A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Durham vs. South Lake Tahoe for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Durham or South Lake Tahoe?

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 South Lake Tahoe can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a sports oriented, diverse, and student-filled city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a idyllic, scenic, and breathtaking town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Durham and South Lake Tahoe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or South Lake Tahoe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in South Lake Tahoe. Although Durham and South Lake Tahoe are both popular with visitors, South Lake Tahoe has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. South Lake Tahoe is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Durham is known for its museums. South Lake Tahoe is more touristy than Durham and is known for its casino resorts, ski resorts, and beautiful setting. It is also home to the Heavenly Gondola. Durham is popular for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Durham different from South Lake Tahoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Durham or South Lake Tahoe Better for Skiing?

South Lake Tahoe is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Durham is not a skiing destination.

South Lake Tahoe is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. There are three ski resorts in the area. Heavenly Mountain Resort is the largest, but if you're looking for something smaller, head to Kirkwood, which is tucked away and less well known. There's also Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, which is popular with groups and families because it caters to a range of skill levels.

Durham is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Durham or South Lake Tahoe?

Durham is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, South Lake Tahoe is not a good town for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Durham can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

While most people don't head to South Lake Tahoe specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time exploring the area's nature, but you can also stop by Tallac Historic Site or the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum.

Is the Food Better in Durham or South Lake Tahoe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Durham and South Lake Tahoe can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Durham area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around South Lake Tahoe. While most resorts have their own restaurants, there are a number of options around town that specialize in "alpine comfort cuisine", which is worth sampling. You'll also find plenty of cafes that serve up a hearty breakfast - the perfect way to start an active day.

Is Durham or South Lake Tahoe Better for Nightlife?

South Lake Tahoe is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

South Lake Tahoe has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The resort town has plenty of nightclubs, bars, and music venues. There are outdoor options when the weather is warm as well as indoor settings for cooler weather. You'll also find casinos and live shows.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Resorts?

South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe. It's a resort town, so there are plenty of options to choose from, many with pools, spas, or casinos.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Durham or South Lake Tahoe Better for Hiking?

South Lake Tahoe is an amazing town to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit South Lake Tahoe specifically for its hiking. There are miles of beautiful hikes in the area that follow the lake's shore or explore the diverse terrain. Skyline Trail Hike is a favorite. It is accessible by lift and offers spectacular views. For a relaxing stroll check out Fallen Leaf Lake Hike.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or South Lake Tahoe?

Both Durham and South Lake Tahoe are good shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Durham to go shopping. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in South Lake Tahoe. Most of the shopping involves retailers selling ski gear or outdoor equipment. There are also clothing shops, gift stores, and some art galleries.

Is Durham or South Lake Tahoe Better for Families?

South Lake Tahoe is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

South Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular family destinations. Kids will love the outdoor adventures that the area is filled with. There are gondolas, lakefront beaches, adventure parks, and tubing. There are also miles of hiking trails and a beautiful setting that even the young ones will appreciate.

Durham is a family-friendly city. 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.

Is Durham or South Lake Tahoe Better for Couples?

South Lake Tahoe is an amazing town 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, South Lake Tahoe has plenty to offer. It's beautiful setting and wide variety of adventurous activities make this the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. The lake has hidden coves and nearby hiking trails. There are also hot springs, gondolas, and carriage rides. You can go hiking when the weather is warm or skiing when the weather is cold.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

South Lake Tahoe is very good for backpackers. However, Durham is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

South Lake Tahoe is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area and the skiing and hiking attracts the backpacker crowd.

Durham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The student population means there are a number of parties and bars around town, but most backpackers overlook this city.

Is Durham or South Lake Tahoe Better for Students?

Durham is a well-known place for students. However, South Lake Tahoe is not popular with students.

Durham is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

South Lake Tahoe is not popular with students.

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

Both Durham and South Lake Tahoe offer decent public transit options.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in South Lake Tahoe. While there are some shuttles and buses, if you really want to explore the area, you'll need your own car.

Is Durham or South Lake Tahoe a more walkable city?

South Lake Tahoe is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

South Lake Tahoe is a very walkable destination. Once you get to town, the area is very walkable.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Durham Worth Visiting? and Is South Lake Tahoe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in South Lake Tahoe or Durham?

How long in Durham or South Lake Tahoe?

In either Durham or South Lake Tahoe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in South Lake Tahoe than Durham because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Durham, and 3-5 days is enough time in South Lake Tahoe.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe.

One day in Durham or South Lake Tahoe?

You'll find food and shopping around the student-filled destination of Durham. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of South Lake Tahoe. 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 South Lake Tahoe?

You'll find shopping and museums around the sports oriented city of Durham. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

South Lake Tahoe is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Durham or South Lake Tahoe?

Durham is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in South Lake Tahoe. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Durham or South Lake Tahoe?

Durham is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the idyllic destination of South Lake Tahoe. This town 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 South Lake Tahoe, we can see that Durham is more expensive. And not only is South Lake Tahoe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to South Lake Tahoe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in South Lake Tahoe 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 Durham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Durham than you might in South Lake Tahoe.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Durham Expensive? and Is South Lake Tahoe Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Durham or South Lake Tahoe?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of South Lake Tahoe. When comparing the sizes of Durham and South Lake Tahoe, 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.