A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Columbia River Gorge for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge, 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a scenic, natural, and beautiful region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Saint Augustine and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Columbia River Gorge are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more popular for its museums, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Columbia River Gorge is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Saint Augustine is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter. Columbia River Gorge is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

How is Saint Augustine different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia River Gorge and Saint Augustine. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge?

Saint Augustine is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Augustine can be an interesting and educational experience. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Saint Augustine and Columbia River Gorge offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Columbia River Gorge has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Is Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Columbia River Gorge has a few options to choose from. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Augustine. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Columbia River Gorge does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Saint Augustine is revered around the world. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Columbia River Gorge does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge?

Saint Augustine is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Saint Augustine is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Saint Augustine and Columbia River Gorge are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Columbia River Gorge is very family-friendly. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Is Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine and Columbia River Gorge are both superb to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Columbia River Gorge is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is a great destination for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

Is Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Columbia River Gorge.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable city. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge?

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

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

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

One day in Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Saint Augustine. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The natural destination of Columbia River Gorge offers food and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge?

Saint Augustine is a fun place to experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The region of Columbia River Gorge offers shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Saint Augustine for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Saint Augustine. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Columbia River Gorge is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This region offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge?

The historic destination of Saint Augustine offers nightlife and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Augustine and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Columbia River Gorge 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 Saint Augustine Expensive? and Is Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge?

Saint Augustine has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Columbia River Gorge, 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 Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Columbia River Gorge. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia River Gorge this time of the year. In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during summer. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

Saint Augustine gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Columbia River Gorge. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in October than Columbia River Gorge. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Columbia River Gorge can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during winter. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. In January, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Saint Augustine during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty during these months.

Saint Augustine is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the spring, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in April than Columbia River Gorge. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Saint Augustine