A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Martha's Vineyard vs. Columbia River Gorge for Couples, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a peaceful, affluent, and coastal island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Martha's Vineyard is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful, scenic, and natural region. With stunning beauty, Columbia River Gorge attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Martha's Vineyard and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Martha's Vineyard or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard than Columbia River Gorge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Martha's Vineyard is better known for its resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Columbia River Gorge is more popular for its nightlife and hiking. Martha's Vineyard is well known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Also, Martha's Vineyard is famous for the Aquinnah Cliffs. Columbia River Gorge is well known for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

How is Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Martha's Vineyard or Columbia River Gorge?

You'll find a number of respectable museums and attractions in both Columbia River Gorge 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.

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.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Martha's Vineyard and Columbia River Gorge can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

Martha's Vineyard has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Columbia River Gorge makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge has a few options to choose from. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with 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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Martha's Vineyard offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Columbia River Gorge Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Martha's Vineyard. 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is a great region 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 Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

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 Columbia River Gorge?

Martha's Vineyard is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Martha's Vineyard is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Columbia River Gorge More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of great scenery and beauty in both Martha's Vineyard and Columbia River Gorge.

With stunning beauty, Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors from all around. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural beauty.

Columbia River Gorge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Columbia River Gorge is a great region for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Columbia River Gorge. 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is a great region for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Martha's Vineyard and Columbia River Gorge both offer respectable 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 Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Martha's Vineyard is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Martha's Vineyard?

How long in Martha's Vineyard or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Martha's Vineyard and Columbia River Gorge. In our opinion, Martha's Vineyard has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Martha's Vineyard than Columbia River Gorge. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Martha's Vineyard, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.

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

Couples should spend more time in Martha's Vineyard than Columbia River Gorge. 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 Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge.

One day in Martha's Vineyard or Columbia River Gorge?

Martha's Vineyard is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Martha's Vineyard has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Columbia River Gorge, 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Martha's Vineyard is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With food and shopping around the scenic region of Columbia River Gorge, 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Martha's Vineyard for five days. Martha's Vineyard is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the beautiful destination of Columbia River Gorge. 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Because Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This region 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 Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Martha's Vineyard is more expensive. And not only is Columbia River Gorge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia River Gorge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge.

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 Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Martha's Vineyard or Columbia River Gorge?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Martha's Vineyard during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Martha's Vineyard is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the summer temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. In the summer, Martha's Vineyard often gets less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Martha's Vineyard gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun.

Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in July than Columbia River Gorge. Martha's Vineyard gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Martha's Vineyard and Columbia River Gorge. Most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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 October, Martha's Vineyard is generally around the same temperature as Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 53°F (12°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. Martha's Vineyard usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during autumn. Martha's Vineyard gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Martha's Vineyard as well as Columbia River Gorge. The winter months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the museums, 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. The weather in Martha's Vineyard can be very cold. Martha's Vineyard is much colder than Columbia River Gorge in the winter. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Martha's Vineyard often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Martha's Vineyard gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Columbia River Gorge. Martha's Vineyard usually gets less rain in January than Columbia River Gorge. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Martha's Vineyard is cooler than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the spring temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia River Gorge. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Martha's Vineyard. Martha's Vineyard usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia River Gorge during spring. Martha's Vineyard gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Martha's Vineyard