A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America San Antonio vs. Beaver Creek for Families, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit San Antonio or Beaver Creek?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for San Antonio and Beaver Creek. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a fun, historic, and cultural city. San Antonio is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music. See San Antonio travel costs.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a charming, active, and adventurous town. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Beaver Creek travel costs.

San Antonio and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in San Antonio or Beaver Creek?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beaver Creek. Although San Antonio and Beaver Creek are both popular with visitors, Beaver Creek has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Beaver Creek is more popular for its skiing, theatre productions, resorts, and hiking, while San Antonio is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Beaver Creek is more touristy than San Antonio and is popular for its skiing and charming atmosphere It is also home to Beaver Creek Golf Club. San Antonio is popular for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks.

How is San Antonio different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is San Antonio or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

San Antonio
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an unbeatable place for winter skiing. However, San Antonio is not a skiing destination.

Beaver Creek is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

San Antonio is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Antonio or Beaver Creek?

San Antonio
Beaver Creek

San Antonio is a great city for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to San Antonio can be an interesting and educational experience. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is San Antonio or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

San Antonio
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is not so good for theatre. However, San Antonio is not a theatre destination.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

San Antonio is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in San Antonio or Beaver Creek? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Antonio
Beaver Creek

Dining out at restaurants in both San Antonio and Beaver Creek can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, San Antonio makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

Beaver Creek has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.


Is San Antonio or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

San Antonio
Beaver Creek

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities San Antonio has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

Most people don't head to Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Is San Antonio or Beaver Creek Better for Music?

San Antonio
Beaver Creek

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Beaver Creek is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep San Antonio active and fun. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Beaver Creek is not a live music destination.

Is San Antonio or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

San Antonio
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a good destination for its resorts. However, San Antonio is not a resort destination.

Beaver Creek has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

San Antonio is not a resort destination.


Is San Antonio or Beaver Creek Better for its Old Town?

San Antonio
Beaver Creek

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Beaver Creek does not have a historic old town.

San Antonio is a good destination for visiting its old town. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Beaver Creek does not have a historic old town.

Is San Antonio or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

San Antonio
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, San Antonio is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Beaver Creek. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

San Antonio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Antonio or Beaver Creek?

San Antonio
Beaver Creek

Shopping is a popular activity in both Beaver Creek and San Antonio.

San Antonio is a great destination for shopping. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beaver Creek. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.


Is San Antonio or Beaver Creek More Beautiful?

San Antonio
Beaver Creek

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Beaver Creek is not a destination known for its beauty.

San Antonio is a gorgeous place to visit. The RiverWalk feels almost like a European city and its filled with colors and festiveness.

Beaver Creek is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is San Antonio or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

San Antonio
Beaver Creek

Both San Antonio and Beaver Creek are world-class family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, San Antonio is very family-friendly. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Beaver Creek is a very family-friendly destination. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Is San Antonio or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

San Antonio
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a great destination for romance. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Beaver Creek frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

San Antonio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.


Is San Antonio or Beaver Creek Better for Students?

San Antonio
Beaver Creek

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Beaver Creek is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit San Antonio. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.

Beaver Creek is not popular with students.

Is San Antonio or Beaver Creek Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Antonio
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a good destination for its public transit. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Beaver Creek, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

Public transit is mostly limited in San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

Is San Antonio or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

San Antonio
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Beaver Creek on foot is easy. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

San Antonio is generally not a very walkable city. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.


For even more information, also check out Is San Antonio Worth Visiting? and Is Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or San Antonio?

How long in San Antonio or Beaver Creek?

Both San Antonio and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaver Creek than in San Antonio. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Antonio, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

Couples should spend more time in Beaver Creek than San Antonio. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Beaver Creek that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Antonio than Beaver Creek 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 San Antonio.


  • How many days in San Antonio or Beaver Creek? Ideal Length of Stay
    San Antonio 2-3 
    Beaver Creek 3-7

One day in San Antonio or Beaver Creek?

In San Antonio, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fun city offers. 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the charming town of Beaver Creek. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the skiing. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in San Antonio or Beaver Creek?

