A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Flagstaff vs. Vernon for Hiking, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Flagstaff or Vernon?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Flagstaff and Vernon can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a adventurous , picturesque, and active city. Flagstaff offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Flagstaff travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a quiet, peaceful, and relaxing town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food. See Vernon travel costs.

Flagstaff and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Flagstaff or Vernon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Flagstaff. Although Flagstaff and Vernon are popular destinations, Flagstaff has more sights and attractions for tourists. Flagstaff is more touristy than Vernon and is known for its nearby craters and volcanic caves as well as its location along the historic Route 66. It is also well known for Walnut Canyon National Monument. Vernon is famous for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Flagstaff different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Flagstaff or Vernon.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Flagstaff. Lowell Observatory is a highlight for many visitors, especially those who are fascinated by space. There's also the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Pioneer Museum, and Fort Tuthill Military History Museum.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Flagstaff or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Flagstaff is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Flagstaff is an experience not to be missed. The food scene is diverse and growing. There's a focus on local recipes and ingredients. You'll also find many casual and family-friendly restaurants. American cuisine is common, but you'll also find burritos, Indian curries, and frittatas.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. 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 Flagstaff or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Flagstaff is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Flagstaff. You'll find a range of bars and cocktail lounges around town that come to life in the evening hours.

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 Flagstaff or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Flagstaff is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Flagstaff draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Nearby you'll find world class hikes through surreal landscapes and diverse environments. The area is filled with desert landscapes and varied rock formations that are best explored on foot. Trails range in length and skill level, but whatever your ability, the hiking in the area is among the best.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Flagstaff or Vernon?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Vernon and Flagstaff.

Many visitors go to Flagstaff to go shopping. Located along historic Route 66, you'll find many shops that capture the city's history, particularly in the Southside Historic District. The town also has farmer's markets as well as shopping centers and large malls.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Flagstaff or Vernon More Beautiful?

Flagstaff is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Flagstaff offers plenty of beauty for visitors. While the city itself isn't exactly beautiful, the surrounding landscapes are surreal and truly unique.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Flagstaff or Vernon Better for Families?

Flagstaff is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Flagstaff is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with outdoor activities for kids like ropes courses and adventure parks. Kids will also enjoy climbing around the Lava River Cave, visiting Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, or hiking through the many diverse landscapes in the area. There are also museums that educate visitors on the city's history as well as Lowell Observatory, which will intrigue all the space enthusiasts among us.

Vernon is a family-friendly city. 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 Flagstaff or Vernon Better for Couples?

Both Flagstaff and Vernon are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Flagstaff is a good city for couples to visit. Hiking and outdoor adventure sports make this city a good destination for couples who enjoy active living. There are many parks that you can visit as well as hiking trails and unique natural settings.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Flagstaff or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Flagstaff is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Flagstaff is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds nearby as well as tons of nature parks and countless hiking trails in the area.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Flagstaff and Vernon.

Public transit is generally limited in Flagstaff. The Mountain Line offers eight routes through town.

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

Is Flagstaff or Vernon a more walkable city?

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

Flagstaff is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown is compact and walkable, but you'll really want to have a car to explore the nearby hiking trails and natural areas.

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 Flagstaff Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Flagstaff?

How long in Flagstaff or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Flagstaff and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Flagstaff than in Vernon. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Flagstaff, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff.

One day in Flagstaff or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Flagstaff. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Vernon. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vernon has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Flagstaff or Vernon?

Flagstaff is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

You'll find museums and food around the quiet destination of Vernon. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Flagstaff or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Flagstaff. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing town of Vernon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Flagstaff or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adventurous destination of Flagstaff. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Vernon is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to 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 Flagstaff and Vernon, we can see that Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Flagstaff or Vernon?

Flagstaff has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Flagstaff 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.