A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America San Antonio vs. Hood River for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit San Antonio or Hood River?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for San Antonio and Hood River. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a colorful, festive, and fun city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Hood River

Hood River is a quaint, scenic, and charming town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

San Antonio and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in San Antonio or Hood River?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hood River. Although San Antonio and Hood River are popular destinations, Hood River has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hood River is very popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while San Antonio attracts visitors for its museums, music, and historical sights. Hood River is more touristy than San Antonio and is popular for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. It is also well known for Multnomah Falls. San Antonio is famous for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks.

How is San Antonio different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is San Antonio or Hood River Better for Skiing?

San Antonio
Hood River

Hood River is a good destination for winter skiing. However, San Antonio is not a skiing destination.

Hood River is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

San Antonio is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Antonio or Hood River?

San Antonio
Hood River

San Antonio is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

San Antonio offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

Is the Food Better in San Antonio or Hood River? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Antonio
Hood River

Hood River is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hood River makes for a great culinary experience. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

San Antonio has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

Is San Antonio or Hood River Better for Nightlife?

San Antonio
Hood River

It's hard to distinguish whether San Antonio or Hood River has a better nightlife scene.

San Antonio has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

If you're looking for night time activities Hood River has a few options to choose from. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.


Is San Antonio or Hood River Better for Music?

San Antonio
Hood River

San Antonio is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Hood River is not a live music destination.

The music scene in San Antonio is active and vibrant. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Hood River is not a live music destination.

Is San Antonio or Hood River Better for its Old Town?

San Antonio
Hood River

San Antonio is a popular place for its old town. However, Hood River does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in San Antonio. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Hood River does not have a historic old town.

Is San Antonio or Hood River Better for Hiking?

San Antonio
Hood River

Hood River is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, San Antonio is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

San Antonio is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in San Antonio or Hood River?

San Antonio
Hood River

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hood River and San Antonio.

San Antonio is a great destination for shopping. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hood River. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Is San Antonio or Hood River Better for Christmas?

San Antonio
Hood River

San Antonio is a popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Hood River does not offer Christmas activities.

Christmas holiday activities are popular when visiting San Antonio. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.

Hood River does not offer Christmas activities.

Is San Antonio or Hood River Better for Families?

San Antonio
Hood River

San Antonio is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, San Antonio is a very family-friendly destination. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

Hood River is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.


Is San Antonio or Hood River Better for Couples?

San Antonio
Hood River

Hood River is a great destination for romance. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Hood River frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

San Antonio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

Is San Antonio or Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Antonio
Hood River

Hood River is a great destination for backpackers. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

San Antonio is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While its not on most backpacker's lists, it does have a fun atmosphere and a social setting.

Is San Antonio or Hood River Better for Students?

San Antonio
Hood River

San Antonio is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hood River is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit San Antonio. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.

Hood River is not popular with students.


Is San Antonio or Hood River Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Antonio
Hood River

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both San Antonio and Hood River.

Public transit is generally limited in San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Is San Antonio or Hood River a more walkable city?

San Antonio
Hood River

San Antonio and Hood River both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

San Antonio is generally not very walkable. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.

Hood River is generally not a very walkable city. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

For even more information, also check out Is San Antonio Worth Visiting? and Is Hood River Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hood River or San Antonio?

How long in San Antonio or Hood River?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Antonio and Hood River. In our opinion, San Antonio has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in San Antonio than Hood River. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River than San Antonio 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 Hood River.


  • How many days in San Antonio or Hood River? Ideal Length of Stay
    San Antonio 2-3 
    Hood River 2-3

One day in San Antonio or Hood River?

With live music and food around the festive city of San Antonio, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the scenic town of Hood River. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 San Antonio or Hood River?

With food and shopping around the destination of San Antonio, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the agricultural destination of Hood River. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in San Antonio or Hood River?

San Antonio, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The quaint town of Hood River offers food and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in San Antonio or Hood River?

