A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Yosemite National Park vs. Beaver Creek for Hiking, Families, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek?

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

Should I visit Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a stunning, breathtaking, and popular national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a adventurous, charming, and active town. Other popular activities here include skiing, food, and hiking.

Yosemite National Park and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to El Capitan
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beaver Creek than Yosemite National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beaver Creek is better known for its skiing, theatre productions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Yosemite National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yosemite National Park is well known for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. Beaver Creek is well known for its skiing and charming atmosphere Also, Beaver Creek is famous for Beaver Creek Golf Club.

How is Yosemite National Park different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Yosemite National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a world-class destination for snow skiing. However, Yosemite National Park is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Beaver Creek should be on your list. 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.

Yosemite National Park is not a skiing destination.


Is Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Yosemite National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is not a good place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Yosemite National Park is not a theatre destination.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Yosemite National Park is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Yosemite National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Dining out in Beaver Creek is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Yosemite National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.

Is Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Yosemite National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a moderate town for its evening party scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Yosemite National Park
Beaver Creek

Yosemite National Park is a great national park for its luxury resorts. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Yosemite National Park is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

With a selection of resorts, Beaver Creek makes a nice vacation spot. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Is Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Yosemite National Park
Beaver Creek

Yosemite National Park is a world-class destination for hiking. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Known for its hiking, Yosemite National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

Beaver Creek is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek?

Yosemite National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Beaver Creek to go shopping. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Yosemite National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Yosemite National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Beaver Creek is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Yosemite National Park is a very family-friendly destination. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

Is Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Yosemite National Park
Beaver Creek

With fun activities for couples, both Yosemite National Park and Beaver Creek make for a very good place to visit.

Yosemite National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

Beaver Creek makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

Is Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yosemite National Park
Beaver Creek

Yosemite National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Beaver Creek is not known for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Yosemite National Park. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

Beaver Creek is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many facilities that cater to backpackers.


Is Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Yosemite National Park
Beaver Creek

Both Yosemite National Park and Beaver Creek offer notable public transit options.

Yosemite National Park has a few public transit options. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

Beaver Creek has some public transit options. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

Is Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Yosemite National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

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

Yosemite National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Yosemite National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Yosemite National Park?

How long in Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek?

Both Yosemite National Park 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 Yosemite National Park. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Beaver Creek than Yosemite National Park. 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 Yosemite National Park. 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.


  • How many days in Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yosemite National Park 3-7 
    Beaver Creek 3-7

One day in Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek?

In Yosemite National Park, many people enjoy the that this breathtaking national park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

The town of Beaver Creek offers shopping and skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek?

Yosemite National Park is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

The active destination of Beaver Creek offers skiing and food. This town offers something for everyone. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek?

In Yosemite National Park, many people enjoy the that this breathtaking destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek?

Yosemite National Park is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Beaver Creek is a fun place to experience. The destination of Beaver Creek offers shopping and skiing. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Beaver Creek or Yosemite National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Yosemite National Park is $129, 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 Yosemite National Park and Beaver Creek in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yosemite National Park $64
    Beaver Creek $203
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yosemite National Park $128
    Beaver Creek $406
Compare Hotels in Yosemite National Park and Beaver Creek

Looking for a hotel in Yosemite National Park 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 Yosemite National Park


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: Yosemite National Park Hotel Prices and Beaver Creek Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yosemite National Park $41
    Beaver Creek $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Yosemite National Park or Beaver Creek?

Prices for flights to both Beaver Creek and Yosemite National Park 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
    Yosemite National Park $40
    Beaver Creek $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yosemite National Park $19
    Beaver Creek $53

Tours and Activities in Yosemite National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yosemite National Park are as follows:

  • Big Trees Hike & Riverside Cookout Adventure: $180
  • Family Fun Private Half Day Fly Fishing Adventure: $215
  • Full-Day Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour Including Hotel Pickup: $169
  • Private Guided Hiking Tour in Yosemite: $293
  • Semi Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch and Hotel Pickup: $250
  • Waterfalls of Yosemite: Customizable Private Tour: $495
  • Yosemite Full Day Small Group High Country / Mariposa Tour: $299
  • Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour: $200
  • Yosemite National Park Audio Driving Tour: $11
  • Yosemite Panorama Trail Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Yosemite Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour: $180

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yosemite National Park $11
    Beaver Creek $35


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yosemite National Park Expensive? and Is Beaver Creek Expensive?.