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

Should you visit Panama City or Beaver Creek?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Beaver Creek, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Panama City

Panama City is a fun-filled, active, and cosmopolitan beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a active, adventurous, and charming town. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Panama City and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Panama City or Beaver Creek?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beaver Creek. Although Panama City and Beaver Creek are popular destinations, Beaver Creek has more sights and attractions for tourists. Beaver Creek is very popular for its skiing, theatre productions, food, and hiking, while Panama City attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, beaches, and impressive beauty. Panama City is famous for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Beaver Creek is famous for its skiing and charming atmosphere It is also well known for Beaver Creek Golf Club.

How is Panama City different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Panama City or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Panama City
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an amazing town to visit for winter skiing. However, Panama City is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Beaver Creek is among the best in 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.

Panama City is not a skiing destination.


Is Panama City or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Panama City
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is not so good for its theatre productions. However, Panama City is not a theatre destination.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Panama City is not a theatre destination.

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

Panama City
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Panama City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

Is Panama City or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Panama City
Beaver Creek

Panama City is a great beach town for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Panama City has something for everybody. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

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 Panama City or Beaver Creek Better for Music?

Panama City
Beaver Creek

Panama City is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Beaver Creek is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Panama City active and fun. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Beaver Creek is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Panama City
Beaver Creek

With a similar set of options, nice resorts can be found in both Panama City and Beaver Creek.

With a selection of resorts, Panama City makes a nice vacation spot. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

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

Is Panama City or Beaver Creek Better for Beaches?

Panama City
Beaver Creek

Panama City is a great beach town for its beaches. However, Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Panama City. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.


Is Panama City or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Panama City
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Panama City is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Beaver Creek?

Panama City
Beaver Creek

Shopping is a popular activity in both Beaver Creek and Panama City.

Panama City offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Beaver Creek has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Is Panama City or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Panama City
Beaver Creek

Panama City and Beaver Creek are both amazing destinations for the whole family.

Panama City is an amazing family-friendly beach town to visit. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Beaver Creek is an extremely popular beach town to visit for families. 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.


Is Panama City or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Panama City
Beaver Creek

Panama City and Beaver Creek are both superb to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Panama City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

Beaver Creek is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

Is Panama City or Beaver Creek Better for Students?

Panama City
Beaver Creek

Panama City is a great beach town for its student-friendly activities. However, Beaver Creek is not popular with students.

Panama City is a great beach town to visit as a student. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Beaver Creek is not popular with students.

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

Panama City
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.


Is Panama City or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Panama City
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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

Panama City is not a very walkable beach town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

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

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Beaver Creek?

Both Panama City and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Beaver Creek has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Beaver Creek than Panama City. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Beaver Creek than Panama City. 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 Panama City. 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 Beaver Creek than Panama City 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 Beaver Creek.


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

One day in Panama City or Beaver Creek?

In Panama City, many people enjoy the live music and food that this cosmopolitan beach town 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the charming town of Beaver Creek. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the skiing. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Beaver Creek?

Panama City is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active destination of Beaver Creek. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Panama City or Beaver Creek?

In Panama City, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this active destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the adventurous town of Beaver Creek. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Panama City or Beaver Creek?

Panama City is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the destination of Beaver Creek. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the skiing. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Beaver Creek or Panama City?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Panama City is $224, 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 Panama City and Beaver Creek in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Panama City $128
    Beaver Creek $203
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Panama City $256
    Beaver Creek $406
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Beaver Creek

Looking for a hotel in Panama City 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 Panama City


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: Panama City Hotel Prices and Beaver Creek Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Panama City $48
    Beaver Creek $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Panama City or Beaver Creek?

Prices for flights to both Beaver Creek and Panama City 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
    Panama City $66
    Beaver Creek $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Panama City $19
    Beaver Creek $53

Tours and Activities in Panama City

Here are a few actual costs in Panama City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Capt. Zach's Adventures: $73
  • 2 Hour Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour in Panama City Beach, Fl: $72
  • 2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour in Shell Island: $65
  • 3 Hour Cruise, Snorkel, Swim/float Sandbar - tandem tiki option: $80
  • 90 min Cruise at Lower Grand Lagoon : $54
  • Beach Sunset and Lagoon Skyline Tour: $70
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Tour PCB Free Videos: $129
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Tour with Videos-PCB: $129
  • Catamaran Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Tour in Panama City Beach: $60
  • Cypress Springs Eco Adventure: $110
  • Discover Snorkeling Tour in Panama City: $65
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Panama City $56
    Beaver Creek $35


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

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