A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Monterey vs. Durango for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Monterey or Durango?

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 Monterey and Durango. 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.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Monterey travel costs.

Durango

Durango is a nature-filled, historic, and charming 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.

Monterey and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monterey or Durango?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monterey than Durango, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monterey is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Durango is more popular for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Monterey is more touristy than Durango and is known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Also, Monterey is famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Durango is well known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Monterey different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Monterey or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Monterey 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.

Monterey is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Monterey or Durango?

Monterey is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

Durango offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Is the Food Better in Monterey or Durango? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Monterey 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 Monterey. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Monterey has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Monterey or Durango Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Durango is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Durango is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monterey or Durango Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a good destination for its beaches. However, Durango is not a beach destination.

Monterey offers a nice beach destination. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Durango is not a beach destination.

Is Monterey or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Monterey 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."

Monterey does not have a historic old town.

Is Monterey or Durango Better for Hiking?

Durango is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Monterey 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.

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monterey or Durango?

Monterey is a very popular place for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey or Durango More Beautiful?

Durango is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Monterey or Durango Better for Families?

Monterey 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, Monterey is very family-friendly. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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

Is Monterey or Durango Better for Couples?

Monterey is a very popular place for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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 Monterey or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey and Durango are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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

Monterey is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

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 Monterey or Durango a more walkable city?

Monterey is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Monterey is very walkable. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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 Monterey Worth Visiting? and Is Durango Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durango or Monterey?

How long in Monterey or Durango?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Monterey than Durango 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 Monterey.

One day in Monterey or Durango?

In Monterey, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Durango is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Monterey or Durango?

In Monterey, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Monterey has to offer.

Durango is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this small town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Durango, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Monterey or Durango?

Monterey is a great place to explore. 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.

Durango is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Monterey or Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monterey. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Monterey. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Durango is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This small town offers something for everyone.

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 comparing the travel costs between Monterey and Durango, we can see that Monterey is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Monterey or Durango?

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