A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Virginia Beach vs. Beaver Creek for Families, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Beaver Creek?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Beaver Creek, 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 relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a active, adventurous, and charming town. Visitors also love the shopping, skiing, and food.

Virginia Beach and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Beaver Creek?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beaver Creek. Although Virginia Beach and Beaver Creek are popular destinations, Beaver Creek has more sights and attractions for tourists. Beaver Creek is very popular for its skiing, theatre productions, food, hiking, and shopping, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife, beaches, and impressive beauty. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is known for its skiing and charming atmosphere It is also well known for Beaver Creek Golf Club. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Virginia Beach or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Virginia Beach
Beaver Creek

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

The snow ski experience you'll have in Beaver Creek is among the best in the world. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Virginia Beach is not a skiing destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Virginia Beach
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is mediocre for its theatre productions. However, Virginia Beach is not a theatre destination.

While not known for its theater, you might be able to find something in Beaver Creek while you're in town. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Virginia Beach is not a theatre destination.

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

Virginia Beach
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Beaver Creek has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.

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 Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Beaver Creek

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Virginia Beach has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.


Is Virginia Beach or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Beaver Creek

With a similar set of options, nice resorts can be found in both Virginia Beach and Beaver Creek.

With a selection of resorts, Virginia Beach makes a nice vacation spot. 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.

Beaver Creek has a few great resort options. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Is Virginia Beach or Beaver Creek Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Beaver Creek

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Virginia Beach
Beaver Creek

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

Many visitors go to Beaver Creek for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Beaver Creek?

Virginia Beach
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a nice place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beaver Creek. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

Beaver Creek is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

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.

Is Virginia Beach or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Beaver Creek

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

Beaver Creek is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

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 Beaver Creek Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Beaver Creek

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Beaver Creek is not popular with students.

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

Beaver Creek is not popular with students.

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

Virginia Beach
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

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 Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is terrific for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Beaver Creek is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

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 Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Beaver Creek?

Both Virginia Beach and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Beaver Creek has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Beaver Creek than Virginia Beach. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek.


  • How many days in Virginia Beach or Beaver Creek? Ideal Length of Stay
    Virginia Beach 5-7 
    Beaver Creek 3-7

One day in Virginia Beach or Beaver Creek?

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

In Beaver Creek, you'll find skiing and food. 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 Beaver Creek?

Virginia Beach is a fun place to experience. 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.

Beaver Creek is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Beaver Creek?

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this fun-filled destination offers. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaver Creek. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.


A week in Virginia Beach or Beaver Creek?

Virginia Beach is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Beaver Creek, you'll find skiing and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Beaver Creek or Virginia Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Virginia Beach is $126, while the average daily cost in Beaver Creek is $316. 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 Virginia Beach and Beaver Creek in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Beaver Creek $203
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Beaver Creek $406
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Beaver Creek

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach or Beaver Creek? 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 Virginia Beach


Hotels in Beaver Creek


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: Virginia Beach Hotel Prices and Beaver Creek Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Beaver Creek $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Virginia Beach or Beaver Creek?

Prices for flights to both Beaver Creek and Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $30
    Beaver Creek $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Beaver Creek $53

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Virginia Beach.

  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87
  • Kayak Dolphin Experience in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $90
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours | Must Know How to Swim: $78
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Virginia Historic Adventure!: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Virginia Beach $11
    Beaver Creek $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Virginia Beach and Beaver Creek, we can see that Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek Expensive?.