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

Should you visit Wilmington or Sedona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Sedona, 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. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Wilmington travel costs.

Sedona

Sedona is a striking, desert, and dramatic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come to Sedona because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Sedona travel costs.

Wilmington and Sedona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Sedona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sedona. Although Wilmington and Sedona are popular destinations, Sedona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sedona is very popular for its food, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Wilmington attracts visitors for its beaches. Sedona is more touristy than Wilmington and is known for its stargazing, desert setting, and yoga retreats. It is also well known for Red Rock Crossing Park. Wilmington is famous for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Wilmington different from Sedona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Sedona offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There are also many galleries around town.

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

Sedona 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 Sedona. It's grown into a foodie destination with local restaurants that pride themselves on using local ingredients. Mexican food is common but you'll also find cafes, classic American food, and other international options.

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 Sedona Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Wilmington and Sedona.

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 Sedona. There are bars, live music venues, and even a casino in town. Breweries are popular and there are also upscale wine bars.

Is Wilmington or Sedona Better for Resorts?

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

Sedona is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Upscale resorts with spas, pools, and other amenities offer the perfect backdrop for a desert vacation.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Is Wilmington or Sedona Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is great for the beach. However, Sedona 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.

Sedona is not a beach destination.

Is Wilmington or Sedona Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington and Sedona both have nice 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 Sedona to see the old town. Traditional architecture and historic charm give downtown Sedona a lot of character.

Is Wilmington or Sedona Better for Hiking?

Sedona is great for hiking. However, Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Sedona for the hiking trails. It's red rock cliffs offer the perfect setting for dramatic hikes and breathtaking views. The colors are most impressive at sunrise and sunset and some of the most famous landmarks include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Sedona?

Sedona is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Sedona. It's filled with local artisan shops and art galleries that highlight the region's beauty. Head to Uptown Sedona for some of the best boutiques. You should also check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the Sedona Art Center, and Hozho Distinctive Shops and Galleries.

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 Sedona More Beautiful?

Sedona is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Wilmington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Sedona because of it's amazing beauty. The surrounded countryside is filled with dramatic desert landscapes and striking red cliffs.

Wilmington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Wilmington or Sedona Better for Families?

Wilmington and Sedona 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.

Sedona is a very kid-friendly city. There are impressive parks and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Head to Slide Rock State Park where your kids can enjoy a natural waterslide. There's also the Out of Africa Wildlife Zoo as well as a canyon railroad.

Is Wilmington or Sedona Better for Couples?

Sedona is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Sedona has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Stargazing in the evening or picnicking in a park during the day. There are countless romantic activities that couples can enjoy. The area is filled with striking natural beauty that is at its best during sunset. Couples will also enjoy fine dining and a variety of outdoor activities.

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Wilmington or Sedona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sedona is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Sedona. You'll find campgrounds, RV parks, and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

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 Sedona Better for Students?

Wilmington is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sedona is not popular with students.

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.

Sedona is not popular with students.

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

Wilmington and Sedona both offer reasonable 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 Sedona. Verde Shuttle offers shuttle routes through town.

Is Wilmington or Sedona a more walkable city?

Wilmington and Sedona are nice 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.

Sedona is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay in Uptown Sedona, then the area is walkable, but if you're planning to stay further away then you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Sedona or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Sedona?

In either Wilmington or Sedona, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Sedona has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sedona than Wilmington. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Wilmington, and 3-5 days is enough time in Sedona.

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

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

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

One day in Wilmington or Sedona?

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.

Sedona might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. 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 Sedona?

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.

Even though Sedona is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Wilmington or Sedona?

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.

Sedona, a popular town, 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 town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wilmington or Sedona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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.

Sedona is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. 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 Sedona, we can see that Wilmington is more expensive. And not only is Sedona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sedona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sedona 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 Sedona.

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

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Sedona?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Sedona. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington and Sedona, 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.