A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Simons vs. Durango for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Simons or Durango?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Durango? 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 relaxing, laid back, and scenic island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Durango

Durango is a historic, charming, and quaint small town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for hiking and museums.

Saint Simons and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Durango?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Simons. Although Saint Simons and Durango are both popular with visitors, Saint Simons has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Simons is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Durango is known for its skiing, museums, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Saint Simons is more touristy than Durango and is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. It is also home to East Beach. Durango is popular for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Saint Simons different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saint Simons or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is a small town with a few options for winter skiing. However, Saint Simons is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Durango to take advantage of their winter sports. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Saint Simons is not a skiing destination.

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

Durango is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Durango is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

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

Saint Simons is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Saint Simons. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Saint Simons or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Saint Simons is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Saint Simons. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Saint Simons or Durango Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Durango is not a resort destination.

Saint Simons has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or Durango Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Durango is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Saint Simons for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Durango is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Saint Simons does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Durango to see the historical old town. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Saint Simons does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Simons or Durango Better for Hiking?

Durango 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 Durango. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory 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 Durango?

Saint Simons is a very popular place for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Simons. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Saint Simons or Durango Better for Christmas?

Durango is a popular place for its Christmas activities. However, Saint Simons does not offer Christmas activities.

Durango is a fun destination over Christmas. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

Saint Simons does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Saint Simons or Durango Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Saint Simons or Durango.

Saint Simons is 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Durango is very family-friendly. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Saint Simons or Durango Better for Couples?

Saint Simons is a very popular place for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Saint Simons makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Saint Simons or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durango is a popular place for backpackers. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

Saint Simons is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds in the area that offer access to the island.

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

Neither Saint Simons or Durango offer decent public transit.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Saint Simons or Durango a more walkable city?

Saint Simons is a good destination for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Durango or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Durango?

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

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

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

One day in Saint Simons or Durango?

Saint Simons is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Durango, many people enjoy the museums that this quaint small 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 Durango?

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Simons has to offer.

Durango is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Simons or Durango?

Saint Simons is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums around the quaint small town of Durango. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Saint Simons or Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Simons. Since Saint Simons is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Durango 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 comparing the travel costs between Saint Simons and Durango, we can see that Saint Simons 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 Simons Expensive? and Is Durango Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Durango?

Durango has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons and Durango, 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.