A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Alexandria vs. Columbia River Gorge for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Alexandria and Columbia River Gorge. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a quaint, historic, and charming city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful, scenic, and natural region. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Alexandria and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Alexandria than Columbia River Gorge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Alexandria is better known for its museums & sights, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Columbia River Gorge is more popular for its food and hiking. Alexandria is well known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Also, Alexandria is famous for Mount Vernon. Columbia River Gorge is well known for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

How is Alexandria different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge?

Alexandria is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Alexandria can be an interesting and educational experience. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is the Food Better in Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Columbia River Gorge is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Columbia River Gorge has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Alexandria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Alexandria and Columbia River Gorge.

If you're looking for night time activities Alexandria has a few options to choose from. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Columbia River Gorge does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Alexandria is revered around the world. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Columbia River Gorge does not have a historic old town.

Is Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is great for hiking. However, Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge?

Alexandria is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Alexandria is an extremely popular place for shoppers. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Columbia River Gorge is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Columbia River Gorge. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Alexandria and Columbia River Gorge both great destinations for a couple.

Alexandria is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Is Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alexandria is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Alexandria can get you around easily. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Alexandria is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Alexandria on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable city. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Alexandria Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Alexandria and Columbia River Gorge. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Alexandria than in Columbia River Gorge. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alexandria, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge than Alexandria 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 Columbia River Gorge.

One day in Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Alexandria. 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.

With shopping and nightlife around the beautiful region of Columbia River Gorge, 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 Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge?

Alexandria 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Columbia River Gorge, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this region.

Five days in Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Alexandria for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful city of Alexandria. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Columbia River Gorge, a popular region, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge?

The quaint destination of Alexandria offers nightlife and food. 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.

Columbia River Gorge 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Columbia River Gorge, 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 Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Alexandria during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Alexandria in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Alexandria is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alexandria in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alexandria. In the summer, Alexandria often gets less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Alexandria gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun.

Alexandria usually gets more rain in July than Columbia River Gorge. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Columbia River Gorge. Most visitors come to Alexandria for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 60°F (15°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Alexandria usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during autumn. Alexandria gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Columbia River Gorge. The winter months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

It's quite cold in Columbia River Gorge in the winter. The weather in Alexandria can be very cold. Alexandria is much colder than Columbia River Gorge in the winter. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Alexandria often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Alexandria gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Columbia River Gorge. Alexandria usually gets less rain in January than Columbia River Gorge. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Alexandria is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alexandria in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia River Gorge. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. Alexandria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia River Gorge during spring. Alexandria gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Alexandria