A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America San Francisco vs. Sun Valley for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit San Francisco or Sun Valley?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Francisco or Sun Valley, 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.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a quirky, eccentric, and one-of-a-kind coastal city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for museums, theater, and nightlife.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a active, adventurous, and outdoorsy town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

San Francisco and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Francisco or Sun Valley?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Francisco than Sun Valley, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Francisco is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Sun Valley is more popular for its skiing and resorts. San Francisco is more touristy than Sun Valley and is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. Also, San Francisco is famous for The Golden Gate Bridge. Sun Valley is well known for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway.

How is San Francisco different from Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is San Francisco or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is an amazing town to visit for skiing. However, San Francisco is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Sun Valley is among the best in the world. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

San Francisco is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Francisco or Sun Valley?

San Francisco is terrific for its museums and landmarks. However, Sun Valley is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in San Francisco that are not to be missed. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

While most people don't head to Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

Is San Francisco or Sun Valley Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a good destination for theatre. However, Sun Valley is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Sun Valley is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in San Francisco or Sun Valley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Francisco is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through San Francisco, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

Sun Valley has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

Is San Francisco or Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both San Francisco and Sun Valley.

If you're looking for night time activities San Francisco has a few options to choose from. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sun Valley. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

Is San Francisco or Sun Valley Better for Music?

San Francisco is a good destination for live music. However, Sun Valley is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Sun Valley is not a live music destination.

Is San Francisco or Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Sun Valley is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Is San Francisco or Sun Valley Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is a great destination for its beaches. However, Sun Valley is not a beach destination.

Many people visit San Francisco for it's beautiful beaches. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Sun Valley is not a beach destination.

Is San Francisco or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is terrific for its hiking experiences. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

San Francisco is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Many visitors go to Sun Valley for the hiking trails. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Is the Shopping Better in San Francisco or Sun Valley?

San Francisco is terrific for shopping. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

San Francisco is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sun Valley. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

Is San Francisco or Sun Valley Better for Families?

San Francisco and Sun Valley are both world-class destinations for the whole family.

San Francisco is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Sun Valley is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

Is San Francisco or Sun Valley Better for Couples?

Sun Valley is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Sun Valley has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is San Francisco or Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both San Francisco and Sun Valley are great places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Sun Valley. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Is San Francisco or Sun Valley Better for Students?

San Francisco is a great destination for students. However, Sun Valley is not popular with students.

Many students visit San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Sun Valley is not popular with students.

Is San Francisco or Sun Valley Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Francisco is terrific for its public transit. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of San Francisco can take you anywhere. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

The public transit in Sun Valley can get you around easily. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

Is San Francisco or Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its walkability.

Sun Valley is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

San Francisco is very walkable. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

For even more information, also check out Is San Francisco Worth Visiting? and Is Sun Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sun Valley or San Francisco?

How long in San Francisco or Sun Valley?

Both San Francisco and Sun Valley have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, San Francisco has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in San Francisco than Sun Valley. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco than Sun Valley 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 San Francisco.

One day in San Francisco or Sun Valley?

When visiting San Francisco, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active destination of Sun Valley. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in San Francisco or Sun Valley?

When visiting San Francisco, people usually allow for lots of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sun Valley. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in San Francisco or Sun Valley?

San Francisco, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the adventurous destination of Sun Valley. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in San Francisco or Sun Valley?

San Francisco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful town of Sun Valley. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, San Francisco or Sun Valley?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 500 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of San Francisco and Sun Valley, 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.