A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jacksonville vs. Colorado Springs for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Jacksonville or Colorado Springs?

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 Colorado Springs. 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 vibrant, under-rated, and lively city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a friendly, outdoorsy, and healthy mountain town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and museums.

Jacksonville and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Colorado Springs?

You'll generally find more things to do in Jacksonville than Colorado Springs. Jacksonville is bigger than Colorado Springs, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Jacksonville is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Colorado Springs is more popular for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. Also, Jacksonville is famous for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Jacksonville different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Jacksonville or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Jacksonville is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Colorado Springs for snow skiing. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Jacksonville is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jacksonville or Colorado Springs?

Jacksonville is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Jacksonville specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Colorado Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

Is the Food Better in Jacksonville or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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

Colorado Springs has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Is Jacksonville or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Jacksonville know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Colorado Springs has a few options to choose from. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

Is Jacksonville or Colorado Springs Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is a great destination for its beaches. However, Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Jacksonville is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Jacksonville or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Colorado Springs is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Colorado Springs?

Jacksonville is a great destination for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Jacksonville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Jacksonville or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Colorado Springs is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Colorado Springs. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

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 Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Jacksonville and Colorado Springs both notable destinations for a couple.

Jacksonville is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Colorado Springs is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Is Jacksonville or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville and Colorado Springs are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Is Jacksonville or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Both Jacksonville and Colorado Springs are notable destinations for students.

Plenty of students 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.

Colorado Springs is popular with students. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

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

Jacksonville is very good for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Jacksonville, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Public transit is quite limited in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Is Jacksonville or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Jacksonville is very good for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jacksonville and Colorado Springs. In our opinion, Jacksonville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Jacksonville than Colorado Springs. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than Colorado Springs 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.

One day in Jacksonville or Colorado Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the lively destination of Jacksonville. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Colorado Springs, many people enjoy the food and museums that this healthy mountain 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 Colorado Springs?

You'll find shopping and museums around the under-rated city of Jacksonville. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Colorado Springs 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. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Jacksonville or Colorado Springs?

Jacksonville is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the healthy destination of Colorado Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Colorado Springs?

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Colorado Springs 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.

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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Colorado Springs?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Colorado Springs. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Colorado Springs, 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 Jacksonville or Colorado Springs?

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 Jacksonville or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

Both Colorado Springs and Jacksonville during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jacksonville is a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually gets more rain in July than Colorado Springs. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Colorado Springs. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Colorado Springs. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine.

The weather in Colorado Springs can be very cold. Jacksonville is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in January than Colorado Springs. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

Both Colorado Springs and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year.

In the spring, Jacksonville is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In April, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Jacksonville