A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Mystic vs. Colorado Springs for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Mystic or Colorado Springs?

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 Mystic and Colorado Springs. 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.

Mystic

Mystic is a charming, quaint, and laid back town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mystic travel costs.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a friendly, outdoorsy, and healthy mountain town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Colorado Springs is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums. See Colorado Springs travel costs.

Mystic and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Pikes Peak


Is there more to do in Mystic or Colorado Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mystic. Although Mystic and Colorado Springs are both popular with visitors, Mystic has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mystic is more popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, and shopping, while Colorado Springs is known for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Mystic is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is popular for its New England charm and local character. It is also home to the Mystic Seaport Museum. Colorado Springs is popular for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Mystic different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Mystic or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Mystic
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Mystic is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Colorado Springs to take advantage of their winter sports. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Mystic is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mystic or Colorado Springs?

Mystic
Colorado Springs

Mystic is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Mystic specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

Colorado Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

Is the Food Better in Mystic or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mystic
Colorado Springs

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Mystic and Colorado Springs can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Colorado Springs. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Is Mystic or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Mystic
Colorado Springs

Both Mystic and Colorado Springs have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Colorado Springs has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.


Is Mystic or Colorado Springs Better for Beaches?

Mystic
Colorado Springs

Mystic is a great destination for its beaches. However, Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Mystic is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Mystic or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Mystic
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is an amazing mountain town to visit for its hiking trails. However, Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Colorado Springs is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Colorado Springs?

Mystic
Colorado Springs

Mystic is a great destination for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Mystic is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Mystic or Colorado Springs More Beautiful?

Mystic
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Mystic is not a destination known for its beauty.

Colorado Springs is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town is surrounded by tons of natural beauty. In the area you'll find the Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and the Broadmoor Seven Falls.

Mystic is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mystic or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Mystic
Colorado Springs

Both Mystic and Colorado Springs are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Mystic is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Colorado Springs is a very kid-friendly town. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Is Mystic or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Mystic
Colorado Springs

Mystic and Colorado Springs both good destinations for a couple.

Mystic is a nice destination for couples. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Colorado Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.


Is Mystic or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mystic
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

Is Mystic or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Mystic
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Mystic is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Colorado Springs. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Mystic is not popular with students.

Is Mystic or Colorado Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mystic
Colorado Springs

Neither Mystic or Colorado Springs offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.


Is Mystic or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Mystic
Colorado Springs

Mystic and Colorado Springs are decent when it comes to walkability.

Mystic is generally not a very walkable town. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

Colorado Springs is generally not very walkable. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Mystic Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mystic and Colorado Springs. In our opinion, Colorado Springs has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Colorado Springs than Mystic. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Colorado Springs than Mystic 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 Colorado Springs.


  • How many days in Mystic or Colorado Springs? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mystic 2-3 
    Colorado Springs 2-3

One day in Mystic or Colorado Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Mystic. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Colorado Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Mystic or Colorado Springs?

You'll find shopping and museums around the charming town of Mystic. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Colorado Springs is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Mystic or Colorado Springs?

Mystic is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Colorado Springs. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Mystic or Colorado Springs?

Mystic is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Colorado Springs. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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, Colorado Springs or Mystic?

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

  • Mystic Prices
    USA Prices
    Colorado Springs Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mystic $248
    Colorado Springs $205

The average daily cost (per person) in Mystic is $248, while the average daily cost in Colorado Springs is $205. 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 Mystic and Colorado Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mystic $125
    Colorado Springs $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mystic $250
    Colorado Springs $162
Compare Hotels in Mystic and Colorado Springs

Looking for a hotel in Mystic or Colorado Springs? 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 Mystic


Hotels in Colorado Springs


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: Mystic Hotel Prices and Colorado Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mystic $56
    Colorado Springs $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colorado Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Colorado Springs:

  • Eagle Airport (EGE) to Glenwood Springs -Arrival Private Transfer: $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Mystic or Colorado Springs?

Prices for flights to both Colorado Springs and Mystic 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
    Mystic $90
    Colorado Springs $95

Typical Food Prices in Colorado Springs

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Colorado Springs:


  • Cold Stone Ice Cream (family of 4)
    $22
  • Snacks at the Zoo (family of 4)
    $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colorado Springs

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Colorado Springs.

  • Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery - Colorado Springs, CO: $89
  • Classic 3-Hour Food Tour in Colorado Springs: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mystic $24
    Colorado Springs $40

Tours and Activities in Mystic

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

  • Mystic's Ghosts GPS Self Guided Audio Walking Tour w/EMF Reader: $7.80
  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $32
  • Guided Graveyard Ghost Tour by Moonlight: $35
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Downtown Mystic at Night: $35

Tours and Activities in Colorado Springs

Here are a few actual costs in Colorado Springs for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Pikes Peak America's Mountain Guided Bus Tour: $239
  • Pikes Peak E-Golf Cart Historic Tour of Manitou Springs: $64
  • 1-Hour Segway Tour of Cheyenne Cañon Art, History and Nature: $89
  • 2-Hour Segway Tour in Cheyenne Cañon and Broadmoor Area: $129
  • Bike Tour in the Garden of The Gods: $244
  • Cheyenne Cañon Art and Nature Segway Tour: $89
  • Cocktails & Tastes Tour in Colorado Springs: $94
  • Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28
  • Colorado Springs Pikes Peak Luxury Jeep Tours: $149
  • Colorado Springs Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Colorado Springs Small Group Historic Walking Tour: $54
  • Cripple Creek Backcountry Jeep Tour: $110

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mystic $31
    Colorado Springs $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100


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

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


Which is Bigger, Mystic or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Mystic and Colorado Springs, 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 Mystic or Colorado Springs?

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 Mystic or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

Both Colorado Springs and Mystic during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Mystic for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Mystic is around the same temperature as Colorado Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Mystic usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Colorado Springs. Mystic gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mystic 73°F (23°C) 
    Colorado Springs 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Colorado Springs. Many visitors come to Mystic in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Mystic is a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mystic in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In October, Mystic usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mystic 53°F (12°C) 
    Colorado Springs 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mystic as well as Colorado Springs. Most visitors come to Mystic for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine.

The weather in Colorado Springs can be very cold. Mystic can be very cold during winter. In January, Mystic is generally a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 28°F (-2°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

Mystic usually gets more rain in January than Colorado Springs. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C) 
    Colorado Springs 26°F (-3°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

Both Colorado Springs and Mystic are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Mystic because of the beaches. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year.

Mystic is a little warmer than Colorado Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In April, Mystic usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mystic 48°F (9°C) 
    Colorado Springs 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Mystic

Mystic Colorado Springs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 26°F (-3°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 35°F (2°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 45°F (7°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 48°F (9°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 36°F (2°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)