilmington different from Lewisburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg?

Wilmington
Lewisburg

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Wilmington or Lewisburg.

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.

Lewisburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several cultural and historical museums in town as well as a fun children's museum.


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

Wilmington
Lewisburg

Wilmington is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Wilmington offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Lewisburg. There are bistros and cafes as well as all the standard chain restaurants.

Is Wilmington or Lewisburg Better for Nightlife?

Wilmington
Lewisburg

Wilmington is a popular place for nightlife. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Wilmington has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Lewisburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. While there are some bars, most people don't come here for the nightlife.

Is Wilmington or Lewisburg Better for Beaches?

Wilmington
Lewisburg

Wilmington is well known for its beaches. However, Lewisburg 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.

Lewisburg is not a beach destination.


Is Wilmington or Lewisburg Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington
Lewisburg

Wilmington and Lewisburg both have good historical old towns that attract visitors.

Wilmington is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Many people head to Lewisburg to see the old town. There are a huge number of historical buildings in the downtown area that contribute to the town's charm and character.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Lewisburg?

Wilmington
Lewisburg

If you're looking to go shopping, Wilmington and Lewisburg both offer plenty of good 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.

Lewisburg offers some nice shopping areas. There are some quaint local shops that sell local items and unique art works.

Is Wilmington or Lewisburg Better for Families?

Wilmington
Lewisburg

Wilmington is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lewisburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Wilmington is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Lewisburg offers lots of family activities. The Lewisburg Children's Museum is worth checking out, as is Reptiland and the many different indoor and outdoor play areas.


Is Wilmington or Lewisburg Better for Couples?

Wilmington
Lewisburg

Wilmington is well known for romance. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Wilmington frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Most people don't think of Lewisburg as a couple's destination. There are several quaint inns and beautiful gardens that you can explore. There are also spas and restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal.

Is Wilmington or Lewisburg Better for Students?

Wilmington
Lewisburg

For students, both Wilmington and Lewisburg are good places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Lewisburg is a good city to visit for students. Many students enjoy living here while they attend Bucknell University.

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

Wilmington
Lewisburg

Wilmington and Lewisburg both offer decent public transit to get you around.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Lewisburg. Public transportation in the area is limited.


Is Wilmington or Lewisburg a more walkable city?

Wilmington
Lewisburg

Wilmington and Lewisburg are good when it comes to walkability.

Wilmington is somewhat walkable. 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.

Lewisburg is a somewhat walkable place. It's small with a relatively compact downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Lewisburg or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Lewisburg?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Wilmington or Lewisburg to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Wilmington than Lewisburg because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Wilmington, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lewisburg.

Families should spend more time in Wilmington than Lewisburg. 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 Lewisburg. 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 Wilmington than Lewisburg 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 Wilmington.


  • How many days in Wilmington or Lewisburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Wilmington 2-5 
    Lewisburg 1-2

One day in Wilmington or Lewisburg?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Wilmington. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and shopping around the historical town of Lewisburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lewisburg, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Wilmington or Lewisburg?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Wilmington. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Lewisburg, 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 town.


Five days in Wilmington or Lewisburg?

You'll find nightlife and food around the welcoming city of Wilmington. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Lewisburg, a popular town, 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 Lewisburg?

Wilmington is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Lewisburg 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.


Which place is cheaper, Lewisburg 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
    Lewisburg Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Wilmington $245
    Lewisburg $161

The average daily cost (per person) in Wilmington is $245, while the average daily cost in Lewisburg is $161. 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 Lewisburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wilmington $120
    Lewisburg $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wilmington $240
    Lewisburg $140
Compare Hotels in Wilmington and Lewisburg

Looking for a hotel in Wilmington or Lewisburg? 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 Lewisburg


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
    Lewisburg $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Wilmington or Lewisburg?

Prices for flights to both Lewisburg 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
    Lewisburg $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wilmington $17
    Lewisburg $18

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
    Lewisburg $12


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

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


Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Lewisburg?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lewisburg. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington and Lewisburg, 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 Lewisburg?

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 Lewisburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Lewisburg. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Lewisburg for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Wilmington is a little warmer than Lewisburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Lewisburg fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lewisburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington this time of the year. In the summer, Wilmington often gets less sunshine than Lewisburg. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lewisburg receives 310 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Lewisburg. Wilmington receives a lot of rain in the summer. Wilmington usually gets more rain in July than Lewisburg. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Wilmington 81°F (27°C) 
    Lewisburg 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or Lewisburg in the Autumn?

Both Lewisburg and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lewisburg because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Wilmington is much warmer than Lewisburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wilmington in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Lewisburg averages at about 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Lewisburg during autumn. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Lewisburg receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Wilmington usually receives less rain than Lewisburg. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Wilmington 65°F (18°C) 
    Lewisburg 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or Lewisburg in the Winter?

Both Lewisburg and Wilmington during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lewisburg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lewisburg in the winter. In January, Wilmington is generally much warmer than Lewisburg. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 45°F (7°C), and Lewisburg fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In the winter, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Lewisburg. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lewisburg receives 153 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets more rain in January than Lewisburg. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 2.5 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Wilmington 45°F (7°C) 
    Lewisburg 27°F (-3°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or Lewisburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Lewisburg. The beaches are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lewisburg for the small town charm.

Wilmington is much warmer than Lewisburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 63°F (17°C) in April, and Lewisburg fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lewisburg this time of the year. In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Lewisburg during spring. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Lewisburg receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Wilmington usually receives less rain than Lewisburg. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Wilmington 63°F (17°C) 
    Lewisburg 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Lewisburg and Wilmington

Wilmington Lewisburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.5 inches (65 mm)
Feb 47°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 74°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 56°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3 inches (77 mm)