A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Columbia River Gorge for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a glitzy, flashy, and party-oriented city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a scenic, natural, and beautiful region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Atlantic City and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atlantic City. Although Atlantic City and Columbia River Gorge are both popular with visitors, Atlantic City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Atlantic City is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Columbia River Gorge is known for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Atlantic City is more touristy than Columbia River Gorge and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality It is also home to Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. Columbia River Gorge is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

How is Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Both Atlantic City and Columbia River Gorge have decent landmarks and museums for visitors.

Atlantic City offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

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 Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Columbia River Gorge is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Columbia River Gorge makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to Atlantic City just to party. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Atlantic City is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City has a beach worth visiting. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Is Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Columbia River Gorge and Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is a great destination for shopping. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

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 Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Columbia River Gorge is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Columbia River Gorge is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Columbia River Gorge is well known for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Columbia River Gorge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

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

Columbia River Gorge is well known for backpackers. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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 Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

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

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Atlantic City has a few public transit options. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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

Is Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

Atlantic City is very walkable. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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 Atlantic City Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlantic City and Columbia River Gorge. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge than Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Atlantic City. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlantic City has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the natural destination of Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge?

Atlantic City is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbia River Gorge. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Atlantic City for five days. You'll find shopping and nightlife around the city of Atlantic City. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Columbia River Gorge. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge?

The colorful destination of Atlantic City offers nightlife and food. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful region of Columbia River Gorge. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Atlantic City and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Columbia River Gorge 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 Atlantic City Expensive? and Is Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Atlantic City is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia River Gorge this time of the year. In Atlantic City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during summer. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

Atlantic City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Columbia River Gorge. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, 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 the autumn, Atlantic City is around the same temperature as Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlantic City in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 55°F (13°C).

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

Atlantic City usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Columbia River Gorge. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Atlantic City can be very cold. In January, Atlantic City is generally much colder than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 31°F (-0°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Atlantic City usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during winter. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. In January, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Atlantic City during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty.

Atlantic City is around the same temperature as Columbia River Gorge in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 51°F (10°C) in April, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the spring, Atlantic City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia River Gorge. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in April than Columbia River Gorge. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Atlantic City