A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlottesville vs. Beaver Creek for Families, Food, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Charlottesville or Beaver Creek?

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 Charlottesville and Beaver Creek. 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.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a traditional, young, and collegiate university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Charlottesville is a gorgeous place to visit. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and museums. See Charlottesville travel costs.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a active, adventurous, and charming town. Visitors also love the shopping, skiing, and food. See Beaver Creek travel costs.

Charlottesville and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlottesville or Beaver Creek?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beaver Creek. Although Charlottesville and Beaver Creek are popular destinations, Beaver Creek has more sights and attractions for tourists. Beaver Creek is very popular for its skiing, theatre productions, food, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Charlottesville attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Charlottesville and is known for its skiing and charming atmosphere It is also well known for Beaver Creek Golf Club. Charlottesville is famous for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Charlottesville different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Charlottesville or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Beaver Creek is terrific for skiing. However, Charlottesville is not a skiing destination.

Beaver Creek is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. 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.

Charlottesville is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charlottesville or Beaver Creek?

Charlottesville is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Charlottesville is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Charlottesville or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Beaver Creek is mediocre for its theatre productions. However, Charlottesville is not a theatre destination.

While not known for its theater, you might be able to find something in Beaver Creek while you're in town. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Charlottesville is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Charlottesville or Beaver Creek? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaver Creek is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Beaver Creek has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Charlottesville or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Charlottesville is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Charlottesville has a few options to choose from. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

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.

Is Charlottesville or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Beaver Creek is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

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.

Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

Is Charlottesville or Beaver Creek Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Beaver Creek does not have a historic old town.

Charlottesville is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Beaver Creek does not have a historic old town.

Is Charlottesville or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Beaver Creek is a great town for hiking. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Beaver Creek for the hiking trails. 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.

Charlottesville is a good destination for hiking. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlottesville or Beaver Creek?

Beaver Creek is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beaver Creek. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Charlottesville or Beaver Creek More Beautiful?

Charlottesville is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Beaver Creek is not a destination known for its beauty.

Charlottesville is a gorgeous place to visit. Surrounded by the Shenandoah Mountains, this is a beautiful town and home to the beautiful University of Virginia.

Beaver Creek is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Charlottesville or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Beaver Creek is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

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

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Charlottesville or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Beaver Creek is a great town for its romantic activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for couples.

Beaver Creek is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

Charlottesville is a good university town for couples to visit. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Is Charlottesville or Beaver Creek Better for Students?

Charlottesville is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Beaver Creek is not popular with students.

Charlottesville is a great destination for students. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Beaver Creek is not popular with students.

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

Beaver Creek is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Charlottesville is not known for its public transit.

While Beaver Creek offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

Public transit is generally limited in Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Is Charlottesville or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Beaver Creek is terrific for its high level of walkability. However, Charlottesville is not known for its ease of walking around.

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

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

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

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Charlottesville?

How long in Charlottesville or Beaver Creek?

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

Families should spend more time in Beaver Creek than Charlottesville. 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 Charlottesville. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beaver Creek than Charlottesville 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 Beaver Creek.

One day in Charlottesville or Beaver Creek?

Charlottesville is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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 active destination of Beaver Creek offers food and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Charlottesville or Beaver Creek?

Charlottesville is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The town of Beaver Creek offers shopping and skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Charlottesville or Beaver Creek?

Charlottesville is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Beaver Creek is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Charlottesville or Beaver Creek?

Charlottesville is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The adventurous town of Beaver Creek offers food and shopping. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

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