A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Martha's Vineyard vs. Boulder for Couples, Food, Hiking, and Nightlife

Should you visit Martha's Vineyard or Boulder?

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 Martha's Vineyard and Boulder. 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.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a affluent, coastal, and peaceful island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of Martha's Vineyard is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, food, and beaches. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

Boulder

Boulder is a nature-filled, biker-friendly, and outdoorsy city. Boulder offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and hiking. See Boulder travel costs.

Martha's Vineyard and Boulder: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Martha's Vineyard or Boulder?

Both Boulder and Martha's Vineyard have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Martha's Vineyard is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Boulder is known for its skiing, nightlife, music, and hiking. Martha's Vineyard is more touristy than Boulder and is known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Boulder is popular for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries.

How is Martha's Vineyard different from Boulder?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Martha's Vineyard or Boulder Better for Skiing?

Boulder is adequate for skiing. However, Martha's Vineyard is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Boulder for snow skiing. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Martha's Vineyard is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Martha's Vineyard or Boulder?

You'll find a number of decent museums and attractions in both Boulder and Martha's Vineyard.

While most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

Boulder offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

Is the Food Better in Martha's Vineyard or Boulder? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Martha's Vineyard is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Martha's Vineyard has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Boulder area. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Boulder Better for Nightlife?

Boulder is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Boulder has a few options to choose from. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Boulder Better for Music?

Boulder is a good destination for its music scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Boulder. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Martha's Vineyard is not a live music destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Boulder Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Boulder is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Martha's Vineyard for its luxury resorts. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Boulder is not a resort destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Boulder Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard is a great island for the beach. However, Boulder is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Martha's Vineyard for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Boulder is not a beach destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Boulder Better for Hiking?

Boulder is a great city for hiking. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Boulder for the hiking trails. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Is the Shopping Better in Martha's Vineyard or Boulder?

Martha's Vineyard is a great island for its shopping opportunities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Martha's Vineyard is well-known for its shopping. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

Many visitors go to Boulder to go shopping. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Boulder More Beautiful?

Martha's Vineyard is a great island for its scenery and beauty. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Martha's Vineyard is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural beauty.

Boulder offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Many people move here specifically for the surrounding natural beauty.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Boulder Better for Families?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Boulder are good family-friendly destinations.

Martha's Vineyard offers lots of family activities. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Boulder is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Boulder Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Martha's Vineyard is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

Boulder is a good island for couples to visit. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Boulder Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boulder is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Boulder. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

Martha's Vineyard is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Budget options are limited, making this an inconvenient destination for backpackers.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Boulder Better for Students?

Boulder is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Martha's Vineyard is not popular with students.

Many students visit Boulder. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Martha's Vineyard is not popular with students.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Boulder Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Martha's Vineyard and Boulder both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Public transit is generally limited in Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Boulder a more walkable city?

Martha's Vineyard and Boulder are good when it comes to walkability.

Martha's Vineyard is a somewhat walkable island. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

Boulder is somewhat walkable. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting? and Is Boulder Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boulder or Martha's Vineyard?

How long in Martha's Vineyard or Boulder?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Martha's Vineyard and Boulder. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Martha's Vineyard, and 2-3 days is enough time in Boulder.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boulder than Martha's Vineyard 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 Boulder.

One day in Martha's Vineyard or Boulder?

Martha's Vineyard is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With food and shopping around the destination of Boulder, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Martha's Vineyard or Boulder?

Martha's Vineyard might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Martha's Vineyard has to offer.

With shopping and nightlife around the biker-friendly city of Boulder, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Martha's Vineyard or Boulder?

Martha's Vineyard is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Boulder. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Martha's Vineyard or Boulder?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Martha's Vineyard. Since Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Boulder is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Martha's Vineyard Expensive? and Is Boulder Expensive?.