A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Mystic vs. Sun Valley for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Mystic or Sun Valley?

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 Sun Valley. 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 food, beaches, and shopping. See Mystic travel costs.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and active town. Sun Valley is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Sun Valley travel costs.

Mystic and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mystic or Sun Valley?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sun Valley. Although Mystic and Sun Valley are both popular with visitors, Sun Valley has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sun Valley is more popular for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Mystic is known for its museums and attractions, beaches, and shopping. Mystic is popular for its New England charm and local character. Sun Valley is popular for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. It is also home to Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

How is Mystic different from Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Mystic or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is an amazing town to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Mystic is not a skiing destination.

Sun Valley is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Mystic is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mystic or Sun Valley?

Mystic is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sun Valley is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Mystic. 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.

While most people don't head to Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

Is the Food Better in Mystic or Sun Valley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sun Valley is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sun Valley. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Mystic or Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

Both Mystic and Sun Valley 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.

Sun Valley has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

Is Mystic or Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Sun Valley to choose from. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Mystic is not a resort destination.

Is Mystic or Sun Valley Better for Beaches?

Mystic is a great destination for its beaches. However, Sun Valley is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Mystic for it's beautiful 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.

Sun Valley is not a beach destination.

Is Mystic or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

Sun Valley is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Sun Valley. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Sun Valley?

Mystic is a great destination for shopping. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sun Valley. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

Is Mystic or Sun Valley More Beautiful?

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

Sun Valley is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The resort town is surrounded by impressive mountains and pristine natural beauty.

Mystic is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mystic or Sun Valley Better for Families?

Sun Valley is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Sun Valley is very family-friendly. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

Mystic is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Is Mystic or Sun Valley Better for Couples?

Sun Valley is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Sun Valley is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Mystic or Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sun Valley is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

Sun Valley is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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 Sun Valley Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sun Valley is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Sun Valley. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Mystic or Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Sun Valley. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. 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.

For even more information, also check out Is Mystic Worth Visiting? and Is Sun Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sun Valley or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Sun Valley?

Both Mystic and Sun Valley have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sun Valley than in Mystic. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Mystic, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sun Valley.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley.

One day in Mystic or Sun Valley?

With museums and nightlife around the quaint town of Mystic, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Sun Valley. 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 Sun Valley?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Mystic, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Sun Valley is a great place to explore. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Mystic or Sun Valley?

Mystic, a popular town, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sun Valley. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Mystic or Sun Valley?

Mystic 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the adventurous destination of Sun Valley. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Mystic and Sun Valley, we can see that Mystic 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 Mystic Expensive? and Is Sun Valley Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mystic or Sun Valley?

Mystic has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Mystic and Sun Valley, 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.