A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Arlington vs. Sun Valley for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Arlington or Sun Valley?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Sun Valley, 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.

Arlington

Arlington is a international, historical, and educational city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Arlington travel costs.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a active, adventurous, and outdoorsy town. With stunning beauty, Sun Valley attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Sun Valley travel costs.

Arlington and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arlington or Sun Valley?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sun Valley than Arlington, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sun Valley is better known for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Arlington is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Arlington is well known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Sun Valley is well known for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. Also, Sun Valley is famous for Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

How is Arlington different from Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Arlington or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is terrific for skiing and snowboarding. However, Arlington is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Sun Valley is among the best in the world. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Arlington is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arlington or Sun Valley?

Arlington is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sun Valley is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Arlington. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

While most people don't head to Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

Is the Food Better in Arlington or Sun Valley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Arlington and Sun Valley.

Arlington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sun Valley makes for a great culinary experience. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

Is Arlington or Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

Arlington is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Arlington know how to have a good time. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

If you're looking for night time activities Sun Valley has a few options to choose from. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

Is Arlington or Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington is not a resort destination.

Sun Valley is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Arlington is not a resort destination.

Is Arlington or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

Sun Valley is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Sun Valley. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Sun Valley?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Arlington and Sun Valley.

Arlington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Sun Valley is a great destination for shopping. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

Is Arlington or Sun Valley More Beautiful?

Sun Valley is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Arlington is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Sun Valley attracts visitors from all around. The resort town is surrounded by impressive mountains and pristine natural beauty.

Arlington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Arlington or Sun Valley Better for Families?

Sun Valley is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Sun Valley is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Arlington or Sun Valley Better for Couples?

Sun Valley is terrific for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Sun Valley has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Is Arlington or Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington and Sun Valley are both great destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Sun Valley. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Is Arlington or Sun Valley Better for Students?

Arlington is a great destination for students. However, Sun Valley is not popular with students.

Many students visit Arlington. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Sun Valley is not popular with students.

Is Arlington or Sun Valley Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arlington is terrific for its public transit. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Arlington can take you anywhere. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

The public transit in Sun Valley can get you around easily. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

Is Arlington or Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Sun Valley. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

Arlington is very walkable. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

For even more information, also check out Is Arlington Worth Visiting? and Is Sun Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sun Valley or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Sun Valley?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington than Sun Valley 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 Arlington.

One day in Arlington or Sun Valley?

With museums and nightlife around the educational city of Arlington, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Sun Valley. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arlington or Sun Valley?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Arlington, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the adventurous destination of Sun Valley. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Sun Valley?

Arlington, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the outdoorsy town of Sun Valley. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the skiing. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Arlington or Sun Valley?

Arlington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sun Valley is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sun Valley, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arlington and Sun Valley, we can see that Arlington is more expensive. And not only is Sun Valley much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sun Valley would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sun Valley 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 Arlington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arlington than you might in Sun Valley.

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

Which is Bigger, Arlington or Sun Valley?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Arlington and Sun Valley, 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.