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

Should you visit Nantucket or Beaver Creek?

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 Nantucket and Beaver Creek can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a upscale, charming, and serene island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a charming, active, and adventurous town. Other reasons to visit include shopping, skiing, and food.

Nantucket and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nantucket or Beaver Creek?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantucket. Although Nantucket and Beaver Creek are both popular with visitors, Nantucket has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantucket is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Beaver Creek is known for its skiing and theatre productions. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Nantucket and is known for its skiing and charming atmosphere Nantucket is popular for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also home to Great Point Lighthouse.

How is Nantucket different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nantucket or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Nantucket
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is renowned for skiing. However, Nantucket is not a skiing destination.

Beaver Creek is among the world's best ski destinations. 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.

Nantucket is not a skiing destination.


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

Nantucket
Beaver Creek

Nantucket is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Nantucket is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Nantucket or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Nantucket
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is mediocre for theatre. However, Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is not a theatre destination.

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

Nantucket
Beaver Creek

Nantucket is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nantucket is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Beaver Creek. 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 Nantucket or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket
Beaver Creek

Nantucket is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Nantucket has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

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 Nantucket or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Nantucket
Beaver Creek

Nantucket is a great island for its luxury resorts. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Nantucket is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

With a selection of resorts, Beaver Creek makes a nice vacation spot. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Is Nantucket or Beaver Creek Better for Beaches?

Nantucket
Beaver Creek

Nantucket is a great island for its beaches. However, Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nantucket. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.


Is Nantucket or Beaver Creek Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket
Beaver Creek

Nantucket is a great island for its historic old town. However, Beaver Creek does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nantucket to see the historical old town. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Beaver Creek does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Nantucket
Beaver Creek

You'll find excellent hiking in both Nantucket and Beaver Creek.

Many visitors go to Nantucket for the hiking trails. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Beaver Creek is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Beaver Creek?

Nantucket
Beaver Creek

Nantucket is a great island 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Nantucket
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Beaver Creek is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Nantucket is a very kid-friendly island. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Is Nantucket or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Nantucket
Beaver Creek

Nantucket is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

Nantucket has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

Beaver Creek is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

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

Nantucket
Beaver Creek

Nantucket and Beaver Creek both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Nantucket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Beaver Creek has a few public transit options. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.


Is Nantucket or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Nantucket
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is renowned for its walkability. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its high level of walkability.

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

Nantucket is a very walkable island. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Beaver Creek?

Both Nantucket 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 Nantucket. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Nantucket, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantucket 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 Nantucket.


  • How many days in Nantucket or Beaver Creek? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nantucket 2-4 
    Beaver Creek 3-7

One day in Nantucket or Beaver Creek?

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Beaver Creek. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nantucket or Beaver Creek?

Nantucket is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the active destination of Beaver Creek. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Nantucket or Beaver Creek?

Nantucket is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find skiing and food around the charming town of Beaver Creek. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the skiing. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Nantucket or Beaver Creek?

Nantucket 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.

Beaver Creek is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beaver Creek, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Beaver Creek or Nantucket?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nantucket is $350, 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 Nantucket and Beaver Creek in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantucket $237
    Beaver Creek $203
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantucket $474
    Beaver Creek $406
Compare Hotels in Nantucket and Beaver Creek

Looking for a hotel in Nantucket 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 Nantucket


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: Nantucket Hotel Prices and Beaver Creek Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantucket $47
    Beaver Creek $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Nantucket or Beaver Creek?

Prices for flights to both Beaver Creek and Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $81
    Beaver Creek $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nantucket $34
    Beaver Creek $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nantucket $35
    Beaver Creek $35


When comparing the travel costs between Nantucket and Beaver Creek, we can see that Nantucket is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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