A Travel Price Comparison for Colorado Avon vs. Boulder for Skiing, Hiking, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Avon or Boulder?

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 Avon and Boulder. 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.

Avon

Avon is a scenic, active, and outdoorsy town. Visitors also love the hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Boulder

Boulder is a biker-friendly, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for live music, food, and hiking.

Avon and Boulder: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Avon or Boulder?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boulder. Although Avon and Boulder are popular destinations, Boulder has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boulder is very popular for its music, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Avon attracts visitors for its skiing and resorts. Avon is more touristy than Boulder and is popular for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort. Boulder is famous for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries. It is also well known for The Flatirons.

How is Avon different from Boulder?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Avon or Boulder Better for Skiing?

Avon is a great town for skiing. However, Boulder is not known for snow skiing.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Avon. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Boulder for snow skiing. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Avon or Boulder?

Both Avon and Boulder have reasonable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

While most people don't head to Boulder specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

Is the Food Better in Avon or Boulder? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Avon and Boulder offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Avon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Boulder has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

Is Avon or Boulder Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Avon and Boulder.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Boulder. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

Is Avon or Boulder Better for Music?

Boulder is a good destination for live music. However, Avon is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Boulder. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Avon is not a live music destination.

Is Avon or Boulder Better for Resorts?

Avon is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Boulder is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Avon makes a nice vacation spot. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Boulder is not a resort destination.

Is Avon or Boulder Better for Hiking?

Boulder is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Boulder is a popular spot for hiking. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

Avon is a good destination for hiking. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Is the Shopping Better in Avon or Boulder?

Boulder is a good destination for shopping. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its shopping opportunities.

Boulder is a great destination for shopping. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

If you're looking to go shopping, Avon has some nice offerings. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.

Is Avon or Boulder Better for Families?

Both Avon and Boulder are nice family-friendly destinations.

Avon is a family-friendly place to visit. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Boulder is a family-friendly town. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Is Avon or Boulder Better for Couples?

Avon and Boulder both nice destinations for a couple.

Avon is a nice destination for couples. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

Boulder makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

Is Avon or Boulder Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boulder is a good destination for backpackers. However, Avon is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Boulder. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

Avon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers prefer to stay closer to the ski facilities.

Is Avon or Boulder Better for Students?

Boulder is notable for students. However, Avon is not popular with students.

Many students visit Boulder. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Avon is not popular with students.

Is Avon or Boulder Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Avon is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Boulder is not known for its public transit.

While Avon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

Public transit is generally limited in Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

Is Avon or Boulder a more walkable city?

Avon and Boulder both are nice when exploring on foot.

Avon is somewhat walkable. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

Boulder is a somewhat walkable place. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Boulder Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boulder or Avon?

How long in Avon or Boulder?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boulder than Avon 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 Boulder.

One day in Avon or Boulder?

In Avon, you'll find food and skiing. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Boulder. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Avon or Boulder?

In Avon, you'll find skiing and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Avon has to offer.

Boulder is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Avon or Boulder?

Avon is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Boulder. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Avon or Boulder?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avon. Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Avon. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The biker-friendly city of Boulder offers nightlife and live music. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Avon or Boulder?

Boulder has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Avon and Boulder, 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.