A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Hood River for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Hood River?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Hood River, 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 notable, colonial, and historic city. Saint Augustine is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Hood River

Hood River is a quaint, scenic, and charming town. Hood River is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Hood River travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Hood River?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Hood River are popular destinations, Saint Augustine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Augustine is very popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Hood River attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Saint Augustine is famous for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also well known for the Colonial Quarter. Hood River is famous for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains.

How is Saint Augustine different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saint Augustine or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Saint Augustine
Hood River

Hood River is a nice place to visit for winter skiing. However, Saint Augustine is not a skiing destination.

Hood River is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Saint Augustine is not a skiing destination.


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

Saint Augustine
Hood River

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or Hood River? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Hood River

Both Saint Augustine and Hood River offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Hood River has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

Is Saint Augustine or Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Hood River

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Hood River has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Hood River has a few options to choose from. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.


Is Saint Augustine or Hood River Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Hood River

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for the beach. However, Hood River is not a beach destination.

Saint Augustine is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Hood River is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Hood River Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Hood River

Saint Augustine is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Hood River does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Saint Augustine offers plenty to see. 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.

Hood River does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Saint Augustine
Hood River

Hood River 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 Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Hood River?

Saint Augustine
Hood River

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Saint Augustine is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Hood River to go shopping. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Is Saint Augustine or Hood River More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine
Hood River

Hood River is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

Hood River is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. There's a beautiful natural environment with wonderful hikes and local farms and wineries.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Hood River Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Hood River

Saint Augustine and Hood River are both very good 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, Hood River is very family-friendly. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.


Is Saint Augustine or Hood River Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Hood River

Saint Augustine and Hood River are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Hood River is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

Is Saint Augustine or Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Augustine
Hood River

Hood River is a great destination for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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 Hood River Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Augustine
Hood River

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Hood River.

Public transit is generally 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 mostly limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.


Is Saint Augustine or Hood River a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Hood River

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable city. 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.

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Hood River Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Hood River?

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

Families should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Hood River. 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 Hood River. 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 Hood River than Saint Augustine 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 Hood River.


  • How many days in Saint Augustine or Hood River? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Hood River 2-3

One day in Saint Augustine or Hood River?

With museums and nightlife around the notable city of Saint Augustine, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The agricultural destination of Hood River offers skiing and nightlife. 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 Hood River?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Augustine, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The town of Hood River offers nightlife and food. 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 Hood River?

Saint Augustine, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Hood River is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This 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 Hood River?

Saint Augustine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Hood River. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Hood River or Saint Augustine?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Saint Augustine Prices
    USA Prices
    Hood River Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Augustine $195
    Hood River $174

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $195, while the average daily cost in Hood River is $174. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Saint Augustine and Hood River in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Hood River $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Hood River $156
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Hood River

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine or Hood River? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Saint Augustine


Hotels in Hood River


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices and Hood River Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Hood River $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Hood River?

Prices for flights to both Hood River and Saint Augustine change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Saint Augustine $85
    Hood River $70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Augustine.

  • Cooking Class/Dinner W/ Celebrity French Chef OR Private Chef Ser: $115
  • St. Augustine Historical FOOD Tour on Electric Cart with Pick Up : $129
  • The Ghoulish Gourmet Haunted Food Tour: $129
  • Feast of Saint Augustine Historical Walking Food Tour: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Hood River $18

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

Here are a few actual costs in Saint Augustine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • St. Augustine Ghost Tour on Premium Golf Cart with PiCk Up : $39
  • 1 Hour Historical Tour of Saint Augustine Florida & FREE Parking: $36
  • 1 Hour Private Historical Tour of Saint Augustine, Florida : $250
  • : Step back in time with pastime private historical tours: $38
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $15
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Sunset Water Tour in St. Augustine: $40
  • Airboat Adventure in Saint Augustine with a Guide: $80
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Blood On The Cobblestones True Crime Tour of St Augustine: $35
  • Booze and Boos Haunted St. Augustine Ghost Walking Tour: $34
  • Bourbon and Whiskey History Tour in St Augustine : $209
  • Castillo after Dark 1 Hour Guided Exterior Tour: $25

Tours and Activities in Hood River

For Hood River, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Columbia Gorge Kayak Tour: $100
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $179

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Augustine $25
    Hood River $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • St. Augustine's Booze & Boos Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine : $49
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63
  • Mobile Wine Tasting and Food Pairing Tour St. Augustine: $129


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Augustine and Hood River, 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 Hood River Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Hood River?

Saint Augustine has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Hood River, 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 Saint Augustine or Hood River?

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 Saint Augustine or Hood River in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Hood River. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hood River for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Hood River. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Augustine in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Hood River averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hood River. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets less sunshine than Hood River. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in July than Hood River. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Augustine 82°F (28°C) 
    Hood River 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Hood River in the Autumn?

Both Hood River and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hood River because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 70°F (21°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Hood River. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Augustine 70°F (21°C) 
    Hood River 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Hood River in the Winter?

Both Hood River and Saint Augustine during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hood River this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hood River in the winter. Saint Augustine is much warmer than Hood River in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Hood River fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun.

Hood River gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in January than Hood River. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C) 
    Hood River 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Hood River in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Hood River. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hood River for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Augustine in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Hood River averages at about 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hood River this time of the year. In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Hood River. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Augustine 68°F (20°C) 
    Hood River 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Hood River and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine Hood River
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)