A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Durham vs. Sonoma for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Durham or Sonoma?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Durham and Sonoma can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

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

Sonoma

Sonoma is a scenic, serene, and relaxing county. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Durham and Sonoma: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Sonoma?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sonoma. Although Durham and Sonoma are popular destinations, Sonoma has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sonoma is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Durham attracts visitors for its museums. Sonoma is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its world-class winemaking and sustainable agriculture. It is also well known for Buena Vista Winery. Durham is famous for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Durham different from Sonoma?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Durham or Sonoma?

Durham is a great city for its historical sights. However, Sonoma is not known for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Durham. 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.

Sonoma offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't think of museums when they think of Sonoma, there are actually some interesting local options. The California Indian Museum, the Cotati Museum, and the Depot Park Museum are also local are fascinating.

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

Sonoma is an amazing county to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Sonoma has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Although wine may be the first thing you think about, the region is also filled with farm-to-table restaurants and award-winning dining options. The food is almost always fresh and local. You can sample many local ingredients such as vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, and fish.

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 Durham or Sonoma Better for Nightlife?

Sonoma 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.

Sonoma offers plenty to do in the evening. Lounges, wine bars, and live music venues offer a variety of activities for visitors during the evening hours.

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 Durham or Sonoma Better for Resorts?

Sonoma 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 Sonoma. Spa hotels, charming inns, and beautiful resorts all offer a variety of options for visitors.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Durham or Sonoma Better for Beaches?

Sonoma is a well-known place for the beach. However, Durham is not a beach destination.

Sonoma is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The county has a coastline that includes several great beaches as well as rocky shoreline. The beaches include secluded coves and picturesque cliffs as well as sand dunes and sandy beaches.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is Durham or Sonoma Better for Hiking?

Sonoma is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

Sonoma is a popular spot for hiking. In between wine tastings you can explore the area's stunning natural beauty. There are hikes through the vineyards, along the coast, or through forested parks. Some of the best hikes are found in Jack London State Historic Park, Sugarloaf State Park, and Armstrong Woods State Park.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Sonoma?

Sonoma 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 Sonoma. You'll find a range of local vendors in the area, selling everything from jewelry to art, home decor, and olive oil.

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 Durham or Sonoma Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Durham or Sonoma.

Durham is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Sonoma is a family-friendly city. While most people think immediately of wine tours, there's actually a lot more to Sonoma County. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in the area, which include beaches, parks, wildlife viewing, and more. There's also horseback riding and even ziplining opportunities.

Is Durham or Sonoma Better for Couples?

Sonoma is an amazing county to visit for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Sonoma has plenty to offer. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination for couples who come for the vineyards and wine tours. There are also charming hotels, award winning restaurants, and beautiful beaches.

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 Durham or Sonoma Better for Students?

Durham is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Sonoma is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Sonoma is not popular with students.

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

Durham is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Sonoma is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Sonoma. While there are buses, they are almost never used by tourists. There is the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley which you should purchase tickets for in advance.

Is Durham or Sonoma a more walkable city?

Durham is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Sonoma is not known for its walkability.

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

Sonoma is not a walkable city. You really must have a car to get around the area and explore it efficiently.

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

Should I spend more time in Sonoma or Durham?

How long in Durham or Sonoma?

It's fun to spend time in either Durham or Sonoma. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Sonoma due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Durham, and 2-4 days is enough time in Sonoma.

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

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

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

One day in Durham or Sonoma?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Durham. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Sonoma. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Durham or Sonoma?

Durham is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sonoma is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Durham or Sonoma?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Durham. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sonoma. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Durham or Sonoma?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the student-filled destination of Durham. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Sonoma. This county offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Durham or Sonoma?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sonoma. When comparing the sizes of Durham and Sonoma, 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 Durham or Sonoma?

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 Durham or Sonoma in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Durham as well as Sonoma. Many travelers come to Durham for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Sonoma in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Durham is a little warmer than Sonoma in the summer. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Sonoma fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Durham receives a lot of rain in the summer. Durham usually gets more rain in July than Sonoma. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Sonoma in the Autumn?

Both Sonoma and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Durham in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Sonoma for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Durham is around the same temperature as Sonoma. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durham in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Sonoma averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Durham usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Durham or Sonoma in the Winter?

Both Sonoma and Durham during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sonoma because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Durham can be very cold during winter. In January, Durham is generally much colder than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 40°F (5°C), and Sonoma fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Durham usually gets less rain in January than Sonoma. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Sonoma in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Sonoma. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sonoma this time of year.

Durham is a little warmer than Sonoma in the spring. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Sonoma fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Durham usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Durham