A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Cod vs. Aspen for Food, Resorts, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Cape Cod or Aspen?

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 Cape Cod and Aspen. 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.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a peaceful, relaxing, and laid-back beach destination. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and food.

Aspen

Aspen is a outdoorsy, authentic, and charming ski town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Cape Cod and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Cod or Aspen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aspen. Although Cape Cod and Aspen are popular destinations, Aspen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aspen is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, and christmas markets, while Cape Cod attracts visitors for its beaches and quaint atmosphere. Cape Cod is famous for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. Aspen is famous for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also well known for The Maroon Bells.

How is Cape Cod different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cape Cod or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is an unbeatable place for skiing. However, Cape Cod is not a skiing destination.

Aspen is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Cape Cod is not a skiing destination.

Is the Food Better in Cape Cod or Aspen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Aspen, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cape Cod makes for a great culinary experience. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

Is Cape Cod or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is great for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Aspen for the nightlife scene. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Cape Cod or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is great for its music scene. However, Cape Cod is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Aspen draws a good crowd. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Cape Cod is not a live music destination.

Is Cape Cod or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Aspen is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Aspen to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Cape Cod has a handful of resorts to choose from. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Is Cape Cod or Aspen Better for Beaches?

Cape Cod is a great destination for the beach. However, Aspen is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Cape Cod attract visitors from all over. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Aspen is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Cod or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen is great for hiking. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Aspen for the hiking trails. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Cape Cod is a good destination for hiking. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Cod or Aspen?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cape Cod and Aspen both offer plenty of very good spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

Aspen is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Is Cape Cod or Aspen Better for Christmas?

Aspen is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Cape Cod does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Aspen is a top place to visit during Christmas. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Cape Cod does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cape Cod or Aspen Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is great for visiting Christmas markets. However, Cape Cod does not offer Christmas markets.

Aspen has a large number of Christmas markets. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Cape Cod does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cape Cod or Aspen Better for Families?

Cape Cod is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cape Cod is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Cape Cod or Aspen Better for Couples?

Cape Cod and Aspen both very good destinations for a couple.

Cape Cod is a great beach destination if you're traveling as a couple. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

Aspen is a very popular place to visit for couples. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Is Cape Cod or Aspen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aspen is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Aspen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is generally limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

Is Cape Cod or Aspen a more walkable city?

Aspen is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its walkability.

Aspen is a very walkable destination. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

For even more information, also check out Is Cape Cod Worth Visiting? and Is Aspen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Cape Cod?

How long in Cape Cod or Aspen?

In either Cape Cod or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than Aspen because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Cape Cod, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aspen than Cape Cod 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 Aspen.

One day in Cape Cod or Aspen?

Even though Cape Cod is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful ski town of Aspen offers shopping and skiing. 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 Cape Cod or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Cod. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Aspen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cape Cod or Aspen?

Cape Cod is a fun place to experience. Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Aspen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aspen, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cape Cod or Aspen?

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Aspen 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 ski town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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