A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Sun Valley for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Atlantic City or Sun Valley?

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 Sun Valley. 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 party-oriented, colorful, and glitzy city. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and active town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Atlantic City and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Sun Valley?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sun Valley. Although Atlantic City and Sun Valley are both popular with visitors, Sun Valley has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sun Valley is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Atlantic City is known for its nightlife and beaches. Atlantic City is more touristy than Sun Valley and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Sun Valley is popular for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. It is also home to Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

How is Atlantic City different from Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sun Valley and Atlantic City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Atlantic City or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for winter skiing. However, Atlantic City is not a skiing destination.

Sun Valley is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Atlantic City is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlantic City or Sun Valley?

Both Atlantic City and Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

Is the Food Better in Atlantic City or Sun Valley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sun Valley 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, Sun Valley makes for a great culinary experience. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

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 Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is terrific for nightlife. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Atlantic City is a must-see party destination. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Sun Valley has a few options to choose from. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

Is Atlantic City or Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

There are excellent resorts to choose from in both Atlantic City and Sun Valley.

There are plenty of resorts in Atlantic City to choose from. 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.

Sun Valley is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Is Atlantic City or Sun Valley Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a good destination for its beaches. However, Sun Valley is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Sun Valley is not a beach destination.

Is Atlantic City or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Sun Valley?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

Is Atlantic City or Sun Valley Better for Families?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Sun Valley is very family-friendly. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

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 Sun Valley Better for Couples?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Sun Valley is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

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 Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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 Sun Valley Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sun Valley is well known for its public transit. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Sun Valley is fairly effecient and thorough. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

While Atlantic City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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.

Is Atlantic City or Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Sun Valley on foot is easy. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting? and Is Sun Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sun Valley or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Sun Valley?

Both Atlantic City and Sun Valley have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sun Valley than in Atlantic City. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sun Valley.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley.

One day in Atlantic City or Sun Valley?

With shopping and nightlife around the glitzy city of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlantic City, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the adventurous destination of Sun Valley. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. 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 Sun Valley?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sun Valley. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Atlantic City or Sun Valley?

Atlantic City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the adventurous destination of Sun Valley. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Atlantic City or Sun Valley?

Atlantic City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful town of Sun Valley. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

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 Sun Valley Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Sun Valley?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Sun Valley, 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.