A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gainesville vs. Beaver Creek for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Gainesville or Beaver Creek?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or Beaver Creek, 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.

Gainesville

Gainesville is a active, vibrant, and high energy city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Gainesville travel costs.

Beaver Creek

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

Gainesville and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Gainesville or Beaver Creek?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beaver Creek. Although Gainesville and Beaver Creek are both popular with visitors, Beaver Creek has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Beaver Creek is more popular for its skiing, theatre productions, food, resorts, and hiking, while Gainesville is known for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Gainesville and is popular for its skiing and charming atmosphere It is also home to Beaver Creek Golf Club. Gainesville is popular for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Gainesville different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gainesville or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Gainesville
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is very popular for snow skiing. However, Gainesville is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Beaver Creek is among the best in 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.

Gainesville is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gainesville or Beaver Creek?

Gainesville
Beaver Creek

Gainesville is a great city for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Gainesville can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a surprising number of museums around town such as the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, and the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. Also fascinating is the Historic Haile Homestead, the Butterfly Rainforest, and the city's planetarium.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Gainesville or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Gainesville
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is not a good place to visit for theatre. However, Gainesville is not a theatre destination.

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

Gainesville is not a theatre destination.

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

Gainesville
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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

Gainesville has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Casual eateries are popular around town, particularly with the student population. There are grills, diners, and bistros that serve local dishes at affordable prices.


Is Gainesville or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Gainesville
Beaver Creek

Gainesville is a great city for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Gainesville has something for everybody. The nightlife centers around the student population. The two main party areas are Midtown and Downtown. Midtown is between Northwest 17th Street and Northwest 18th Street and it's convenient for students who live on campus. The area has a great stretch of bars and clubs. The Downtown area has many of the city's top clubs, and it's popular with upperclassmen and students who live off campus.

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 Gainesville or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Gainesville
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Gainesville is not a resort destination.

Beaver Creek has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Gainesville is not a resort destination.

Is Gainesville or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Gainesville
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Gainesville is not a hiking destination.

Beaver Creek is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Gainesville is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Gainesville or Beaver Creek?

Gainesville
Beaver Creek

Both Gainesville and Beaver Creek are good shopping destinations.

Gainesville is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town such as malls, shopping centers, and retail outlets. Two popular areas are the Neighborhoods at Butler and Celebration Pointe.

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 Gainesville or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Gainesville
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Beaver Creek is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

Gainesville is a family-friendly city. You'll find outdoor activities, nature parks, and a couple of museums that will appeal to all ages. Highlights for families include A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, the Adventure Outpost, and Alfred A. Ring Park.

Is Gainesville or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Gainesville
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is notable for romance. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Gainesville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wine tasting and fine dining or enjoying the city's many outdoor activities. Go on a picnic or explore one of the museums in Downtown Gainesville.


Is Gainesville or Beaver Creek Better for Students?

Gainesville
Beaver Creek

Gainesville is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Beaver Creek is not popular with students.

Gainesville is a great city to visit as a student. As the location of the University of Florida, you'll find many students around town. This keeps the energy high with plenty of evening activities and affordable entertainment options.

Beaver Creek is not popular with students.

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

Gainesville
Beaver Creek

Both Gainesville and Beaver Creek offer good public transit options.

Gainesville has a few public transit options. There's a decent bus system that's free to students and employees of the university.

Beaver Creek has some public transit options. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

Is Gainesville or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Gainesville
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is very popular for its walkability. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Gainesville is a somewhat walkable place. Biking is actually a popular way to get around town and some areas are pedestrian-friendly.


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

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or Beaver Creek?

Both Gainesville and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaver Creek than in Gainesville. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Gainesville, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beaver Creek than Gainesville 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 Gainesville or Beaver Creek? Ideal Length of Stay
    Gainesville 1-2 
    Beaver Creek 3-7

One day in Gainesville or Beaver Creek?

In Gainesville, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this active city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the charming town of Beaver Creek. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the skiing. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Gainesville or Beaver Creek?

Gainesville is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active destination of Beaver Creek. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Gainesville or Beaver Creek?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Gainesville. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the active town of Beaver Creek. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Gainesville or Beaver Creek?

Gainesville is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the destination of Beaver Creek. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the skiing. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Beaver Creek or Gainesville?

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

  • Gainesville Prices
    USA Prices
    Beaver Creek Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Gainesville $267
    Beaver Creek $378

The average daily cost (per person) in Gainesville is $267, 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 Gainesville and Beaver Creek in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gainesville $115
    Beaver Creek $203
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gainesville $230
    Beaver Creek $406
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Beaver Creek

Looking for a hotel in Gainesville 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 Gainesville


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: Gainesville Hotel Prices and Beaver Creek Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gainesville $39
    Beaver Creek $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Beaver Creek?

Prices for flights to both Beaver Creek and Gainesville 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
    Gainesville $121
    Beaver Creek $146
Typical Food Prices in Gainesville

Some typical examples of dining costs in Gainesville are as follows:


  • Diner Breakfast for Two
    $17
  • Lunch at Chop Stix (for 2)
    $24

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gainesville $43
    Beaver Creek $53
Typical Entertainment Prices in Gainesville

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Gainesville are as follows:


  • Manatee Tour for Two
    $98
  • Tour Guide Tip
    $5.00

Tours and Activities in Gainesville

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Gainesville are as follows:

  • 2 Hour Guided Clear Glass Bottom Kayak Tour Gilchrist Blue Spring: $60
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Gainesville by Operation City Quest: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gainesville $49
    Beaver Creek $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gainesville and Beaver Creek, we can see that Beaver Creek is more expensive. And not only is Gainesville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gainesville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gainesville 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 Gainesville.

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