San Antonio is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Hood River. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hood River or San Antonio?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in San Antonio is $132, while the average daily cost in Hood River is $145. 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 San Antonio and Hood River in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Antonio $69
    Hood River $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Antonio $138
    Hood River $156
Compare Hotels in San Antonio and Hood River

Looking for a hotel in San Antonio or Hood River? 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 San Antonio


Hotels in Hood River


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: San Antonio Hotel Prices and Hood River Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Antonio $20
    Hood River $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Antonio

Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Antonio are as follows:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Antonio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Antonio:

  • Private Transfer: San Antonio Airport to San Antonio by Sedan, SUV or Minibus : $97
  • Private Round Trip Transfer - San Antonio International Airport (SAT): $93
  • Private One-way San Antonio Airport Transfer To/From San Antonio: $67
  • Galveston: One-Way Transfer GLS Airport to City: $237

Is it cheaper to fly into San Antonio or Hood River?

Prices for flights to both Hood River and San Antonio 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
    San Antonio $40
    Hood River $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Antonio

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

  • The Haunted Dinner Tour: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Antonio $36
    Hood River $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Antonio

Here are a few typical costs in San Antonio for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Spa Treatments
    $200

Tours and Activities in San Antonio

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

  • 3 Hours Private Historic Sightseeing Tour in San Antonio : $95
  • Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour with Boat + Tower + Alamo: $169
  • Cave Without a Name Admission Ticket with Guided Cavern Tour: $25
  • Downtown San Antonio Helicopter Tour: $197
  • Half-Day Afternoon City Tour of Historic San Antonio : $65
  • Historic Downtown & Riverwalk Walking Tour: $39
  • Historic Missions Bike Tour - 2 Mission Southern Route: $65
  • Historic Missions Bike Tour - 2 Missions Northern Route: $65
  • Historic Spanish Missions Bike Tour - 3 Missions Tour: $85
  • Hopscotch Immersive Art Experience: $24
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio Admission Ticket: $27
  • PRIVATE Missions and More - Half-day City Tour: $149

Tours and Activities in Hood River

For Hood River, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Orchard Tour: $31
  • Gift Basket Factory Tour: $31
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $199
  • Railbikes Experience: $211

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Antonio -
    Hood River $19

Sample the Local Flavors in San Antonio

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Antonio:

  • Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Death Warmed Over: San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Guided Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Texas’ Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl Shared Walking Tour: $30
  • Taste of Fredericksburg Small-Group Wine Tour from San Antonio: $155


When comparing the travel costs between San Antonio and Hood River, we can see that Hood River 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 San Antonio Expensive? and Is Hood River Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, San Antonio or Hood River?

San Antonio has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of San Antonio and Hood River, 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 San Antonio or Hood River?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit San Antonio or Hood River in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to San Antonio as well as Hood River. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hood River for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, San Antonio is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Antonio in July average around 87°F (31°C), and Hood River averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hood River. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Antonio this time of the year. In the summer, San Antonio often gets less sunshine than Hood River. San Antonio gets 307 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun.

San Antonio usually gets more rain in July than Hood River. San Antonio gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Antonio 87°F (31°C) 
    Hood River 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit San Antonio or Hood River in the Autumn?

Both Hood River and San Antonio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to San Antonio for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Hood River in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, San Antonio is generally much warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in San Antonio average around 73°F (23°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Antonio. San Antonio usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during autumn. San Antonio gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, San Antonio usually receives more rain than Hood River. San Antonio gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Antonio 73°F (23°C) 
    Hood River 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit San Antonio or Hood River in the Winter?

Both Hood River and San Antonio during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to San Antonio in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hood River for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hood River can be very cold during winter. San Antonio is much warmer than Hood River in the winter. The daily temperature in San Antonio averages around 54°F (12°C) in January, and Hood River fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, San Antonio often gets more sunshine than Hood River. San Antonio gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun.

Hood River gets a good bit of rain this time of year. San Antonio usually gets less rain in January than Hood River. San Antonio gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Antonio 54°F (12°C) 
    Hood River 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit San Antonio or Hood River in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Antonio and Hood River. Most visitors come to San Antonio for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Hood River because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, San Antonio is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Antonio in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Hood River averages at about 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hood River this time of the year. In San Antonio, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Antonio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hood River during spring. San Antonio gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, San Antonio usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hood River. San Antonio gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Antonio 74°F (23°C) 
    Hood River 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Hood River and San Antonio

San Antonio Hood River
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 84°F (29°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)