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

Should you visit Norfolk or Durango?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Durango? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a blue collar, maritime, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Norfolk travel costs.

Durango

Durango is a historic, charming, and quaint small town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. Durango is a gorgeous place to visit. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Norfolk and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Durango?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Durango. Although Norfolk and Durango are both popular with visitors, Durango has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Durango is more popular for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Norfolk is known for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Durango is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities. It is also home to The Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Norfolk or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is a small town with a few options for winter skiing. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a skiing destination.

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

Both Norfolk and Durango have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Norfolk is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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 Norfolk or Durango? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Norfolk is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Norfolk. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

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 Norfolk or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk 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 Norfolk. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

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 Norfolk or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Norfolk does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Durango to see the historical 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."

Norfolk does not have a historic old town.

Is Norfolk or Durango Better for Hiking?

Durango is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Durango?

Norfolk is a good destination for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

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 Norfolk or Durango More Beautiful?

Durango is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

Durango is a gorgeous place to visit. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

Norfolk is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Norfolk or Durango Better for Families?

Durango is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Norfolk or Durango Better for Couples?

Most people don't think of either Norfolk or Durango as a couple's destination.

Norfolk is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

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 Norfolk or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durango is a popular place for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.

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

Norfolk 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 Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

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 Norfolk or Durango a more walkable city?

Norfolk is a good destination for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Norfolk is somewhat walkable. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Norfolk Worth Visiting? and Is Durango Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durango or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Durango?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Norfolk and Durango. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Durango than in Norfolk. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Norfolk, and 2-3 days is enough time in Durango.

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

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

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

One day in Norfolk or Durango?

In Norfolk, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This small town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Norfolk or Durango?

In Norfolk, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Norfolk has to offer.

Durango 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Durango has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Durango?

Norfolk 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 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 Norfolk or Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Norfolk. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Norfolk. One week 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 Durango. Since Durango is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Norfolk and Durango, we can see that Norfolk 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 Norfolk Expensive? and Is Durango Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Durango?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Durango. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk 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.