A Travel Price Comparison for Colorado Avon vs. Durango for Skiing, Hiking, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Avon or Durango?

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 Durango. 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Durango

Durango is a nature-filled, historic, and charming small town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for hiking and museums.

Avon and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Avon or Durango?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Avon. Although Avon and Durango are both popular with visitors, Avon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Avon is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, and resorts, while Durango is known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Avon is more touristy than Durango and is popular for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort. It is also home to Avon Recreation Center. Durango is popular for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Avon different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Avon or Durango Better for Skiing?

Avon is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Durango is lacking in good options for winter skiing.

Avon offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. 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.

Durango is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

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

Durango is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

Durango is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

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

Avon is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Avon. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Avon or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Avon is a good destination for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Avon or Durango Better for Resorts?

Avon is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Durango 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.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Avon or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Avon does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Durango to see the historical old town. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Avon does not have a historic old town.

Is Avon or Durango Better for Hiking?

Durango 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.

Durango is a popular spot for hiking. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

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 Durango?

Both Avon and Durango are decent shopping destinations.

Avon is a good destination for shopping. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Avon or Durango Better for Christmas?

Durango is a good destination for its Christmas activities. However, Avon does not offer Christmas activities.

Durango is a fun destination over Christmas. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

Avon does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Avon or Durango Better for Families?

Durango 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.

Durango is a very family-friendly place to visit. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

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 Durango Better for Couples?

Avon is a good destination for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Avon or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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 Durango 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, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Avon or Durango a more walkable city?

Avon is a good destination for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options 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.

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Durango or Avon?

How long in Avon or Durango?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Durango 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 Durango.

One day in Avon or Durango?

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.

Durango is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums. 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 Durango?

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.

Durango 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 Durango?

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.

Durango is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This small town 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 Durango?

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.

Because Durango is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Avon and Durango, we can see that Avon is more expensive. And not only is Durango much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Durango would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Durango 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 Durango.

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

Which is Bigger, Avon or Durango?

Durango has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Avon and Durango, 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.