A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nantucket vs. Durango for Food, Couples, Old Town, and Hiking

Should you visit Nantucket or Durango?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Nantucket and Durango can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a serene, peaceful, and upscale island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Nantucket is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Nantucket travel costs.

Durango

Durango is a charming, quaint, and scenic small town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Durango is a gorgeous place to visit. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Nantucket and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantucket or Durango?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantucket. Although Nantucket and Durango are both popular with visitors, Nantucket has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantucket is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Durango is known for its skiing, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Nantucket is more touristy than Durango and is known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also home to Great Point Lighthouse. Durango is popular for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Nantucket different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nantucket or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is adequate for skiing. However, Nantucket is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Durango to take advantage of their winter sports. 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.

Nantucket is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Nantucket or Durango.

Nantucket is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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 Nantucket or Durango? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantucket is a world-class destination for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Nantucket, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket is a good destination for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

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 Nantucket or Durango Better for Resorts?

Nantucket is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Durango is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Nantucket to choose from. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Nantucket or Durango Better for Beaches?

Nantucket is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Durango is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Nantucket for it's beautiful beaches. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Durango is not a beach destination.

Is Nantucket or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is a very popular place for its historic old town. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Many people head to Durango to see the old town. 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."

Is Nantucket or Durango Better for Hiking?

You'll find high quality hiking in both Nantucket and Durango.

Many visitors go to Nantucket for the hiking trails. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Durango is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Durango?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket or Durango More Beautiful?

Nantucket is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Nantucket is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

Durango is a beautiful place to visit, too. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

Is Nantucket or Durango Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Nantucket or Durango.

Nantucket is a very family-friendly destination. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

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

Is Nantucket or Durango Better for Couples?

Nantucket is a world-class destination for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Nantucket is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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 Nantucket or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durango is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantucket is not known for backpackers.

Durango is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

Nantucket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's known for its upscale atmosphere that isn't particularly accommodating for backpackers.

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

Nantucket is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Nantucket has some public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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 Nantucket or Durango a more walkable city?

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

Nantucket is very walkable. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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 Nantucket Worth Visiting? and Is Durango Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durango or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Durango?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nantucket and Durango. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nantucket than in Durango. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Nantucket, and 2-3 days is enough time in Durango.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantucket 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 Nantucket.

One day in Nantucket or Durango?

Nantucket is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find museums around the quaint small town of Durango. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nantucket or Durango?

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nantucket has to offer.

You'll find museums around the scenic small town of Durango. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this small town has to offer. This small town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nantucket or Durango?

Nantucket is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the scenic small town of Durango. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nantucket or Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantucket. Since Nantucket is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Durango is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Durango?

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