A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Durango for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Durango?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Durango, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Durango

Durango is a quaint, scenic, and nature-filled 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.

Saint Augustine and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Durango?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Durango are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Durango is known for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Durango and is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter. Durango is popular for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Saint Augustine different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saint Augustine or Durango Better for Skiing?

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

Saint Augustine is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Durango?

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Saint Augustine. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

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 Saint Augustine or Durango? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Saint Augustine. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

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 Saint Augustine or Durango Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Saint Augustine for it's beautiful beaches. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Durango is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

The historic old town of Saint Augustine is revered around the world. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

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 Saint Augustine or Durango Better for Hiking?

Durango is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Durango?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine or Durango More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine and Durango both are comparable with their good scenery and beauty.

Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Durango Better for Families?

Saint Augustine and Durango are both great destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Durango is very family-friendly. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Saint Augustine or Durango Better for Couples?

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

Saint Augustine makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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 Saint Augustine or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durango is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

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

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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 Saint Augustine or Durango a more walkable city?

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

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Durango Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durango or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Durango?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

One day in Saint Augustine or Durango?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city 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 with plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Durango?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Durango might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Durango?

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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.

Durango is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This small town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Augustine. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Augustine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Since Durango is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Durango?

Durango has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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.