A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Beaver Creek for Resorts, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a spirited, luxury, and high energy coastal city. Fort Lauderdale is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a charming, active, and adventurous town. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Beaver Creek travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Local Beaches
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options


Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fort Lauderdale. Although Fort Lauderdale and Beaver Creek are both popular with visitors, Fort Lauderdale has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fort Lauderdale is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Beaver Creek is known for its skiing, theatre productions, and hiking. Fort Lauderdale is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also home to The Local Beaches. Beaver Creek is popular for its skiing and charming atmosphere

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Fort Lauderdale
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a must-visit destination for winter skiing. However, Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a skiing destination.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Fort Lauderdale
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is not so good for theatre. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a theatre destination.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Fort Lauderdale is not a theatre destination.

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

Fort Lauderdale
Beaver Creek

Both Fort Lauderdale and Beaver Creek offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Fort Lauderdale makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale
Beaver Creek

Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal city for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Fort Lauderdale has something for everybody. 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.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale
Beaver Creek

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Fort Lauderdale offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale
Beaver Creek

Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Beaver Creek is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Beaver Creek is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale
Beaver Creek

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Fort Lauderdale are among the best in the world. 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.

Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Fort Lauderdale
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek. 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek?

Fort Lauderdale
Beaver Creek

Shopping is a popular activity in both Beaver Creek and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale
Beaver Creek

Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal city for its scenery and beauty. However, Beaver Creek is not a destination known for its 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.

Beaver Creek is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Fort Lauderdale is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale
Beaver Creek

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Beaver Creek is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

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

Fort Lauderdale
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

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 Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Beaver Creek has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Beaver Creek than Fort Lauderdale. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


  • How many days in Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fort Lauderdale 3-7 
    Beaver Creek 3-7

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek?

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this bustling coastal city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek?

Fort Lauderdale is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek?

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this high energy destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The active 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 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.


Which place is cheaper, Beaver Creek or Fort Lauderdale?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Fort Lauderdale Prices
    USA Prices
    Beaver Creek Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Fort Lauderdale $218
    Beaver Creek $378

The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $218, while the average daily cost in Beaver Creek is $378. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Fort Lauderdale and Beaver Creek in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fort Lauderdale $96
    Beaver Creek $203
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fort Lauderdale $192
    Beaver Creek $406
Compare Hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Beaver Creek

Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Fort Lauderdale


Hotels in Beaver Creek


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices and Beaver Creek Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $51
    Beaver Creek $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Bimini Day Cruise from Fort Lauderdale with Round-Trip Miami Transfer: $289
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Islamorada : $287
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Key Largo: $287
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Fort Lauderdale APT-HTL (FLL): $285
  • Transfer from Fort Lauderdale (FLL or Port Everglades) to Miami.: $220
  • Private transfer from Port of Miami to Fort Lauderdale: $220
  • Transfer to Miami: $200
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Miami : $182
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Port Everglades - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $180
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport Private Transfer to Port Everglades: $180
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport(FLL) to Key Largo/ Marathon -Roundtrip Private Transfer: $177
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport FLL to Fort Lauderdale in Luxury Car: $166

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Beaver Creek?

Prices for flights to both Beaver Creek and Fort Lauderdale change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Fort Lauderdale $85
    Beaver Creek $146
Typical Food Prices in Fort Lauderdale

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:


  • Quick Lunch
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Fort Lauderdale.

  • Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal & Dinner Cruise: $64
  • Immersive Sushi Cooking Class in Fort Lauderdale: $75
  • Intracoastal Cruise with Waterfront Dinner: $80
  • All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise: $80
  • Hollywood Florida Walking Food Tour : $109
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour: $114
  • Fort Lauderdale Beach Food Tour: $114
  • Fort Lauderdale Historic District Food Tour Experience: $120
  • Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas, Around the World Food Tour Experience: $120
  • Hollywood Beach Walking Food Tour: $139
  • Haitian Cooking Class: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $15
    Beaver Creek $53

Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale

Here are a few actual costs in Fort Lauderdale for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Hour-Relaxing Private Boat Tour - Fort Lauderdale (Up to 6 Pax): $150
  • 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Cruise (arrive 30 minutes early): $35
  • 2 Hours Electric Bike Experience on Ft Lauderdale: $50
  • 2 to 6 hours Private Yacht Cruise around Fort Lauderdale: $299
  • 90-Minute Ocean Parasailing Adventure In Fort Lauderdale, FL: $100
  • 90-Minute Snorkel & Seabob Underwater Guided Reef Tour in Fort Lauderdale: $214
  • Affordable Angler Adventure In Fort Lauderdale South Florida: $120
  • Atlantic Ocean Snorkeling Experience: $79
  • Beach Snorkeling Adventure in Lauderdale by the Sea: $45
  • Best of Fort Lauderdale Small Group Tour with Intercoastal Cruise: $199
  • Classic Fort Lauderdale Bike Tour: $75
  • Comedy Segway Tour Music Edition: $85

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fort Lauderdale $33
    Beaver Creek $35
Typical Alcohol Prices in Fort Lauderdale

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:


  • Beer
    $7.30

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Fort Lauderdale Bar Crawl: $15
  • Ft. Lauderdale: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Ft Lauderdale Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fort Lauderdale and Beaver Creek, we can see that Beaver Creek 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 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 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 Beaver Creek Expensive?.