A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Berkeley vs. Durango for Attractions, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Berkeley or Durango?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berkeley or Durango, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a quirky, progressive, and diverse city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Durango

Durango is a quaint, scenic, and nature-filled small town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums.

Berkeley and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berkeley or Durango?

Both Durango and Berkeley have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Berkeley is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Durango is more popular for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Berkeley is more touristy than Durango and is popular for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. Durango is well known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Berkeley different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Berkeley or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is a moderate small town for snow skiing. However, Berkeley is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Durango for snow skiing. 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.

Berkeley is not a skiing destination.

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

Berkeley is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Berkeley. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.

Durango offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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

Berkeley is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Berkeley. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

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 Berkeley or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Berkeley is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Berkeley has a large number of nightlife venues. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

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 Berkeley or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Berkeley does not have a historic old town.

Durango offers a nice historic old town area. 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."

Berkeley does not have a historic old town.

Is Berkeley or Durango Better for Hiking?

Durango is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

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.

Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Berkeley or Durango?

Berkeley is a very popular place for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Berkeley. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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 Berkeley or Durango Better for Christmas?

Durango is a nice place to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Berkeley does not offer Christmas activities.

Many visitors go to Durango during the Christmas season. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

Berkeley does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Berkeley or Durango Better for Families?

Durango is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Durango is known to be 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.

Berkeley is a family-friendly city. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Berkeley or Durango Better for Couples?

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

Berkeley is a nice destination for couples. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

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 Berkeley or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berkeley is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Berkeley is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

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

Is Berkeley or Durango Better for Students?

Berkeley is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Durango is not popular with students.

Many students visit Berkeley. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

Durango is not popular with students.

Is Berkeley or Durango Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Berkeley is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Berkeley can get you around easily. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

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 Berkeley or Durango a more walkable city?

Berkeley is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Berkeley. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

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 Berkeley Worth Visiting? and Is Durango Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durango or Berkeley?

How long in Berkeley or Durango?

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

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

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

One day in Berkeley or Durango?

In Berkeley, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Berkeley or Durango?

In Berkeley, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Berkeley has to offer.

Durango is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this small town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Durango, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Berkeley or Durango?

Berkeley 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Berkeley or Durango?

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

Durango is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This small town offers something for everyone.

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 Berkeley and Durango, we can see that Berkeley 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 Berkeley would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berkeley 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 Berkeley Expensive? and Is Durango Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Berkeley or Durango?

Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Durango. When comparing the sizes of Berkeley 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.