A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Newport vs. Columbia River Gorge for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Newport or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Newport and Columbia River Gorge can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newport

Newport is a coastal, seaside, and historical town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Newport is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Newport travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful, scenic, and natural region. With stunning beauty, Columbia River Gorge attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Newport and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newport or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newport than Columbia River Gorge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Newport is better known for its museums and attractions, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Columbia River Gorge is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Newport is well known for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. Also, Newport is famous for Thames Street. Columbia River Gorge is well known for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

How is Newport different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newport or Columbia River Gorge?

Newport is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Newport can be an interesting and educational experience. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is the Food Better in Newport or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Newport and Columbia River Gorge.

Newport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Columbia River Gorge makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Is Newport or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Newport and Columbia River Gorge.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Newport. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Columbia River Gorge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is Newport or Columbia River Gorge Better for Beaches?

Newport is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Newport. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Is Newport or Columbia River Gorge Better for its Old Town?

Newport is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Columbia River Gorge does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Newport to see the historical old town. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Columbia River Gorge does not have a historic old town.

Is Newport or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Newport is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Newport is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Newport or Columbia River Gorge?

Newport is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Newport is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Newport or Columbia River Gorge More Beautiful?

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Columbia River Gorge attracts visitors from all around. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

Newport is a gorgeous place to visit. The coastal setting and charming architecture give it a lot of character.

Is Newport or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Newport or Columbia River Gorge.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Newport. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

Columbia River Gorge is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Is Newport or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Newport is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its romantic activities.

Newport has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

Columbia River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is Newport or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Newport is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Newport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a beautiful town, but accommodation tends to be expensive and there aren't any hostels to attract the budget crowd.

Is Newport or Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Newport is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Newport has a few public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Newport or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Newport is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

Newport is very walkable. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable town. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Newport Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Newport?

How long in Newport or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Newport and Columbia River Gorge. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Newport than in Columbia River Gorge. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Newport, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newport than Columbia River Gorge 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 Newport.

One day in Newport or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Newport. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Columbia River Gorge, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This region offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Newport or Columbia River Gorge?

Newport is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Columbia River Gorge, you'll find nightlife and food. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Columbia River Gorge has to offer.

Five days in Newport or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Newport for five days. Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the town of Newport. Visiting the old town is also a must. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Columbia River Gorge is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A week in Newport or Columbia River Gorge?

The charming destination of Newport offers nightlife and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbia River Gorge. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

When comparing the travel costs between Newport and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Columbia River Gorge 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 Newport Expensive? and Is Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newport or Columbia River Gorge?

Newport has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Newport and Columbia River Gorge, 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 Newport or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Newport or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Newport as well as Columbia River Gorge. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Newport this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Newport is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the summer temperatures in Newport in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport this time of the year. In the summer, Newport often gets less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Newport gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun.

Newport usually gets more rain in July than Columbia River Gorge. Newport gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newport or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Newport are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Newport for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Newport is generally around the same temperature as Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Newport average around 53°F (12°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newport. Newport usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during autumn. Newport gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Newport usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Newport gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Newport or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Newport during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Newport in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Columbia River Gorge can be very cold during winter. Newport can get quite cold in the winter. Newport is much colder than Columbia River Gorge in the winter. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Newport often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Newport gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun.

Columbia River Gorge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Newport usually gets less rain in January than Columbia River Gorge. Newport gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newport or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Newport and Columbia River Gorge. Most visitors come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Newport is cooler than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the spring temperatures in Newport in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia River Gorge this time of the year. In Newport, it's very sunny this time of the year. Newport usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia River Gorge during spring. Newport gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Newport usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Newport gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Newport