A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pocono Mountains vs. Durango for Skiing, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Pocono Mountains or Durango?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pocono Mountains and Durango can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a beautiful, magnificent, and relaxing region. Pocono Mountains is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Pocono Mountains travel costs.

Durango

Durango is a scenic, nature-filled, and historic small town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. Durango is a beautiful place to visit, too. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Pocono Mountains and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pocono Mountains or Durango?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pocono Mountains. Although Pocono Mountains and Durango are popular destinations, Pocono Mountains has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pocono Mountains is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Durango attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Pocono Mountains is more touristy than Durango and is popular for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. It is also well known for Bushkill Falls. Durango is famous for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Pocono Mountains different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Pocono Mountains or Durango Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Durango is lacking in good options for winter skiing.

Pocono Mountains offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Durango is a fun local destination for snow skiers. 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.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pocono Mountains or Durango?

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Pocono Mountains and Durango.

Pocono Mountains offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Durango. 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 Pocono Mountains or Durango? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

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 Pocono Mountains or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Pocono Mountains is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

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 Pocono Mountains or Durango Better for Resorts?

Pocono Mountains is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Durango is not a resort destination.

Pocono Mountains has a handful of resorts to choose from. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Pocono Mountains or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a small town with good options for its old town. However, Pocono Mountains does not have a historic old town.

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."

Pocono Mountains does not have a historic old town.

Is Pocono Mountains or Durango Better for Hiking?

Both Pocono Mountains and Durango are destinations which offer very good hiking.

Pocono Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Pocono Mountains or Durango?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Pocono Mountains. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

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 Pocono Mountains or Durango More Beautiful?

Pocono Mountains and Durango are somewhat similar when it comes to the nice scenery.

Pocono Mountains is a beautiful place to visit, too. The mountains, valleys, lakes, and streams offer impressive beauty and a peaceful setting.

Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

Is Pocono Mountains or Durango Better for Families?

Both Pocono Mountains and Durango are very good to visit with kids.

Pocono Mountains is a very kid-friendly region. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Durango. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Pocono Mountains or Durango Better for Couples?

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Pocono Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural 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 Pocono Mountains or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Pocono Mountains is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

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

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

Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way 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 Pocono Mountains or Durango a more walkable city?

Pocono Mountains and Durango both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Pocono Mountains is generally not very walkable. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

Durango is generally not a very walkable region. 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 Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting? and Is Durango Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durango or Pocono Mountains?

How long in Pocono Mountains or Durango?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pocono Mountains and Durango. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than in Durango. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pocono Mountains, and 2-3 days is enough time in Durango.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.

One day in Pocono Mountains or Durango?

In Pocono Mountains, you'll find skiing and food. 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.

Durango is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This small town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Pocono Mountains or Durango?

In Pocono Mountains, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Durango is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this small town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Five days in Pocono Mountains or Durango?

Pocono Mountains is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pocono Mountains has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Durango is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Pocono Mountains or Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pocono Mountains. In Pocono Mountains, you'll find museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Durango is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Pocono Mountains or Durango?

Durango has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Pocono Mountains 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.