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

Should you visit Martha's Vineyard or Hood River?

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 Hood River. 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. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of Martha's Vineyard is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

Hood River

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

Martha's Vineyard and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


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

Both Hood River 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 resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Hood River is known for its skiing, nightlife, and hiking. Martha's Vineyard is popular for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Hood River is popular for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains.

How is Martha's Vineyard different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Martha's Vineyard or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Martha's Vineyard
Hood River

Hood River is a good destination for skiing. However, Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard is not a skiing destination.


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

Martha's Vineyard
Hood River

You'll find a number of decent museums and attractions in both Hood River 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.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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

Martha's Vineyard
Hood River

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Martha's Vineyard and Hood River can be difficult as they are each superb 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, 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 Martha's Vineyard or Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Martha's Vineyard
Hood River

Hood River 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 Hood River has a few options to choose from. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

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 Hood River Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard
Hood River

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Martha's Vineyard is a great choice. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Hood River is not a resort destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Hood River Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard
Hood River

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place for the beach. However, Hood River is not a beach destination.

Martha's Vineyard is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Hood River is not a beach destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard
Hood River

Hood River is a great town 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 Hood River for the hiking trails. 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.

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 Hood River?

Martha's Vineyard
Hood River

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Hood River to go 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 Martha's Vineyard or Hood River More Beautiful?

Martha's Vineyard
Hood River

You'll find a similar quality of superb scenery and beauty in both Martha's Vineyard and Hood River.

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

Hood River is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. There's a beautiful natural environment with wonderful hikes and local farms and wineries.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Hood River Better for Families?

Martha's Vineyard
Hood River

Hood River is a great town 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 Hood River. 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.

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 Hood River Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard
Hood River

Martha's Vineyard is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Martha's Vineyard makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Couples visit Hood River frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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

Martha's Vineyard
Hood River

Hood River is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known 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.

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

Martha's Vineyard
Hood River

Martha's Vineyard and Hood River 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 Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.


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

Martha's Vineyard
Hood River

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

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 Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting? and Is Hood River Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Martha's Vineyard or Hood River?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Martha's Vineyard and Hood River. 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 Hood River.

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

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


  • How many days in Martha's Vineyard or Hood River? Ideal Length of Stay
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3 
    Hood River 2-3

One day in Martha's Vineyard or Hood River?

Martha's Vineyard might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Martha's Vineyard, one day is sufficent for most.

With food and shopping around the destination of Hood River, 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 Hood River?

Even though Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

With shopping and skiing around the scenic town of Hood River, 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 Hood River?

Martha's Vineyard, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Hood River. 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 Hood River?

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Hood River is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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.


Which place is cheaper, Hood River or Martha's Vineyard?

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

  • Martha's Vineyard Prices
    USA Prices
    Hood River Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Martha's Vineyard $285
    Hood River $174

The average daily cost (per person) in Martha's Vineyard is $285, while the average daily cost in Hood River is $174. 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 Martha's Vineyard and Hood River in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Martha's Vineyard $132
    Hood River $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Martha's Vineyard $264
    Hood River $156
Compare Hotels in Martha's Vineyard and Hood River

Looking for a hotel in Martha's Vineyard or Hood River? 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 Marthas Vineyard


Hotels in Hood River


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: Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices and Hood River Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Martha's Vineyard $83
    Hood River $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Martha's Vineyard or Hood River?

Prices for flights to both Hood River and Martha's Vineyard 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
    Martha's Vineyard $104
    Hood River $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Martha's Vineyard $30
    Hood River $18

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • Best of Martha's Vineyard 3 hour Full-Island Tour: $65
  • 4 hours Hop-on Hop-off Jawsome Jaws Tour: $120
  • All Island Bus Tour: $75
  • All New Shared Jaws tour Budget Friendly: $130
  • Best 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard shared Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $65
  • Discovering Oak Bluffs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Down Island Tour with One Hour in Edgartown: $65
  • Edgartown Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Martha Vineyard Bus Tour: $60
  • Martha's Vineyard: All Island Tour: $70
  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13

Tours and Activities in Hood River

For Hood River, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Columbia Gorge Kayak Tour: $100
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $179

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Martha's Vineyard $22
    Hood River $19


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Martha's Vineyard and Hood River, we can see that Martha's Vineyard 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 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 Hood River.

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 Hood River Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard or Hood River in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Martha's Vineyard and Hood River. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hood River for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Martha's Vineyard is generally a little warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 73°F (23°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hood River this time of the year. In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. Martha's Vineyard usually receives less sunshine than Hood River during summer. Martha's Vineyard gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Hood River. Martha's Vineyard gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C) 
    Hood River 68°F (20°C)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Martha's Vineyard as well as Hood River. Many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Hood River in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Martha's Vineyard is around the same temperature as Hood River in the autumn. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In the autumn, Martha's Vineyard often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Martha's Vineyard gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun.

Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in October than Hood River. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C) 
    Hood River 55°F (13°C)

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

Both Hood River and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hood River for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hood River can be very cold during winter. Martha's Vineyard can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Martha's Vineyard is much colder than Hood River. Typically, the winter temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Hood River averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Martha's Vineyard usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during winter. Martha's Vineyard gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hood River. In January, Martha's Vineyard usually receives less rain than Hood River. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C) 
    Hood River 40°F (4°C)

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

Both Hood River and Martha's Vineyard during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Hood River because of the natural beauty.

In April, Martha's Vineyard is generally cooler than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 48°F (9°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Hood River, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. In the spring, Martha's Vineyard often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hood River. Martha's Vineyard gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun.

Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in April than Hood River. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C) 
    Hood River 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Hood River and Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard Hood River
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)