A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Beaver Creek for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Asheville or Beaver Creek?

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 Asheville and Beaver Creek. 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.

Asheville

Asheville is a open-minded, eclectic, and outdoorsy mountain town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a active, adventurous, and charming town. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Asheville and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Beaver Creek?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Asheville. Although Asheville and Beaver Creek are popular destinations, Asheville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Asheville is very popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Beaver Creek attracts visitors for its skiing, theatre productions, and food. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Asheville and is popular for its skiing and charming atmosphere Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. It is also well known for The Biltmore Estate.

How is Asheville different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Asheville or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Beaver Creek is an unbeatable place for winter skiing. However, Asheville is not a skiing destination.

Beaver Creek is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Asheville is not a skiing destination.

Is Asheville or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Beaver Creek is not so good for its theatre productions. However, Asheville is not a theatre destination.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Asheville is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Beaver Creek? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaver Creek is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Beaver Creek. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.

Asheville is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Is Asheville or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is a great mountain town for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Asheville has something for everybody. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Most people don't head to Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Is Asheville or Beaver Creek Better for Music?

Asheville is a great mountain town for live music. However, Beaver Creek is not a live music destination.

Asheville has a thriving music scene. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Beaver Creek is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

There are nice resorts to choose from in both Asheville and Beaver Creek.

With a selection of resorts, Asheville makes a nice vacation spot. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Beaver Creek has a few great resort options. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Is Asheville or Beaver Creek Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is adequate for its historic old town. However, Beaver Creek does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Beaver Creek does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Asheville and Beaver Creek, and they are great.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Many visitors go to Beaver Creek for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Beaver Creek?

Asheville is a great mountain town for shopping. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Asheville. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Beaver Creek offers some nice shopping areas. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Is Asheville or Beaver Creek Better for Christmas?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Beaver Creek does not offer Christmas activities.

Asheville is a very popular destination during Christmas. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Beaver Creek does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Asheville or Beaver Creek Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is adequate for visiting Christmas markets. However, Beaver Creek does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville is a good spot to see some Christmas markets. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Beaver Creek does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Asheville or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Beaver Creek is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Beaver Creek is very family-friendly. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Asheville. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Is Asheville or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Asheville and Beaver Creek both great destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Beaver Creek is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

Is Asheville or Beaver Creek Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is a great mountain town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Beaver Creek is not known for backpackers.

Asheville is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Beaver Creek is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many facilities that cater to backpackers.

Is Asheville or Beaver Creek Better for Students?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its student-friendly activities. However, Beaver Creek is not popular with students.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit as a student. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Beaver Creek is not popular with students.

Is Asheville or Beaver Creek Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Beaver Creek is a good destination for its public transit. However, Asheville is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Beaver Creek, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

Public transit is mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Is Asheville or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Beaver Creek is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Beaver Creek on foot is easy. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable mountain town. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Beaver Creek?

Both Asheville and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaver Creek than in Asheville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Beaver Creek 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 Asheville.

One day in Asheville or Beaver Creek?

In Asheville, many people enjoy the live music and food that this progressive mountain town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Beaver Creek. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

A weekend in Asheville or Beaver Creek?

Asheville is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the adventurous destination of Beaver Creek. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Beaver Creek?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the open-minded destination of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find skiing and food around the active town of Beaver Creek. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the skiing. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Asheville or Beaver Creek?

Asheville is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Beaver Creek is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beaver Creek, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

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