San Antonio is a fun place to experience. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the adventurous destination of Beaver Creek. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in San Antonio or Beaver Creek?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the cultural destination of San Antonio. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the charming town of Beaver Creek. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in San Antonio or Beaver Creek?

San Antonio is a popular place to visit. 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the destination of Beaver Creek. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the skiing. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Beaver Creek or San Antonio?

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

  • San Antonio Prices
    USA Prices
    Beaver Creek Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    San Antonio $161
    Beaver Creek $378

The average daily cost (per person) in San Antonio is $161, while the average daily cost in Beaver Creek is $378. 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 San Antonio and Beaver Creek in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Antonio $69
    Beaver Creek $203
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Antonio $138
    Beaver Creek $406
Compare Hotels in San Antonio and Beaver Creek

Looking for a hotel in San Antonio or Beaver Creek? 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 San Antonio


Hotels in Beaver Creek


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: San Antonio Hotel Prices and Beaver Creek Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Antonio $20
    Beaver Creek $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Antonio

Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Antonio are as follows:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Antonio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Antonio:

  • San Antonio Airport (SAT) to San Antonio - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $146
  • Private Transfer: San Antonio Airport to San Antonio by Sedan, SUV or Minibus : $98
  • Private Transfer: San Antonio to San Antonio Airport by Sedan, SUV or Minibus: $98
  • Private Transfer San Antonio Airport SAT to San Antonio City: $93
  • Private One Way Transfer from San Antonio to San Antonio Airport : $73
  • Private One-way Transfer from San Antonio Airport to San Antonio: $73
  • San Antonio Airport (SAT) to San Antonio - Arrival Private Transfer: $73
  • San Antonio to San Antonio Airport (SAT) - Departure Private Transfer: $73
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $68
  • Private Transfer in a Luxury Vehicle to and/or from SAT Airport: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into San Antonio or Beaver Creek?

Prices for flights to both Beaver Creek and San Antonio 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
    San Antonio $69
    Beaver Creek $146

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Antonio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Antonio.

  • Asian Dumplings Cooking Class in San Antonio: $75
  • Asian Dumpling Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • The Haunted Dinner Tour: $80
  • San Antonio Centre Food Tour of 6 Tastings with Tacos & Ice Cream: $95
  • San Antonio Secret Food Tour - Tacos, BBQ & Tex-Mex Classics: $100
  • San Antonio Premium Night Driving Tour with Dinner & Cruise: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Antonio $36
    Beaver Creek $53
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Antonio

Here are a few typical costs in San Antonio for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Spa Treatments
    $200

Tours and Activities in San Antonio

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

  • 1/2-day San Antonio Alamo Legends Walk guided Small Group tour : $129
  • 3 Hours Private Historic Sightseeing Tour in San Antonio : $95
  • Buckhorn Saloon & Museum / Texas Ranger Museum Entry Ticket: $18
  • Cave Without a Name Admission Ticket with Guided Cavern Tour: $28
  • Go City San Antonio Explorer Pass: Tickets for 2-5 Attractions: $104
  • Gruene and River Road Self-guided Tour: $139
  • Half-Day Morning City Tour of Historic San Antonio: $75
  • Historic Downtown & Riverwalk Walking Tour: $39
  • Historic San Antonio Audio APP and GPS Private Self Guided Tour: $9.75
  • Hopscotch San Antonio Immersive Art Experience: $24
  • King William District Tour: $35
  • PRIVATE Missions and More - Half-day City Tour: $189

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Antonio -
    Beaver Creek $35

Sample the Local Flavors in San Antonio

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Antonio:

  • Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • San Antonio Texas Bar Crawl: Drinks Up in San Antonio!: $15
  • River City: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Texas’ Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl Shared Walking Tour: $30
  • San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Guided Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Ghost Bus Pub Crawl : $62
  • Ghost Bus Haunted Pub Crawl: $62
  • Taste of Fredericksburg Small-Group Wine Tour from San Antonio: $179
  • Fredericksburg Hill Country Aficionado Wine Tour from San Antonio: $229


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Antonio and Beaver Creek, we can see that Beaver Creek is more expensive. And not only is San Antonio much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Antonio would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Antonio and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Beaver Creek would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaver Creek than you might in San Antonio.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Antonio Expensive? and Is Beaver Creek Expensive?.