A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Columbia River Gorge for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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.

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. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a scenic, natural, and beautiful region. Columbia River Gorge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fort Lauderdale. Although Fort Lauderdale and Columbia River Gorge 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, and beaches, while Columbia River Gorge is known for its museums and attractions and hiking. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Columbia River Gorge and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also home to The Local Beaches. Columbia River Gorge is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

How is Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Columbia River Gorge is a region with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Columbia River Gorge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Fort Lauderdale and Columbia River Gorge 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.

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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for nightlife and partying.

Fort Lauderdale offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Columbia River Gorge 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 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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale and Columbia River Gorge both are comparable with their great 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 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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Columbia River Gorge are great family-friendly destinations.

Fort Lauderdale is 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.

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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit 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.

Columbia River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is a great destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fort Lauderdale is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. You'll find few backpackers heading to the high end city.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Columbia River Gorge.

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

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fort Lauderdale and Columbia River Gorge. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than in Columbia River Gorge. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.

Families should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Columbia River Gorge. 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 Fort Lauderdale than Columbia River Gorge. 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 Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Fort Lauderdale. Most people come for the beaches. 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 beautiful 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 Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge?

Fort Lauderdale is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This coastal city 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 Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Fort Lauderdale for five days. Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the beautiful coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the luxury destination of Fort Lauderdale. Many people spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fort Lauderdale, one week is sufficent for most.

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 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 comparing the travel costs between Fort Lauderdale and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the summer. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia River Gorge this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia River Gorge during summer. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Columbia River Gorge. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene 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.

In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than Columbia River Gorge. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene 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. In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during winter. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Fort Lauderdale during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the spring. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the spring, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in April than Columbia River Gorge. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Fort Lauderdale