A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Durango for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Durango?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hilton Head Island and Durango can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a family-friendly, relaxing, and peaceful coastal town. Hilton Head Island is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Durango

Durango is a charming, quaint, and scenic small town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Hilton Head Island and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Durango?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Durango than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Durango is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Hilton Head Island is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Durango and is known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Durango is well known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities. Also, Durango is famous for The Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hilton Head Island or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Hilton Head Island is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Durango for snow skiing. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Hilton Head Island is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or Durango?

Durango is very good for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Durango. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Durango? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hilton Head Island. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Hilton Head Island or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Neither Hilton Head Island or Durango offer decent nightlife.

Hilton Head Island doesn't offer many options. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Hilton Head Island or Durango Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Durango is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Hilton Head Island to choose from. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Durango Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Durango is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Hilton Head Island for it's beautiful beaches. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Durango is not a beach destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Hilton Head Island does not have a historic old town.

Durango has an old town worth visiting. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Hilton Head Island does not have a historic old town.

Is Hilton Head Island or Durango Better for Hiking?

Durango is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Durango. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Durango?

Hilton Head Island is a good destination for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Hilton Head Island. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Hilton Head Island or Durango More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of notable scenery and beauty in both Hilton Head Island and Durango.

Hilton Head Island offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

Durango is a gorgeous place to visit. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

Is Hilton Head Island or Durango Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Hilton Head Island is very family-friendly. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

Durango is a very kid-friendly coastal town. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Hilton Head Island or Durango Better for Couples?

Hilton Head Island is a good destination for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Hilton Head Island or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durango is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Durango is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

Hilton Head Island is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This is a family-focused beach destination with almost no backpackers around.

Is Hilton Head Island or Durango Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Hilton Head Island or Durango offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Hilton Head Island or Durango a more walkable city?

Hilton Head Island and Durango are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Hilton Head Island is generally not a very walkable coastal town. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

For even more information, also check out Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Durango Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durango or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Durango?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hilton Head Island and Durango. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Durango. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 2-3 days is enough time in Durango.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Durango than Hilton Head Island 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 Durango.

One day in Hilton Head Island or Durango?

In Hilton Head Island, you'll find food and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Durango might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This small town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Durango?

In Hilton Head Island, you'll find shopping and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Durango is a popular place to visit. Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Durango has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Durango?

Hilton Head Island is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hilton Head Island has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Since Durango is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days 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.

A week in Hilton Head Island or Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilton Head Island. In Hilton Head Island, you'll find shopping and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Durango is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hilton Head Island Expensive? and Is Durango Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Durango?

Hilton Head Island has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Durango. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island and Durango, 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.