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

Should you visit Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a colorful, glitzy, and flashy city. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Vail

Vail is a charming, picturesque, and scenic ski town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. Vail is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and live music. See Vail travel costs.

Atlantic City and Vail: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Vail?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vail. Although Atlantic City and Vail are popular destinations, Vail has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vail is very popular for its skiing, music, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Atlantic City attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and beaches. Atlantic City is famous for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Vail is famous for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. It is also well known for The Vail Ski Resort.

How is Atlantic City different from Vail?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Atlantic City or Vail Better for Skiing?

Vail is a world-class destination for winter skiing. However, Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlantic City or Vail?

Atlantic City is adequate for its historical sights. However, Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Atlantic City and Vail both to be nice destinations.

Atlantic City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

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.

Is Atlantic City or Vail Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Vail is not as popular, but is still a nice ski town for its evening party scene.

Atlantic City is a world class party destination. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

Vail offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Is Atlantic City or Vail Better for Music?

Vail is a good destination for live music. However, Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

Is Atlantic City or Vail Better for Resorts?

There are superb resorts to choose from in both Atlantic City and Vail.

There are plenty of resorts in Atlantic City to choose from. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Vail is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Is Atlantic City or Vail Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a popular place for the beach. However, Vail is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Vail is not a beach destination.

Is Atlantic City or Vail Better for Hiking?

Vail is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Vail. 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.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Vail?

Vail is well known for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atlantic City. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Is Atlantic City or Vail More Beautiful?

Vail is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Atlantic City or Vail Better for Families?

Vail is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Atlantic City or Vail Better for Couples?

Vail is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Atlantic City or Vail Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City and Vail are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Atlantic City and Vail.

You'll find some public transit in Atlantic City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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

Is Atlantic City or Vail a more walkable city?

Vail is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Atlantic City is a very walkable city. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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

Should I spend more time in Vail or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Vail?

Both Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 3-7 days is enough time in Vail.

Families should spend more time in Vail than Atlantic City. 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 Atlantic City. 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 Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Vail?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Atlantic City. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Even though Vail is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Atlantic City or Vail?

Atlantic City is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vail. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Atlantic City or Vail?

You'll find food and shopping around the party-oriented destination of Atlantic City. This city offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Vail is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This ski town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Atlantic City or Vail?

The party-oriented city of Atlantic City offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Vail?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Vail. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City 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.