A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Virginia Beach vs. Aspen for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Aspen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Aspen, 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.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches.

Aspen

Aspen is a charming, quaint, and vibrant ski town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Virginia Beach and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Aspen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Aspen. Although Virginia Beach and Aspen are both popular with visitors, Aspen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Aspen is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Virginia Beach is known for its beaches. Aspen is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also home to The Maroon Bells. Virginia Beach is popular for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Virginia Beach or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is terrific for skiing. However, Virginia Beach is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Aspen is among the best in the world. 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.

Virginia Beach is not a skiing destination.

Is the Food Better in Virginia Beach or Aspen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Aspen is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Virginia Beach or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Aspen for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Virginia Beach. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Is Virginia Beach or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is great for its live music scene. However, Virginia Beach is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Aspen draws a good crowd. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Virginia Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Aspen is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Aspen is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Is Virginia Beach or Aspen Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach is a coastal city with good options for the beach. However, Aspen is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Virginia Beach. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Aspen is not a beach destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen is great for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Aspen for the hiking trails. 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.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Aspen?

Aspen is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Aspen Better for Christmas?

Aspen is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Virginia Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Aspen is a top place to visit during Christmas. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Virginia Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Virginia Beach or Aspen Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is great for visiting Christmas markets. However, Virginia Beach does not offer Christmas markets.

Aspen has plenty of Christmas markets during the holiday season. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Virginia Beach does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Virginia Beach or Aspen Better for Families?

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

Virginia Beach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

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 Virginia Beach or Aspen Better for Couples?

Aspen is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

Aspen is a great ski town 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.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Virginia Beach or Aspen Better for Students?

Virginia Beach is a coastal city with good options for students. However, Aspen is not popular with students.

Virginia Beach is popular with students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Aspen is not popular with students.

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

Aspen is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Aspen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Virginia Beach or Aspen a more walkable city?

Aspen is great for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Aspen is a very walkable ski town. 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.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

For even more information, also check out Is Virginia Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Aspen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Aspen?

In either Virginia Beach or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than Aspen because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

Couples should spend more time in Aspen than Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Aspen?

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this bustling destination offers. This coastal city 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.

Aspen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Virginia Beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Aspen is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Virginia Beach or Aspen?

Virginia Beach is a fun place to experience. In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aspen. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Virginia Beach or Aspen?

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this fun-filled destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Aspen is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Virginia Beach and Aspen, we can see that Aspen is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.

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

Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Aspen?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach 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.