A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlottesville vs. Columbia River Gorge for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Columbia River Gorge. 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. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Charlottesville is a gorgeous place to visit. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums. See Charlottesville travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a natural, beautiful, and scenic region. The beauty of Columbia River Gorge is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Charlottesville and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Columbia River Gorge. Although Charlottesville and Columbia River Gorge are popular destinations, Columbia River Gorge has more sights and attractions for tourists. Columbia River Gorge is very popular for its food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Charlottesville attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Columbia River Gorge is more touristy than Charlottesville and is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. It is also well known for Vista House at Crown Point. 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge?

Charlottesville is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is the Food Better in Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Columbia River Gorge is a great region for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Columbia River Gorge has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Charlottesville and Columbia River Gorge.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Columbia River Gorge does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Charlottesville to see the historical 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.

Columbia River Gorge does not have a historic old town.

Is Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is a great region for hiking. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

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 Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge More Beautiful?

Columbia River Gorge is a great region for its scenery and beauty. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Columbia River Gorge is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

Charlottesville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Surrounded by the Shenandoah Mountains, this is a beautiful town and home to the beautiful University of Virginia.

Is Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Columbia River Gorge is a great region for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Columbia River Gorge is very family-friendly. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Columbia River Gorge is a great region for its romantic activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for couples.

Columbia River Gorge is a great region if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is a great region for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlottesville is not known for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Charlottesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is camping an hiking in the area that is a good option for backpackers.

Is Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge Better for Students?

Charlottesville is a world-class destination for students. However, Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not popular with students.

Is Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Charlottesville and Columbia River Gorge both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Charlottesville is a moderate university town for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable university town. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Charlottesville Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Charlottesville?

How long in Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Charlottesville and Columbia River Gorge. In our opinion, Columbia River Gorge has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Columbia River Gorge than Charlottesville. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge.

One day in Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge?

Charlottesville is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The natural destination of Columbia River Gorge offers food and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Charlottesville is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this university town has to offer. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The region of Columbia River Gorge offers shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Charlottesville for five days. Charlottesville is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Columbia River Gorge is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This region offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge?

Because Charlottesville is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 comparing the travel costs between Charlottesville and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Columbia River Gorge is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge?

Charlottesville has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Charlottesville and Columbia River Gorge, 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.

When is the best time to visit Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Charlottesville during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Charlottesville in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Charlottesville is generally a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 78°F (26°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. In the summer, Charlottesville often gets less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Charlottesville gets 305 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. Charlottesville usually gets more rain in July than Columbia River Gorge. Charlottesville gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlottesville and Columbia River Gorge. Most visitors come to Charlottesville for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Charlottesville is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charlottesville averages around 59°F (15°C) in October, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In Charlottesville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlottesville usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during autumn. Charlottesville gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Charlottesville gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Charlottesville as well as Columbia River Gorge. The winter months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

It's quite cold in Columbia River Gorge in the winter. The weather in Charlottesville can be very cold. In the winter, Charlottesville is much colder than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charlottesville in January average around 36°F (2°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Charlottesville often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Charlottesville gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Columbia River Gorge. Charlottesville usually gets less rain in January than Columbia River Gorge. Charlottesville gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Charlottesville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty.

In April, Charlottesville is generally a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 58°F (14°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia River Gorge. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. Charlottesville usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during spring. Charlottesville gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Charlottesville gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Charlottesville