A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Durham for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Boca Raton or Durham?

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 Boca Raton and Durham. 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.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a luxurious, posh, and outdoorsy coastal city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Boca Raton and Durham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Durham?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Boca Raton than Durham. While Durham is larger than Boca Raton, Boca Raton has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boca Raton is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also well known for Red Reef Park. Durham is famous for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Boca Raton different from Durham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Durham?

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Durham and Boca Raton.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Boca Raton. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

Durham offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

Is the Food Better in Boca Raton or Durham? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boca Raton is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Boca Raton is an experience not to be missed. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Durham. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

Is Boca Raton or Durham Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Boca Raton offers plenty to do in the evening. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

Is Boca Raton or Durham Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Durham is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Boca Raton. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Boca Raton or Durham Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Durham Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. However, Durham is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Boca Raton is a very popular vacation destination. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is Boca Raton or Durham Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Boca Raton. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Durham?

Boca Raton is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Durham. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Is Boca Raton or Durham Better for Families?

Boca Raton is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Boca Raton is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Durham is a family-friendly coastal city. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Boca Raton or Durham Better for Couples?

Boca Raton is a well-known place for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Boca Raton is a very popular place to visit for couples. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

Is Boca Raton or Durham Better for Students?

Durham is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Boca Raton is not popular with students.

Many students visit Durham. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Boca Raton is not popular with students.

Is Boca Raton or Durham Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boca Raton is very good for its public transit. However, Durham is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Boca Raton has a few public transit options. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

Is Boca Raton or Durham a more walkable city?

Boca Raton is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable coastal city. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

Durham is generally not a very walkable coastal city. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Durham Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durham or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Durham?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boca Raton and Durham. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boca Raton than in Durham. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 1-3 days is enough time in Durham.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton than Durham 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 Boca Raton.

One day in Boca Raton or Durham?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Boca Raton. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the diverse city of Durham, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Durham, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Durham?

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Durham, 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.

Five days in Boca Raton or Durham?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boca Raton. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Durham, 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.

A week in Boca Raton or Durham?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Boca Raton. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Durham 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Durham, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is Durham much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Durham would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Durham 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 Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton than you might in Durham.

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

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Durham?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and Durham, 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 Boca Raton or Durham?

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 Boca Raton or Durham in the Summer?

Both Durham and Boca Raton during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Durham in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Durham in the summer. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Durham fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the summer, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Durham. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 259 hours of full sun.

Durham gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in July than Durham. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Durham in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Durham. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Durham for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Boca Raton is much warmer than Durham. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Boca Raton in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Durham averages at about 61°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Durham during autumn. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Boca Raton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Durham. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Durham in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Durham. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Durham because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Durham can be very cold. In January, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Durham. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 65°F (19°C), and Durham fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the winter, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Durham. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 162 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets less rain in January than Durham. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Durham in the Spring?

Both Durham and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the beaches.

Boca Raton is a little warmer than Durham in the spring. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Durham fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Durham. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Durham during spring. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Durham. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.

Typical Weather for Durham and Boca Raton