A Travel Price Comparison for Colorado Durango vs. Beaver Creek for Skiing, Families, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Durango or Beaver Creek?

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 Durango and Beaver Creek. 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.

Durango

Durango is a quaint, scenic, and nature-filled small town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a charming, active, and adventurous town. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Durango and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durango or Beaver Creek?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beaver Creek. Although Durango and Beaver Creek are both popular with visitors, Beaver Creek has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Beaver Creek is more popular for its skiing, theatre productions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Durango is known for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Durango and is known for its skiing and charming atmosphere It is also home to Beaver Creek Golf Club. Durango is popular for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Durango different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Durango or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Beaver Creek is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Durango is lacking in good options for winter skiing.

Beaver Creek is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. 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.

Durango is a fun local destination for snow skiers. 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.

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

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

Durango is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Durango or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Beaver Creek is not a good area for theatre. However, Durango is not a theatre destination.

While not known for its theater, you might be able to find something in Beaver Creek while you're in town. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Durango is not a theatre destination.

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

Beaver Creek 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 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.

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 Durango or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Beaver Creek is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Beaver Creek. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

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 Durango or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Beaver Creek is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Durango is not a resort destination.

Beaver Creek has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Durango or Beaver Creek Better for its Old Town?

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

Durango is a good destination for visiting its old town. 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."

Beaver Creek does not have a historic old town.

Is Durango or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Durango and Beaver Creek, and they are great.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Durango. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Beaver Creek. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Durango or Beaver Creek?

Beaver Creek is a good destination for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Beaver Creek. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

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 Durango or Beaver Creek Better for Christmas?

Durango is a nice place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Beaver Creek does not offer Christmas activities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy Christmas activities while in Durango. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

Beaver Creek does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Durango or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Beaver Creek is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Beaver Creek is very family-friendly. 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.

Durango is a very kid-friendly small town. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Durango or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

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

Beaver Creek makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

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 Durango or Beaver Creek Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durango is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Beaver Creek is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

Beaver Creek is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many facilities that cater to backpackers.

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

Beaver Creek is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

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 Durango or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

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 Durango Worth Visiting? and Is Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Durango?

How long in Durango or Beaver Creek?

Both Durango 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 Durango. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Durango, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

Families should spend more time in Beaver Creek than Durango. 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 Durango. 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.

One day in Durango or Beaver Creek?

Durango is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Beaver Creek, you'll find shopping and skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Durango or Beaver Creek?

Durango is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

In Beaver Creek, you'll find skiing and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Durango or Beaver Creek?

Durango is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beaver Creek has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Durango or Beaver Creek?

Durango is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaver Creek. In Beaver Creek, you'll find shopping and skiing. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Durango and Beaver Creek, we can see that Beaver Creek 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 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 Durango.

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