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

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Hood River?

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 Hood River can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful coastal town. Hilton Head Island is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and food. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Hood River

Hood River is a agricultural, quaint, and scenic town. With stunning beauty, Hood River attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Hood River travel costs.

Hilton Head Island and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Hood River?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hood River. Although Hilton Head Island and Hood River are both popular with visitors, Hood River has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hood River is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hilton Head Island is known for its resorts and beaches. Hilton Head Island is popular for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Hood River is popular for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. It is also home to Multnomah Falls.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hilton Head Island or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Hood River is very good for skiing and snowboarding. However, Hilton Head Island is not a skiing destination.

Head to Hood River for some great skiing and other winter activities. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Hilton Head Island is not a skiing destination.

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

Hood River is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Hood River specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Hilton Head Island and Hood River.

Hilton Head Island has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hood River makes for a great culinary experience. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Hood River is very good for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Hood River. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. 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.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hood River Better for Resorts?

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

Hilton Head Island is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Hood River is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hood River Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place for the beach. However, Hood River is not a beach destination.

Hilton Head Island is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Hood River is not a beach destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Hood River 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 Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Hood River?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Hilton Head Island and Hood River.

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Hood River is a great destination for shopping. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hood River More Beautiful?

Hood River is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Hood River attracts visitors from all around. There's a beautiful natural environment with wonderful hikes and local farms and wineries.

Hilton Head Island is a gorgeous place to visit. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hood River Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Hilton Head Island is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Hood River is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hood River Better for Couples?

Hood River is a very popular place for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Hood River makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

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.

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

Hood River is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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 Hood River Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hood River is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Public transit is limited or non-existant 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.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hood River a more walkable city?

Hilton Head Island and Hood River are decent 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.

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Hood River?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River 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 Hood River.

One day in Hilton Head Island or Hood River?

With shopping and food around the relaxing coastal town of Hilton Head Island, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the charming destination of Hood River. This 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 Hood River?

With food and shopping around the destination of Hilton Head Island, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Hood River is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the quaint town of Hood River. 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 Hood River has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Hood River?

Hilton Head Island, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Hood River. 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 Hood River?

Hilton Head Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Hood River 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 Hood River, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. And not only is Hood River much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hood River would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hood River 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 Hood River.

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 Hood River Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Hood River?

Hilton Head Island has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island and Hood River, 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 Hilton Head Island or Hood River?

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 Hilton Head Island or Hood River in the Summer?

Both Hood River and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hood River because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hilton Head Island is generally a little warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 82°F (28°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Hood River. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island usually receives less sunshine than Hood River during summer. Hilton Head Island gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Hilton Head Island. In July, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Hood River. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Hood River in the Autumn?

Both Hood River and Hilton Head Island during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hood River this time of year.

Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Hood River in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. In the autumn, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Hilton Head Island gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hood River. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Hood River in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Hood River. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hood River for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hood River. In the winter, Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hilton Head Island in January average around 48°F (9°C), and Hood River averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Hilton Head Island usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during winter. Hilton Head Island gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hood River receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Hilton Head Island usually receives less rain than Hood River. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Hood River in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Hood River. Many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Hood River in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Hilton Head Island is generally much warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 67°F (19°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hood River. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In the spring, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Hilton Head Island gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in April than Hood River. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hood River and Hilton Head Island