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

Should you visit Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a under-rated, lively, and youthful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a adventurous, charming, and active town. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Jacksonville and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Beaver Creek?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than Beaver Creek, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jacksonville is better known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Beaver Creek is more popular for its skiing, theatre productions, resorts, and hiking. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its skiing and charming atmosphere Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. Also, Jacksonville is famous for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Jacksonville or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Jacksonville
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is renowned for skiing and snowboarding. However, Jacksonville is not a skiing destination.

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.

Jacksonville is not a skiing destination.


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

Jacksonville
Beaver Creek

Jacksonville is a great city for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Jacksonville can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Jacksonville or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Jacksonville
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is not a good area for its shows and theatre. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is not a theatre destination.

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

Jacksonville
Beaver Creek

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Jacksonville and Beaver Creek.

Jacksonville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Beaver Creek makes for a great culinary experience. 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.


Is Jacksonville or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville
Beaver Creek

Jacksonville is a great city for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Jacksonville has something for everybody. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

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 Jacksonville or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Jacksonville
Beaver Creek

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

Beaver Creek has a few great resort options. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Is Jacksonville or Beaver Creek Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville
Beaver Creek

Jacksonville is a great city for its beaches. However, Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Jacksonville. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.


Is Jacksonville or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Jacksonville
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Beaver Creek?

Jacksonville
Beaver Creek

Jacksonville is a great city for shopping. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Beaver Creek offers some nice shopping areas. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Is Jacksonville or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Jacksonville
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.


Is Jacksonville or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Jacksonville
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Jacksonville or Beaver Creek Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville
Beaver Creek

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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 Jacksonville or Beaver Creek Better for Students?

Jacksonville
Beaver Creek

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Beaver Creek is not popular with students.


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

Jacksonville
Beaver Creek

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Jacksonville and Beaver Creek.

Jacksonville has some public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

You'll find some public transit in Beaver Creek, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

Is Jacksonville or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Jacksonville
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Beaver Creek?

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

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


  • How many days in Jacksonville or Beaver Creek? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jacksonville 2-3 
    Beaver Creek 3-7

One day in Jacksonville or Beaver Creek?

In Jacksonville, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this fun city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this adventurous town offers. 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.


A weekend in Jacksonville or Beaver Creek?

Jacksonville is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the skiing. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Jacksonville or Beaver Creek?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Jacksonville. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

In Beaver Creek, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this charming destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the skiing. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Jacksonville or Beaver Creek?

Jacksonville is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Beaver Creek or Jacksonville?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $220, while the average daily cost in Beaver Creek is $316. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Jacksonville and Beaver Creek in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jacksonville $92
    Beaver Creek $203
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jacksonville $184
    Beaver Creek $406
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and Beaver Creek

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville or Beaver Creek? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Jacksonville


Hotels in Beaver Creek


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Jacksonville Hotel Prices and Beaver Creek Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jacksonville $53
    Beaver Creek $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $336
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Place/ St. Johns Town Center: $164
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $123
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
  • Carnival Cruise Port to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or Beaver Creek?

Prices for flights to both Beaver Creek and Jacksonville change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Jacksonville $96
    Beaver Creek $85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $18

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jacksonville $20
    Beaver Creek $53

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 2-Flights Indoor Skydiving Experience in Jacksonville: $91
  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
  • 90 Minute Self-Guided Arcimoto FUV Adventure: $125
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60
  • Big Talbot Island Self Guided Tour with Smart Helmets: $115
  • CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach: $145
  • Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Eight Flags Road Tour: $50
  • Electric Bike Art and Architecture Guided Tour in Jacksonville : $60
  • Electric Bike Tour with Free Application for Navigation: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $20
    Beaver Creek $35

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:

  • Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jacksonville and Beaver Creek, we can see that Beaver Creek is more expensive. And not only is Jacksonville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jacksonville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville.

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