A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Aspen for Food, Resorts, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Aspen?

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 Fort Lauderdale and Aspen. 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a luxury, high energy, and scenic coastal city. With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Aspen

Aspen is a authentic, charming, and quaint ski town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Aspen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and live music. See Aspen travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Aspen?

Both Aspen and Fort Lauderdale have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Aspen is more popular for its skiing, food, music, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Aspen and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Aspen is well known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is a must-visit destination for winter skiing. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a skiing destination.

Aspen is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Fort Lauderdale is not a skiing destination.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Aspen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Aspen, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Fort Lauderdale has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Aspen has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

The nightlife in Aspen has something for everybody. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is a great destination for live music. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.

Aspen has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its resorts. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Fort Lauderdale is a world class resort vacation destination. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

There are plenty of resorts in Aspen to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Aspen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aspen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Fort Lauderdale. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Aspen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Aspen Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for the beach. However, Aspen is not a beach destination.

Fort Lauderdale is considered to be a world-class beach destination. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Aspen is not a beach destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Aspen?

Aspen is a great destination for shopping. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Aspen is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Aspen More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale and Aspen both are comparable with their very good scenery and beauty.

Fort Lauderdale is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

The beauty of Aspen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Surrounded by the mountains and set amongst a beautiful natural setting, this town will take your breath away.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Aspen Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Fort Lauderdale is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Aspen Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for couples. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Aspen is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Aspen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aspen is a good destination for its public transit. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Aspen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Aspen a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale and Aspen both are very good when exploring on foot.

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Aspen is a very walkable coastal city. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Aspen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Aspen?

In either Fort Lauderdale or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Aspen because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aspen than Fort Lauderdale 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 Aspen.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Aspen?

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this bustling destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Fort Lauderdale or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fort Lauderdale. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Aspen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Fort Lauderdale or Aspen?

Fort Lauderdale is a fun place to experience. In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Aspen is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This ski 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 Fort Lauderdale or Aspen?

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this high energy destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Since Aspen is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Aspen?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Aspen, 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.