A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbia vs. Beaver Creek for Families, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Columbia or Beaver Creek?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Beaver Creek? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Columbia

Columbia is a suburban, friendly, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a active, adventurous, and charming town. And you can't forget about the skiing, food, and hiking.

Columbia and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Beaver Creek?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beaver Creek. Although Columbia and Beaver Creek are popular destinations, Beaver Creek has more sights and attractions for tourists. Beaver Creek is very popular for its skiing, theatre productions, food, resorts, and hiking, while Columbia attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its skiing and charming atmosphere It is also well known for Beaver Creek Golf Club. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Columbia or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Beaver Creek is renowned for snow skiing. However, Columbia is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Beaver Creek should be on your list. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Columbia is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Columbia or Beaver Creek?

Columbia is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Columbia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Columbia or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Beaver Creek is not a good place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Columbia is not a theatre destination.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Columbia is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Columbia or Beaver Creek? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaver Creek is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Beaver Creek. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Columbia or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Columbia is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Columbia has a few options to choose from. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Most people don't head to Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Is Columbia or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Beaver Creek is a popular place for its resorts. However, Columbia is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Beaver Creek makes a nice vacation spot. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Columbia or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Beaver Creek is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Beaver Creek is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Beaver Creek?

Both Columbia and Beaver Creek are nice shopping destinations.

Columbia offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Beaver Creek has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Is Columbia or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Beaver Creek is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Beaver Creek is a very family-friendly destination. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Columbia is a family-friendly city. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Columbia or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Beaver Creek is a well-known place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Beaver Creek is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Columbia or Beaver Creek Better for Students?

Columbia is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Beaver Creek is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Beaver Creek is not popular with students.

Is Columbia or Beaver Creek Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Beaver Creek is a popular place for its public transit. However, Columbia is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Beaver Creek has a few public transit options. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Is Columbia or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Beaver Creek is renowned for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Beaver Creek on foot. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

For even more information, also check out Is Columbia Worth Visiting? and Is Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Beaver Creek?

Both Columbia and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaver Creek than in Columbia. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbia, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beaver Creek than Columbia 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 Beaver Creek.

One day in Columbia or Beaver Creek?

In Columbia, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this suburban city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

The town of Beaver Creek offers skiing and food. 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 Columbia or Beaver Creek?

Columbia is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Beaver Creek is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Columbia or Beaver Creek?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the suburban destination of Columbia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Beaver Creek is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beaver Creek, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbia or Beaver Creek?

Columbia is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Beaver Creek is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beaver Creek has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle 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 Columbia and Beaver Creek, we can see that Beaver Creek is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Beaver Creek would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaver Creek than you might in Columbia.

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