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

Should you visit Asheville or Pocono Mountains?

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 Asheville and Pocono Mountains. 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.

Asheville

Asheville is a eclectic, outdoorsy, and progressive mountain town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a magnificent, relaxing, and scenic region. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Asheville and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Pocono Mountains?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Asheville than Pocono Mountains, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Asheville is better known for its nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Pocono Mountains is more popular for its skiing and museums. Pocono Mountains is more touristy than Asheville and is known for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. Asheville is well known for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. Also, Asheville is famous for The Biltmore Estate.

How is Asheville different from Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Asheville or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is well known for winter skiing. However, Asheville is not a skiing destination.

People head to Pocono Mountains specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. 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.

Asheville is not a skiing destination.

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

Pocono Mountains is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Pocono Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Asheville and Pocono Mountains can be an enjoyable experience.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Pocono Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is Asheville or Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

Asheville has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

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.

Is Asheville or Pocono Mountains Better for Music?

Asheville is notable for its live music scene. However, Pocono Mountains is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Asheville. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Pocono Mountains is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

There are notable resorts to choose from in both Asheville and Pocono Mountains.

With a selection of resorts, Asheville makes a nice vacation spot. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

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

Is Asheville or Pocono Mountains Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its old town. However, Pocono Mountains does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Asheville. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Pocono Mountains does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Asheville and Pocono Mountains, and they are very good.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Many visitors go to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Pocono Mountains?

Asheville is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping areas.

Asheville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Pocono Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Is Asheville or Pocono Mountains Better for Christmas?

Asheville is notable for its Christmas activities. However, Pocono Mountains does not offer Christmas activities.

Asheville is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Pocono Mountains does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Asheville or Pocono Mountains Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its Christmas markets. However, Pocono Mountains does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville has some Christmas markets worth visiting during the holidays. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Pocono Mountains does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Asheville or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Both Asheville and Pocono Mountains are very good family-friendly destinations.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly mountain town. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pocono Mountains. 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.

Is Asheville or Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

Asheville and Pocono Mountains both very good destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Pocono Mountains is a great mountain town if you're traveling as 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.

Is Asheville or Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville and Pocono Mountains are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit for backpackers. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

Is Asheville or Pocono Mountains Better for Students?

Asheville is notable for students. However, Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Pocono Mountains.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

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.

Is Asheville or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Asheville is a mountain town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Pocono Mountains?

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

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

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

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

One day in Asheville or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find live music and food around the outdoorsy destination of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and museums around the region of Pocono Mountains. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find food and shopping around the progressive mountain town of Asheville. If you have a weekend, this mountain 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.

You'll find museums and skiing around the beautiful destination of Pocono Mountains. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Pocono Mountains?

Asheville 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.

You'll find skiing and food around the magnificent region of Pocono Mountains. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this region makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer.

A week in Asheville or Pocono Mountains?

Asheville 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.

Pocono Mountains is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pocono Mountains, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asheville and Pocono Mountains, we can see that Pocono Mountains is more expensive. And not only is Asheville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Asheville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asheville 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 Pocono Mountains would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pocono Mountains than you might in Asheville.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asheville Expensive? and Is Pocono Mountains Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Pocono Mountains?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Pocono Mountains, 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 Asheville or Pocono Mountains?

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 Asheville or Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Pocono Mountains. Most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Asheville is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains in the summer. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pocono Mountains this time of the year. In Asheville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Asheville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains during summer. Asheville gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

Pocono Mountains receives a lot of rain in the summer. Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Asheville usually receives more rain than Pocono Mountains. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Asheville or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Pocono Mountains. The autumn months attract visitors to Asheville because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

In the autumn, Asheville is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Asheville in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asheville this time of the year. In the autumn, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Asheville gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun.

Asheville usually gets more rain in October than Pocono Mountains. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

Both Pocono Mountains and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Pocono Mountains. In January, Asheville is generally much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 44°F (7°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during winter. Asheville gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Asheville. In January, Asheville usually receives more rain than Pocono Mountains. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Asheville or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

Both Pocono Mountains and Asheville during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Asheville for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the spring for the natural beauty.

Asheville is much warmer than Pocono Mountains in the spring. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Pocono Mountains, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Asheville. In the spring, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Asheville gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets more rain in April than Pocono Mountains. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Asheville