A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Detroit vs. Vernon for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Detroit or Vernon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Vernon, 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.

Detroit

Detroit is a overlooked , under-rated, and hardworking city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music. See Detroit travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a relaxing, quiet, and peaceful town. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Vernon travel costs.

Detroit and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Detroit or Vernon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Detroit. Although Detroit and Vernon are both popular with visitors, Detroit has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Detroit is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Vernon is known for its hiking. Vernon is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails. Detroit is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also home to the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Detroit different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Detroit or Vernon?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Detroit and Vernon.

Detroit offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Vernon. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Detroit or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Detroit and Vernon can be an enjoyable experience.

Detroit has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Vernon area. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Detroit or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Detroit is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

Detroit offers plenty to do in the evening. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Detroit or Vernon Better for Music?

Detroit is terrific for its music scene. However, Vernon is not a live music destination.

In Detroit you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Vernon is not a live music destination.

Is Detroit or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Vernon is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Vernon?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Detroit and Vernon.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Detroit. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Many visitors go to Vernon to go shopping. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Detroit or Vernon Better for Families?

Detroit and Vernon are both good destinations for the whole family.

Detroit is a family-friendly city. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vernon. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Detroit or Vernon Better for Couples?

Vernon is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Vernon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

Is Detroit or Vernon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Detroit and Vernon.

Public transit is mostly limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Public transit is generally limited in Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Detroit or Vernon a more walkable city?

Detroit is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

Detroit is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable city. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

For even more information, also check out Is Detroit Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Detroit and Vernon. In our opinion, Detroit has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Detroit than Vernon. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Detroit than Vernon 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 Detroit.

One day in Detroit or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Detroit. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Vernon, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Detroit or Vernon?

Detroit is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Vernon, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vernon has to offer.

Five days in Detroit or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Detroit. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vernon is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Detroit or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the hardworking destination of Detroit. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vernon. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Vernon. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Detroit or Vernon?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Detroit and Vernon, 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 Detroit or Vernon?

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 Detroit or Vernon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Vernon. The summer months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vernon this time of year.

In the summer, Detroit is around the same temperature as Vernon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Detroit in July average around 74°F (24°C), and Vernon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Detroit usually gets more rain in July than Vernon. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Detroit this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vernon for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Detroit is generally a little warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 54°F (12°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Detroit usually receives more rain than Vernon. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Detroit or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Detroit during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Detroit for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Vernon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Vernon can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Detroit. Detroit is cooler than Vernon in the winter. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 25°F (-4°C) in January, and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Detroit usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Vernon. Many visitors come to Detroit in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Detroit is cooler than Vernon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Detroit in April average around 49°F (9°C), and Vernon averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In April, Detroit usually receives more rain than Vernon. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Detroit