A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Avon vs. Hood River for Skiing, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Avon or Hood River?

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 Hood River. 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 nightlife, food, and hiking.

Hood River

Hood River is a charming, agricultural, and quaint town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Avon and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Avon or Hood River?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hood River. Although Avon and Hood River are popular destinations, Hood River has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hood River is very popular for its food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Avon attracts visitors for its skiing and resorts. Avon is famous for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort. Hood River is famous for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. It is also well known for Multnomah Falls.

How is Avon different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Avon or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Avon
Hood River

Avon is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for winter 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.

Head to Hood River for some great skiing and other winter activities. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.


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

Avon
Hood River

Both Avon and Hood River 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 Hood River specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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

Avon
Hood River

Hood River 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, Hood River makes for a great culinary experience. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

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 Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Avon
Hood River

Evening events are nice in both Avon and Hood River.

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 Hood River. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.


Is Avon or Hood River Better for Resorts?

Avon
Hood River

Avon is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Hood River 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.

Hood River is not a resort destination.

Is Avon or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Avon
Hood River

Hood River 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.

Hood River is a popular spot for hiking. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

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 Hood River?

Avon
Hood River

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

Hood River is a great destination for shopping. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

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 Hood River Better for Families?

Avon
Hood River

Hood River 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.

Hood River is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

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 Hood River Better for Couples?

Avon
Hood River

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

Hood River is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

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 Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Avon
Hood River

Hood River is notable for backpackers. However, Avon is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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

Avon
Hood River

Avon is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hood River 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 generally limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Is Avon or Hood River a more walkable city?

Avon
Hood River

Avon is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Avon is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Avon?

How long in Avon or Hood River?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River 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 Hood River.


  • How many days in Avon or Hood River? Ideal Length of Stay
    Avon 2-4 
    Hood River 2-3

One day in Avon or Hood River?

With food and skiing around the outdoorsy town of Avon, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Hood River. 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 Hood River?

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Avon, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Hood River 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 Hood River?

Avon, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the charming destination of Hood River. This 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 Hood River?

Avon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

The quaint town of Hood River offers skiing 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 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.


Which place is cheaper, Hood River or Avon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Avon is $277, while the average daily cost in Hood River is $145. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Avon and Hood River in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Avon $177
    Hood River $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Avon $354
    Hood River $156
Compare Hotels in Avon and Hood River

Looking for a hotel in Avon or Hood River? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Avon


Hotels in Hood River


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Avon Hotel Prices and Hood River Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Avon $41
    Hood River $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Avon or Hood River?

Prices for flights to both Hood River and Avon change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Avon $67
    Hood River $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Avon $48
    Hood River $18

Tours and Activities in Hood River

For Hood River, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Orchard Tour: $31
  • Gift Basket Factory Tour: $31
  • Columbia Gorge Kayak Tour: $100
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $199
  • Railbikes Experience: $211

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Avon $38
    Hood River $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Hood River

Also in Hood River, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Hood River Premium Wine Tour: $480


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

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


Which is Bigger, Avon or Hood River?

Avon has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Avon and Hood River, 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.