A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pensacola vs. Avon for Food, Resorts, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Pensacola or Avon?

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 Pensacola and Avon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a fun-filled, active, and entertaining beach town. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Avon

Avon is a scenic, active, and outdoorsy town. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Pensacola and Avon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Pensacola or Avon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pensacola. Although Pensacola and Avon are popular destinations, Pensacola has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pensacola is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Avon attracts visitors for its skiing and hiking. Pensacola is more touristy than Avon and is known for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. It is also well known for Gulf Islands National Seashore. Avon is famous for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort.

How is Pensacola different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Pensacola or Avon Better for Skiing?

Pensacola
Avon

Avon is notable for snow skiing. However, Pensacola is not a skiing destination.

People head to Avon specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Pensacola is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pensacola or Avon?

Pensacola
Avon

Pensacola is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

Pensacola is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

Is the Food Better in Pensacola or Avon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pensacola
Avon

Pensacola is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Pensacola makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Pensacola or Avon Better for Nightlife?

Pensacola
Avon

Evening events are nice in both Pensacola and Avon.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.


Is Pensacola or Avon Better for Resorts?

Pensacola
Avon

Pensacola is notable for its resorts. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its luxury resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Pensacola to choose from. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

With a selection of resorts, Avon makes a nice vacation spot. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Is Pensacola or Avon Better for Beaches?

Pensacola
Avon

Pensacola is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Avon is not a beach destination.

Pensacola offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

Avon is not a beach destination.

Is Pensacola or Avon Better for Hiking?

Pensacola
Avon

Avon is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its hiking trails.

Many people include a hike when visiting Avon. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Pensacola. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.


Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Avon?

Pensacola
Avon

Pensacola is a good destination for shopping. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its shopping opportunities.

Pensacola is a great destination for shopping. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

If you're looking to go shopping, Avon has some nice offerings. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.

Is Pensacola or Avon Better for Families?

Pensacola
Avon

Pensacola is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Pensacola is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

Avon is a family-friendly beach town. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Is Pensacola or Avon Better for Couples?

Pensacola
Avon

Pensacola is notable for romance. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Pensacola is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.


Is Pensacola or Avon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pensacola
Avon

Avon is very good for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

Avon has a few public transit options. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

Public transit is quite limited in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Is Pensacola or Avon a more walkable city?

Pensacola
Avon

Avon is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its ease of walking around.

Avon is a somewhat walkable place. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

Pensacola is generally not a very walkable beach town. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

For even more information, also check out Is Pensacola Worth Visiting? and Is Avon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avon or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Avon?

It's fun to spend time in either Pensacola or Avon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Pensacola due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pensacola, and 2-4 days is enough time in Avon.

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

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


  • How many days in Pensacola or Avon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pensacola 3-7 
    Avon 2-4

One day in Pensacola or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Pensacola. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Avon. 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 Pensacola or Avon?

Pensacola is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and skiing around the scenic destination of Avon. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Pensacola or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Pensacola. This beach town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the active town of Avon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Pensacola or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the entertaining beach town of Pensacola. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Avon is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Avon or Pensacola?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pensacola is $198, while the average daily cost in Avon is $277. 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 Pensacola and Avon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pensacola $115
    Avon $177
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pensacola $230
    Avon $354
Compare Hotels in Pensacola and Avon

Looking for a hotel in Pensacola or Avon? 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 Pensacola


Hotels in Avon


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: Pensacola Hotel Prices and Avon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pensacola $64
    Avon $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pensacola

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pensacola:

  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Pensacola to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Pensacola or Avon?

Prices for flights to both Avon and Pensacola 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
    Pensacola $48
    Avon $67
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pensacola.

  • Seville Stroll Food Tour: $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pensacola $13
    Avon $48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Public Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Cruise, Pensacola FL: $30
  • Penscola Most Haunted: Ghost Tour and Scavenger Hunt: $30
  • Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $34
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola : $35
  • Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $37
  • Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour: $39
  • Pensacola Shared Trolley Ghost and Mystery Tour: $45
  • Seville Haunted Luncheon and Ghost Tour: $50
  • Land Paddle Tour in Pensacola: $50
  • Seville Quarter Haunted Ghost Tour, Investigation, and Luncheon: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pensacola $44
    Avon $38

Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola

Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Walking Pub Tour : $21


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

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


Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Avon?

Pensacola has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola and Avon, 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.