A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Simons vs. Aspen for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Hiking

Should you visit Saint Simons or Aspen?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Aspen? 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a scenic, relaxing, and laid back island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and food.

Aspen

Aspen is a authentic, charming, and quaint ski town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and live music.

Saint Simons and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Aspen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aspen than Saint Simons, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aspen is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint Simons is more popular for its museums and beaches. Saint Simons is well known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Aspen is well known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. Also, Aspen is famous for The Maroon Bells.

How is Saint Simons different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saint Simons or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is an unbeatable place for winter skiing. However, Saint Simons is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Aspen should be on your list. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Saint Simons is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Simons or Aspen?

Saint Simons is a island with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

Saint Simons offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saint Simons or Aspen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Aspen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Saint Simons has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

Is Saint Simons or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is a great destination for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Saint Simons or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is a great destination for live music. However, Saint Simons is not a live music destination.

Aspen has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Saint Simons is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Simons or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Aspen is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Aspen is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Simons makes a nice vacation spot. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Is Saint Simons or Aspen Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons is a great destination for the beach. However, Aspen is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Saint Simons attract visitors from all over. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Aspen is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint Simons. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Aspen?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Aspen and Saint Simons.

Saint Simons is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

Aspen is well-known for its shopping. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Is Saint Simons or Aspen Better for Christmas?

Aspen is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Saint Simons does not offer Christmas activities.

Aspen is a world class destination for shoppers. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Saint Simons does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Saint Simons or Aspen Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is a great destination for its Christmas markets. However, Saint Simons does not offer Christmas markets.

Aspen has a large number of Christmas markets. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Saint Simons does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Saint Simons or Aspen Better for Families?

Saint Simons is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Simons is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Saint Simons or Aspen Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Saint Simons and Aspen make for a excellent place to visit.

Couples visit Saint Simons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

Aspen is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Is Saint Simons or Aspen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aspen is a popular place for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Aspen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is quite limited in Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Saint Simons or Aspen a more walkable city?

Aspen is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Aspen is very walkable. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Simons Worth Visiting? and Is Aspen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Aspen?

In either Saint Simons or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than Saint Simons because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Simons, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aspen than Saint Simons 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 Aspen.

One day in Saint Simons or Aspen?

Even though Saint Simons is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Aspen, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this quaint ski town offers. 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.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Simons. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Aspen is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Five days in Saint Simons or Aspen?

Saint Simons is a fun place to experience. Saint Simons is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

In Aspen, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this authentic small town offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A week in Saint Simons or Aspen?

Saint Simons is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aspen 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Aspen?

Saint Simons has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons and Aspen, 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.