A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Avon vs. Columbia River Gorge for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Avon 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 Avon 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.

Avon

Avon is a outdoorsy, scenic, and active town. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

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 nightlife, food, and hiking.

Avon and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Avon or Columbia River Gorge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Avon. Although Avon and Columbia River Gorge are both popular with visitors, Avon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Avon is more popular for its skiing and resorts, while Columbia River Gorge is known for its food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Avon is popular for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort. It is also home to Avon Recreation Center. Columbia River Gorge is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

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

Is Avon or Columbia River Gorge Better for Skiing?

Avon is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a skiing destination.

Avon is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a skiing destination.

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

Both Avon and Columbia River Gorge have decent 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 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 Avon or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Columbia River Gorge is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Avon or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Avon and Columbia River Gorge.

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 Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is Avon or Columbia River Gorge Better for Resorts?

Avon is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Avon has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Is Avon or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular spot for hiking. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

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 Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge is a good destination for shopping. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its shopping opportunities.

Columbia River Gorge is a great destination for shopping. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Columbia River Gorge is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Avon is a family-friendly town. 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.

Is Avon or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Columbia River Gorge is notable for romance. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

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

Columbia River Gorge is notable for backpackers. However, Avon is a mediocre town 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.

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

Avon 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.

Avon has a few public transit options. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

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

Is Avon or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Avon is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable town. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Avon?

How long in Avon or Columbia River Gorge?

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

Families should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge than Avon. 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 Avon. 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 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 Columbia River Gorge.

One day in Avon or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the destination of Avon. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Columbia River Gorge. 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Avon is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Avon for five days. You'll find food and skiing around the town of Avon. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Columbia River Gorge. This region 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 Columbia River Gorge?

The scenic destination of Avon offers skiing and nightlife. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The natural region of Columbia River Gorge offers shopping and nightlife. 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 Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Avon is more expensive. And not only is Columbia River Gorge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia River Gorge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge.

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

Which is Bigger, Avon or Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Avon 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.