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

Should you visit Alexandria or Hood River?

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 Hood River. 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 historic, charming, and quaint city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Hood River

Hood River is a scenic, charming, and agricultural town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Alexandria and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Alexandria or Hood River?

Both Hood River and Alexandria have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Alexandria is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Hood River is known for its skiing, food, and hiking. Alexandria is popular for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Hood River is popular for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains.

How is Alexandria different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Alexandria or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Alexandria
Hood River

Hood River is a good destination for skiing. However, Alexandria is not a skiing destination.

Head to Hood River for some great skiing and other winter activities. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Alexandria is not a skiing destination.


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

Alexandria
Hood River

Alexandria is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Alexandria offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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

Alexandria
Hood River

Hood River 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.

Hood River has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

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 Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Alexandria
Hood River

The vibe at night is good in both Alexandria and Hood River.

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 Hood River. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.


Is Alexandria or Hood River Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria
Hood River

Alexandria is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Hood River does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Alexandria offers plenty to see. 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.

Hood River does not have a historic old town.

Is Alexandria or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Alexandria
Hood River

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

Many visitors go to Hood River for the hiking trails. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Hood River?

Alexandria
Hood River

Alexandria is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Alexandria is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Hood River to go shopping. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.


Is Alexandria or Hood River Better for Families?

Alexandria
Hood River

Hood River 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 Hood River. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

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 Hood River Better for Couples?

Alexandria
Hood River

Alexandria and Hood River both superb 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.

Hood River is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

Is Alexandria or Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alexandria
Hood River

Hood River 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 Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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


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

Alexandria
Hood River

Alexandria is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Visitors in Alexandria can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is generally limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Is Alexandria or Hood River a more walkable city?

Alexandria
Hood River

Alexandria is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Hood River?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Alexandria than Hood River. 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 Hood River 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 Hood River.


  • How many days in Alexandria or Hood River? Ideal Length of Stay
    Alexandria 2-4 
    Hood River 2-3

One day in Alexandria or Hood River?

With museums and nightlife around the charming city of Alexandria, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With shopping and skiing around the agricultural town of Hood River, 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 Hood River?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Alexandria, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 city.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Hood River, 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 town.

Five days in Alexandria or Hood River?

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

Hood River, a popular town, 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 Hood River?

Alexandria 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.

Hood River 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hood River or Alexandria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Hood River is $145. 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 Alexandria and Hood River in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $38
    Hood River $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $76
    Hood River $156
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Hood River

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Hood River? 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 Alexandria


Hotels in Hood River


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: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Hood River Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria -
    Hood River $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Hood River?

Prices for flights to both Hood River and Alexandria 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
    Alexandria -
    Hood River $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria -
    Hood River $18

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Phantoms of the Potomac Walking Tour: $26
  • Private Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon: $165
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $38
  • Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127
  • Philadelphia Tour from Alexandria by Rail: $329

Tours and Activities in Hood River

For Hood River, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Gift Basket Factory Tour: $31
  • Orchard Tour: $31
  • Railbikes Experience: $211
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria -
    Hood River $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

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

  • Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Hood River, we can see that Hood River 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 Hood River would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hood River 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 Hood River Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Hood River?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Hood River, 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 Hood River?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Alexandria or Hood River in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Hood River. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hood River for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 79°F (26°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hood River this time of the year. In Alexandria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alexandria usually receives less sunshine than Hood River during summer. Alexandria gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Hood River. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C) 
    Hood River 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Hood River in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Hood River. Many travelers come to Alexandria for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Hood River in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Alexandria is a little warmer than Hood River in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Alexandria often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Alexandria gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun.

Alexandria usually gets more rain in October than Hood River. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C) 
    Hood River 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Hood River in the Winter?

Both Hood River and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Alexandria in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hood River for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hood River can be very cold during winter. Alexandria can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Alexandria is much colder than Hood River. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alexandria in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Hood River averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Alexandria usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during winter. Alexandria gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hood River. In January, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Hood River. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C) 
    Hood River 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Hood River in the Spring?

Both Hood River and Alexandria during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hood River because of the natural beauty.

In April, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 56°F (14°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Hood River, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alexandria. In the spring, Alexandria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hood River. Alexandria gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun.

Alexandria usually gets more rain in April than Hood River. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C) 
    Hood River 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Hood River and Alexandria

Alexandria Hood River
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)