A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Baltimore for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Baltimore?

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 Blue Ridge and Baltimore. 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.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a charming, outdoorsy, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Blue Ridge and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Baltimore?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Baltimore. Although Blue Ridge and Baltimore are popular destinations, Baltimore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Baltimore is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Blue Ridge attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Baltimore is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also well known for the National Aquarium. Blue Ridge is famous for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Blue Ridge different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Baltimore?

Baltimore is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Baltimore. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

Is the Food Better in Blue Ridge or Baltimore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Blue Ridge and Baltimore can be difficult as they are each high quality in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Blue Ridge or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Baltimore has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Blue Ridge or Baltimore Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Baltimore?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Blue Ridge and Baltimore.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Baltimore is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Blue Ridge or Baltimore Better for Families?

Both Blue Ridge and Baltimore are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly town. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Blue Ridge or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Blue Ridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Baltimore is a good town for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Blue Ridge or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is well known for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Blue Ridge is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Blue Ridge or Baltimore Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baltimore is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Baltimore is fairly effecient and thorough. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Baltimore is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Baltimore is very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable place. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Baltimore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Baltimore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Baltimore. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 2-3 days is enough time in Baltimore.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Baltimore 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 Blue Ridge.

One day in Blue Ridge or Baltimore?

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the diverse city of Baltimore, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Baltimore?

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Baltimore, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Baltimore?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town 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 town has to offer.

Baltimore, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Baltimore?

Blue Ridge is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Baltimore 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Baltimore?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 520 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Baltimore, 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 Blue Ridge or Baltimore?

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 Blue Ridge or Baltimore in the Summer?

Both Baltimore and Blue Ridge during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Baltimore in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Baltimore. Typically, the summer temperatures in Blue Ridge in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Baltimore averages at about 78°F (25°C).

In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the summer, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Baltimore. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun.

Baltimore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in July than Baltimore. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Baltimore in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Baltimore. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge 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 Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Blue Ridge is generally a little warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 63°F (17°C), and Baltimore fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during autumn. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of rain as Baltimore. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Baltimore in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Baltimore. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Baltimore can be very cold. Blue Ridge can be very cold during winter. Blue Ridge is much warmer than Baltimore in the winter. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In the winter, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Baltimore. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the winter. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Baltimore. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Baltimore in the Spring?

Both Baltimore and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

In the spring, Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the spring temperatures in Blue Ridge in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Baltimore averages at about 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Baltimore. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during spring. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Baltimore. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Blue Ridge