A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Baltimore vs. Hood River for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Baltimore or Hood River?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Hood River can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Hood River

Hood River is a quaint, scenic, and charming town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Baltimore and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Hood River?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Baltimore than Hood River, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Baltimore is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Hood River is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Baltimore is well known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Also, Baltimore is famous for the National Aquarium. Hood River is well known for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains.

How is Baltimore different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Baltimore or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Hood River is very good for winter skiing. However, Baltimore is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Hood River is a great destination to visit. 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.

Baltimore is not a skiing destination.

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

Baltimore is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Baltimore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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 Baltimore or Hood River? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Baltimore and Hood River both to be great destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Hood River has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is Baltimore or Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Baltimore has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Hood River has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

Is Baltimore or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Hood River is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Hood River. 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.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Hood River?

Baltimore is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Baltimore is well-known for its shopping. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Many visitors go to Hood River to go 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.

Is Baltimore or Hood River Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Baltimore or Hood River.

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hood River. 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.

Is Baltimore or Hood River Better for Couples?

Hood River is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Hood River frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Baltimore or Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hood River is well known for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hood River is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

Baltimore is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Baltimore can get you around easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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 Baltimore or Hood River a more walkable city?

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

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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 Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Hood River Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Hood River?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Baltimore and Hood River. In our opinion, Baltimore has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Baltimore than Hood River. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Hood River than Baltimore. 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 Baltimore 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.

One day in Baltimore or Hood River?

With museums and nightlife around the diverse city of Baltimore, 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Hood River. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Baltimore or Hood River?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Baltimore, 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 city.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the scenic destination of Hood River. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.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.

Five days in Baltimore or Hood River?

Baltimore, a popular city, 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.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the scenic town of Hood River. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Baltimore or Hood River?

Baltimore 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.

Hood River is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baltimore and Hood River, we can see that Baltimore 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 Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive? and Is Hood River Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Hood River?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore 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.

When is the best time to visit Baltimore or Hood River?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Baltimore or Hood River in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Hood River. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Hood River because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Baltimore is a little warmer than Hood River in the summer. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 78°F (25°C) in July, and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hood River. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. In the summer, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Hood River. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun.

Baltimore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Baltimore usually gets more rain in July than Hood River. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Hood River in the Autumn?

Both Hood River and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hood River this time of year.

In the autumn, Baltimore is a little warmer than Hood River. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Baltimore in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Hood River averages at about 55°F (13°C).

Baltimore usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hood River. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Baltimore or Hood River in the Winter?

Both Hood River and Baltimore during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hood River for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hood River. It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. In January, Baltimore is generally much colder than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 32°F (0°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Baltimore often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun.

Hood River gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Baltimore usually gets less rain in January than Hood River. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Hood River in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Hood River. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Hood River in the spring for the natural beauty.

Baltimore is a little warmer than Hood River in the spring. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hood River this time of the year. In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hood River during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Hood River. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hood River and Baltimore