A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Cape Cod for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Cape Cod?

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 Cape Cod. 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 outdoorsy, historic, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a relaxing, laid-back, and wealthy beach destination. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Blue Ridge and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Cape Cod?

Both Cape Cod and Blue Ridge have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Blue Ridge is better known for its museums & sights, nightlife, and hiking, while Cape Cod is more popular for its resorts, beaches, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cape Cod is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. Blue Ridge is well known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Blue Ridge different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod?

Blue Ridge is adequate for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Blue Ridge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Blue Ridge and Cape Cod can be difficult as they are each excellent 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 Cape Cod. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

Is Blue Ridge or Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Blue Ridge has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Blue Ridge or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Cape Cod is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Cape Cod has a handful of resorts to choose from. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Cape Cod is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cape Cod for it's beautiful beaches. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is great for hiking. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails. 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.

Cape Cod is a good destination for hiking. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Cape Cod?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Blue Ridge and Cape Cod.

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.

Cape Cod is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

Is Blue Ridge or Cape Cod Better for Families?

Both Blue Ridge and Cape Cod are excellent 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.

Cape Cod is a very kid-friendly town. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is Blue Ridge or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge and Cape Cod both excellent destinations for a couple.

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Cape Cod frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

Is Blue Ridge or Cape Cod Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Blue Ridge. 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.

Cape Cod is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This area is more focused on luxury and family vacationers than it is on backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Cape Cod is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge and Cape Cod are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Cape Cod?

Both Blue Ridge and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Blue Ridge. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod?

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With shopping and food around the peaceful beach destination of Cape Cod, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Cape Cod?

Blue Ridge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Blue Ridge, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With food and shopping around the small town destination of Cape Cod, 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.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Cape Cod?

Blue Ridge is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Blue Ridge, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cape Cod, a popular beach destination, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Cape Cod?

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Cape Cod is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach destination makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach destination has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural 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 Walking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Blue Ridge and Cape Cod, we can see that Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Blue Ridge or Cape Cod?

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 Blue Ridge or Cape Cod in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Cape Cod. The summer months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

In July, Blue Ridge is generally a little warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 81°F (27°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Cod this time of the year. In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Cape Cod during summer. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Cape Cod. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Cape Cod. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cape Cod for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Cape Cod in the autumn. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the autumn, Blue Ridge often gets more sunshine than Cape Cod. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. Blue Ridge usually gets less rain in October than Cape Cod. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Cape Cod in the Winter?

Both Cape Cod and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cape Cod in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Cape Cod can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Blue Ridge. In the winter, Blue Ridge is much warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the winter temperatures in Blue Ridge in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod during winter. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Cape Cod. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Cape Cod in the Spring?

Both Cape Cod and Blue Ridge during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cape Cod for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Blue Ridge is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 62°F (17°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In Cape Cod, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the spring, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 225 hours of full sun.

Cape Cod 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 April than Cape Cod. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Blue Ridge