A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Alexandria vs. Vail for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Alexandria or Vail?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Alexandria and Vail. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a historic, charming, and quaint city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of Alexandria is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Alexandria travel costs.

Vail

Vail is a resort-filled, charming, and picturesque ski town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Vail attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Vail travel costs.

Alexandria and Vail: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alexandria or Vail?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vail. Although Alexandria and Vail are both popular with visitors, Vail has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Vail is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, christmas markets, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Alexandria is known for its museums and attractions, food, and historical sights. Vail is more touristy than Alexandria and is known for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. It is also home to The Vail Ski Resort. Alexandria is popular for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere.

How is Alexandria different from Vail?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Alexandria or Vail Better for Skiing?

Vail is an unbeatable place for skiing. However, Alexandria is not a skiing destination.

Vail is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around 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.

Alexandria is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alexandria or Vail?

Alexandria is a great city for its historical sights. However, Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

Alexandria offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Alexandria is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Vail is not as popular, but is still a nice ski town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Alexandria has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Vail area. 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.

Is Alexandria or Vail Better for Nightlife?

Vail is great for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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 Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Alexandria or Vail Better for Music?

Vail is a good destination for its music scene. However, Alexandria is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Vail. You can often find live music at Shakedown Bar, Bridge Street Bar, and the Red Lion.

Alexandria is not a live music destination.

Is Alexandria or Vail Better for Resorts?

Vail is great for its luxury resorts. However, Alexandria is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Vail to choose from. 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.

Alexandria is not a resort destination.

Is Alexandria or Vail Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Vail does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Alexandria can be explored in its historical center. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Vail does not have a historic old town.

Is Alexandria or Vail Better for Hiking?

Vail is great for hiking. However, Alexandria 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.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Vail?

If you're looking to go shopping, Alexandria and Vail both offer plenty of superb spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Vail is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Alexandria or Vail More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of superb scenery and beauty in both Alexandria and Vail.

With stunning beauty, Alexandria attracts visitors from all around. The historic architecture and beautiful waterfront make this an iconic destination.

Vail is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It is a beautiful town that has stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Is Alexandria or Vail Better for Families?

Vail is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Vail is very family-friendly. 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.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Alexandria or Vail Better for Couples?

Vail is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Vail is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Alexandria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Is Alexandria or Vail Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Alexandria and Vail are good places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Vail. This ski town isn't completely closed off to budget travelers as there are a couple of hostels around town.

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

Alexandria is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Vail is not as popular, but is still a nice ski town for its public transit.

Alexandria has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Vail has a few public transit options. There is a free bus service through the area.

Is Alexandria or Vail a more walkable city?

Alexandria and Vail are amazing when it comes to walkability.

Alexandria is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Alexandria Worth Visiting? and Is Vail Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vail or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Vail?

Both Alexandria and Vail have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vail than in Alexandria. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alexandria, and 3-7 days is enough time in Vail.

Families should spend more time in Vail than Alexandria. 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 Alexandria. 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.

One day in Alexandria or Vail?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Alexandria. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. 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.

A weekend in Alexandria or Vail?

Alexandria is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Even though Vail is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Alexandria or Vail?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Alexandria. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Vail, a popular ski town, 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 ski town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Alexandria or Vail?

The charming city of Alexandria offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Vail is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this ski town makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this ski town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Vail?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Vail. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria 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.