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

Should you visit Cape Cod or Durango?

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 Durango. 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 relaxing, laid-back, and wealthy beach destination. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Durango

Durango is a nature-filled, historic, and charming small town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums.

Cape Cod and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Cod or Durango?

Both Durango and Cape Cod have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Cape Cod is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Durango is more popular for its skiing, museums, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Cape Cod is more touristy than Durango and is known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. Durango is well known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Cape Cod different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cape Cod or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is adequate for skiing. However, Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Cod or Durango?

Durango is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Durango. 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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod. 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.

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 Cape Cod or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Neither Cape Cod or Durango offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Cape Cod This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

People don't go to Durango for the nightlife. 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 Cape Cod or Durango Better for Resorts?

Cape Cod is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Durango is not a resort destination.

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.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Cape Cod or Durango Better for Beaches?

Cape Cod is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Durango is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cape Cod for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Durango is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Cod or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Cod does not have a historic old town.

Durango has an old town worth visiting. 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."

Cape Cod does not have a historic old town.

Is Cape Cod or Durango Better for Hiking?

Durango 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 Durango for the hiking trails. 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.

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 Durango?

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

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 Cape Cod or Durango Better for Christmas?

Durango is a good destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Cape Cod does not offer Christmas activities.

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

Cape Cod does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cape Cod or Durango Better for Families?

Both Cape Cod and Durango are excellent family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cape Cod. 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.

Durango is 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.

Is Cape Cod or Durango Better for Couples?

Cape Cod is a very popular place for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Cape Cod makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

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 Cape Cod or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durango is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Cape Cod is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This area is more focused on luxury and family vacationers than it is on backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Cape Cod is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

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 Cape Cod or Durango a more walkable city?

Cape Cod is a good destination for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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.

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 Cape Cod Worth Visiting? and Is Durango Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durango or Cape Cod?

How long in Cape Cod or Durango?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Cod and Durango. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Durango. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Cape Cod, and 2-3 days is enough time in Durango.

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

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

One day in Cape Cod or Durango?

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This beach destination offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The small town of Durango offers 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 Cape Cod or Durango?

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Cape Cod or Durango?

Cape Cod is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Cod has to offer. 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 Cape Cod or Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Cod. Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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