A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Simons vs. Columbia River Gorge for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge? 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a relaxing, laid back, and scenic island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Saint Simons is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking. See Saint Simons travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a scenic, natural, and beautiful region. Columbia River Gorge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Saint Simons and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Simons. Although Saint Simons and Columbia River Gorge are both popular with visitors, Saint Simons has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Simons is more popular for its resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Columbia River Gorge is known for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty. Saint Simons is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. It is also home to East Beach. Columbia River Gorge is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

How is Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Both Saint Simons and Columbia River Gorge have decent landmarks and museums for visitors.

Saint Simons offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

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 Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Saint Simons and Columbia River Gorge can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Simons makes for a great culinary experience. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

Columbia River Gorge has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Is Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Columbia River Gorge is a popular place for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Saint Simons has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint Simons. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge?

Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of 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 Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge More Beautiful?

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

Columbia River Gorge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

Saint Simons is a beautiful place to visit, too. Beautiful beaches and live oaks with Spanish moss give the island a southern charm.

Is Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge.

Saint Simons is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Columbia River Gorge is very family-friendly. 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 Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Saint Simons and Columbia River Gorge make for a very good place to visit.

Couples visit Saint Simons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

Columbia River Gorge is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

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

Columbia River Gorge is a great destination for backpackers. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Saint Simons is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds in the area that offer access to the island.

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

Columbia River Gorge is a region with a few options for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

Saint Simons is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge?

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

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

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

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

One day in Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge?

Saint Simons is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this scenic region offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge?

Saint Simons 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Columbia River Gorge is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Saint Simons for five days. Saint Simons is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic destination of Columbia River Gorge. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge?

Because Saint Simons is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons Expensive? and Is Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge?

Saint Simons has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Columbia River Gorge. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Simons is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia River Gorge this time of the year. In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Simons usually receives less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during summer. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

Saint Simons gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Saint Simons is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Simons in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Simons this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets more rain in October than Columbia River Gorge. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Simons for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Columbia River Gorge can be very cold. In January, Saint Simons is generally much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 53°F (12°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during winter. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. In January, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Saint Simons during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

Saint Simons is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. In the spring, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets more rain in April than Columbia River Gorge. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Saint Simons