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

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Vail?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Vail, 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 bustling, fun-filled, and relaxing coastal city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife and beaches.

Vail

Vail is a picturesque, scenic, and vibrant ski town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Virginia Beach and Vail: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Vail?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vail than Virginia Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vail is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Virginia Beach is more popular for its beaches. Vail is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is known for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. Also, Vail is famous for The Vail Ski Resort. Virginia Beach is well known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Vail?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Virginia Beach or Vail Better for Skiing?

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

The snow ski experience you'll have in Vail is among the best in the world. This ski town has produced its share of Olympians. Vail is the third largest ski resort in the US and it has 31 lifts and 195 runs. There are five different bowls that offer beautiful views.

Virginia Beach is not a skiing destination.

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

Vail is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Vail has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town has a diverse sampling of restaurants that include different ethnic options as well as taverns with comfort food. It's easy to find mountain-friendly restaurants where you can refuel during your ski vacation.

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 Vail Better for Nightlife?

Vail 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 Vail for the nightlife scene. Happy Hours start early, and then the partying can go late into the night. There are bars, lounges, breweries and live music that keep the atmosphere light and offer entertainment after your long day on the slopes. Do keep in mind that many places close or dramatically reduce their hours during the off-peak fall and spring months.

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 Vail Better for Music?

Vail is a nice place to visit for its live music scene. However, Virginia Beach is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Vail active and fun. You can often find live music at Shakedown Bar, Bridge Street Bar, and the Red Lion.

Virginia Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Vail Better for Resorts?

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

Vail is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Designed as a resort town, Vail offers great accommodation. Nice resorts include Four Seasons Resort and Residences, the Ritz Carlton Club, and the Grand Hyatt.

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 Vail Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach is a popular place for the beache. However, Vail is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Vail is not a beach destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Vail Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Vail for the hiking trails. During the warmer months, this resort town is surrounded by world-class hiking trails. You can enjoy the wildflowers, search for wildlife, or take in the sweeping mountain views. Popular hikes near Vail include Booth Falls, Davos Trail, and Shrine Ridge.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Vail?

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

Vail is well-known for its shopping. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques and ski shops that sell everything from evening dresses to outdoor gear. It's easy to pop into the many shops around downtown Vail and find anything you might need.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Vail Better for Christmas?

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

With so many activities, Vail is a top place to visit during Christmas. The town is a winter wonderland during the holidays. Check out the iconic Christmas tree lighting and wander through the fairytale streets.

Virginia Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Virginia Beach or Vail Better for Christmas Markets?

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

Vail has plenty of Christmas markets during the holiday season. The town's Christmas Market is picturesque, and the perfect place to pick up some unique gifts.

Virginia Beach does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Virginia Beach or Vail Better for Families?

Vail 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.

Vail is an amazing family-friendly ski town to visit. With its world class skiing, rock climbing, ice skating, and ice cream, kids love this ski resort. The resort town has two terrain parks - Golden Peak and Avanti. Avanti is perfect for kids. It has small jumps, wide rails, and kid-friendly amenities. Golden Peak is designed for more advanced athletes. Vail also has nice beginner slopes that are great for kids.

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 Vail Better for Couples?

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

Vail has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy skiing and outdoor adventure will appreciate everything that this ski town has to offer. There are nice restaurants, beautiful gardens, and plenty of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Vail Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vail is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

It's common for backpackers to visit Vail. This ski town isn't completely closed off to budget travelers as there are a couple of hostels around town.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Vail Better for Students?

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Vail 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.

Vail is not popular with students.

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

Vail 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 Vail offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a free bus service through the area.

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 Vail a more walkable city?

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

Vail is a very easy ski town to get around on foot. The main downtown is pedestrian-only and perfect for popping in shops and restaurants.

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 Vail Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vail or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Vail?

Both Virginia Beach and Vail have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Vail has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Vail 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 Vail.

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

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

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

One day in Virginia Beach or Vail?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Virginia Beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Vail 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 Vail?

Virginia Beach is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Vail 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 Vail?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vail. 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 Vail?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the bustling coastal city of Virginia Beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Vail is a small town with plenty to do. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Vail?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Vail. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach and Vail, 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.