A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Boulder for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Boulder?

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 Hilton Head Island and Boulder can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a family-friendly, relaxing, and peaceful coastal town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and food.

Boulder

Boulder is a nature-filled, biker-friendly, and outdoorsy city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Hilton Head Island and Boulder: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Boulder?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Boulder. Although Hilton Head Island and Boulder are both popular with visitors, Boulder has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Boulder is more popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, music, and hiking, while Hilton Head Island is known for its resorts and beaches. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Boulder and is known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Boulder is popular for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries. It is also home to The Flatirons.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Boulder?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hilton Head Island or Boulder Better for Skiing?

Boulder is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Hilton Head Island is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Boulder for snow skiing. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Hilton Head Island is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or Boulder?

Boulder is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Boulder specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Boulder? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Hilton Head Island and Boulder.

Hilton Head Island is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Boulder offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

Is Hilton Head Island or Boulder Better for Nightlife?

Boulder is very good for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Boulder. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Hilton Head Island or Boulder Better for Music?

Boulder is very good for its music scene. However, Hilton Head Island is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Boulder. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Hilton Head Island is not a live music destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Boulder Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is a great coastal town for its luxury resorts. However, Boulder is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Hilton Head Island to choose from. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Boulder is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Boulder Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is a great coastal town for the beache. However, Boulder is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Hilton Head Island for it's beautiful beaches. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Boulder is not a beach destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Boulder Better for Hiking?

Boulder is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Boulder. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Boulder?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Hilton Head Island and Boulder.

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Boulder is a great destination for shopping. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

Is Hilton Head Island or Boulder Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Hilton Head Island is very family-friendly. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

Boulder is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Is Hilton Head Island or Boulder Better for Couples?

Both Hilton Head Island and Boulder are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Hilton Head Island is a good coastal town for couples to visit. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Boulder is a nice destination for couples. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

Is Hilton Head Island or Boulder Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boulder is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Boulder is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Boulder Better for Students?

Boulder is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

Boulder is very popular with students. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

Is Hilton Head Island or Boulder Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boulder is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Hilton Head Island or Boulder a more walkable city?

Boulder is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Boulder is a somewhat walkable city. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

For even more information, also check out Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Boulder Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boulder or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Boulder?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boulder than Hilton Head Island 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 Boulder.

One day in Hilton Head Island or Boulder?

In Hilton Head Island, you'll find food and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the biker-friendly destination of Boulder. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Boulder?

In Hilton Head Island, you'll find shopping and food. 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.

Boulder is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the biker-friendly city of Boulder. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Boulder has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Boulder?

Hilton Head Island is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hilton Head Island has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Boulder. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

A week in Hilton Head Island or Boulder?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilton Head Island. In Hilton Head Island, you'll find shopping and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Boulder is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hilton Head Island and Boulder, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. And not only is Boulder much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Boulder would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Boulder 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 Hilton Head Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilton Head Island than you might in Boulder.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hilton Head Island Expensive? and Is Boulder Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Boulder?

Boulder has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island and Boulder, 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.