A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Adirondack Mountains vs. Santa Fe for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe?

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

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a pristine, scenic, and serene region. With stunning beauty, Adirondack Mountains attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Adirondack Mountains travel costs.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a artsy, cultural, and historic historic town. Santa Fe is a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing. See Santa Fe travel costs.

Adirondack Mountains and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Fe. Although Adirondack Mountains and Santa Fe are both popular with visitors, Santa Fe has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Fe is more popular for its food, music, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Adirondack Mountains is known for its nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Adirondack Mountains is more touristy than Santa Fe and is popular for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. Santa Fe is popular for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. It is also home to The Museum of New Mexico Complex.

How is Adirondack Mountains different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Adirondack Mountains
Santa Fe

For skiing and winter sports, both Adirondack Mountains and Santa Fe provide good options.

For winter sports and skiing, Adirondack Mountains is a great destination to visit. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Head to Santa Fe for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.


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

Adirondack Mountains
Santa Fe

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Adirondack Mountains and Santa Fe.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Fe. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

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

Adirondack Mountains
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santa Fe. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

Adirondack Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

Adirondack Mountains
Santa Fe

Adirondack Mountains is very good for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Adirondack Mountains has a few options to choose from. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.

Most people don't head to Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe Better for Music?

Adirondack Mountains
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Adirondack Mountains is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Santa Fe is active and vibrant. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Adirondack Mountains is not a live music destination.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe Better for Resorts?

Adirondack Mountains
Santa Fe

Adirondack Mountains is a great region for its luxury resorts. However, Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Adirondack Mountains. 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.

Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

Adirondack Mountains
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is notable for its old town. However, Adirondack Mountains does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

Adirondack Mountains does not have a historic old town.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

Adirondack Mountains
Santa Fe

Adirondack Mountains is a great region for hiking. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Santa Fe has hiking trails worth exploring. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Is the Shopping Better in Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe?

Adirondack Mountains
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping areas.

Santa Fe is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

Adirondack Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe More Beautiful?

Adirondack Mountains
Santa Fe

Adirondack Mountains is a great region for its scenery and beauty. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Adirondack Mountains attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful lakes and waterfalls, serene settings, and striking viewpoints make this a beautiful destination where you can escape into nature.

Santa Fe is a gorgeous place to visit. This cultural city has a unique beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe Better for Families?

Adirondack Mountains
Santa Fe

Adirondack Mountains is a great region for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Adirondack Mountains. 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.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

Adirondack Mountains
Santa Fe

Adirondack Mountains is a great region for couples. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for romance.

Adirondack Mountains is a great region if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adirondack Mountains
Santa Fe

Adirondack Mountains is a great region for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Santa Fe is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Adirondack Mountains. 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.

Santa Fe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as several campgrounds.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Adirondack Mountains
Santa Fe

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

Santa Fe is a good historic town to visit for students. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

Adirondack Mountains is not popular with students.

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

Adirondack Mountains
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a moderate historic town 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 Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

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

Is Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe a more walkable city?

Adirondack Mountains
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

Santa Fe is a very walkable historic town. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable region. 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 Adirondack Mountains Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Fe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Fe or Adirondack Mountains?

How long in Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe?

In either Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than Santa Fe because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Adirondack Mountains, and 2-5 days is enough time in Santa Fe.

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

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

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


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

One day in Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe?

The beautiful region of Adirondack Mountains offers museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Santa Fe. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A weekend in Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe?

Adirondack Mountains is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Santa Fe is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this historic town has to offer. This historic town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe?

Adirondack Mountains is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Adirondack Mountains, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people visit Santa Fe for five days. Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic town of Santa Fe. Visiting the old town is also a must. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this historic town has to offer.


A week in Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe?

Adirondack Mountains is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Adirondack Mountains has to offer. This region offers something for everyone.

The charming destination of Santa Fe offers museums and skiing. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Santa Fe or Adirondack Mountains?

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

  • Adirondack Mountains Prices
    USA Prices
    Santa Fe Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Adirondack Mountains $202
    Santa Fe $190

The average daily cost (per person) in Adirondack Mountains is $202, while the average daily cost in Santa Fe is $190. 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 Adirondack Mountains and Santa Fe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Adirondack Mountains $97
    Santa Fe $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Adirondack Mountains $194
    Santa Fe $162
Compare Hotels in Adirondack Mountains and Santa Fe

Looking for a hotel in Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe? 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 Adirondack Mountains


Hotels in Santa Fe


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: Santa Fe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Adirondack Mountains $33
    Santa Fe $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Fe

Also for Santa Fe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • New Mexico: Private Transfer from Santa Fe Regional Airport: $196

Is it cheaper to fly into Adirondack Mountains or Santa Fe?

Prices for flights to both Santa Fe and Adirondack Mountains 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
    Adirondack Mountains $85
    Santa Fe $75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Fe

For Santa Fe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • New Mexican Flavors Food Tour of the Santa Fe Plaza: $187
  • Wander New Mexico Food Tour - Downtown Plaza 'Sip & Savor': $209
  • Downtown Plaza "Sip and Savor" Half-day Food Tour: $209
  • Santa Fe Farmers Market & Railyard Food Tour: $213
  • Savor Wine Pairing Dinner: $234

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

Tours and Activities in Santa Fe

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

  • A Self Guided Audio Tour of Madrid New Mexico Ghost Town: $6.99
  • Santa Fe Historic Downtown Smart Phone Audio App Self Guided GPS Walking Tour : $7.80
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Santa Fe by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Santa Fe Historic Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Santa Fe NM: $15
  • Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour of Historic Santa Fe: $15
  • Haunted Walking Tour: $32
  • Meow Wolf The House of Eternal Return Ticket: $46
  • Willa Cather's Walking Tour in Santa Fe: $50
  • Canyon Road Art & History Walking Tour: $69
  • Canyon Road Art & History Walking Tour: $70
  • Our Lady of Guadalupe Walking Tour in Santa Fe: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Adirondack Mountains $19
    Santa Fe $9.68

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Fe

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

  • Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery Tour and Tasting: $18
  • Architectural Walking Tour & Wine Tasting: $135


When comparing the travel costs between Adirondack Mountains and Santa Fe, we can see that Adirondack Mountains is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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