A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Kennebunkport vs. Durango for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kennebunkport or Durango?

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

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Durango? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a charming, quaint, and character-filled town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Durango

Durango is a historic, charming, and quaint small town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums.

Kennebunkport and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kennebunkport or Durango?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kennebunkport. Although Kennebunkport and Durango are both popular with visitors, Kennebunkport has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kennebunkport is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Durango is known for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Kennebunkport is more touristy than Durango and is known for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. It is also home to Dock Square. Durango is popular for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Kennebunkport different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kennebunkport or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is adequate for skiing. However, Kennebunkport is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Durango to take advantage of their winter sports. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Kennebunkport is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kennebunkport or Durango?

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Kennebunkport or Durango.

Kennebunkport is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.

Durango offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

Is the Food Better in Kennebunkport or Durango? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kennebunkport is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kennebunkport. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or oysters.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Kennebunkport or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Kennebunkport is a good destination for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kennebunkport. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Kennebunkport or Durango Better for Resorts?

Kennebunkport is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Durango is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Kennebunkport to choose from. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Kennebunkport or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Kennebunkport does not have a historic old town.

Durango is a good destination for visiting its old town. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Kennebunkport does not have a historic old town.

Is Kennebunkport or Durango Better for Hiking?

Durango is great for hiking. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Durango for the hiking trails. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kennebunkport. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Is the Shopping Better in Kennebunkport or Durango?

Kennebunkport is a very popular place for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kennebunkport. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Kennebunkport or Durango Better for Christmas?

Durango is a popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Kennebunkport does not offer Christmas activities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy Christmas activities while in Durango. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

Kennebunkport does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Kennebunkport or Durango Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kennebunkport or Durango.

Kennebunkport is a very family-friendly destination. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

Durango is a very kid-friendly town. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Kennebunkport or Durango Better for Couples?

Kennebunkport is a very popular place for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Kennebunkport makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Kennebunkport or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durango is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kennebunkport is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

Kennebunkport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find cabins and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

Is Kennebunkport or Durango Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Kennebunkport or Durango a more walkable city?

Kennebunkport is a good destination for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Kennebunkport is somewhat walkable. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

For even more information, also check out Is Kennebunkport Worth Visiting? and Is Durango Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durango or Kennebunkport?

How long in Kennebunkport or Durango?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kennebunkport and Durango. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kennebunkport than in Durango. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Kennebunkport, and 2-3 days is enough time in Durango.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Durango than Kennebunkport 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 Durango.

One day in Kennebunkport or Durango?

Kennebunkport is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the charming small town of Durango. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Kennebunkport or Durango?

Kennebunkport might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kennebunkport has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Durango. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Kennebunkport or Durango?

Kennebunkport is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the scenic small town of Durango. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This small town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Kennebunkport or Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kennebunkport. Since Kennebunkport is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums around the small town of Durango. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kennebunkport or Durango?

Durango has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Kennebunkport and Durango, 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.