A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 historic, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, picturesque, and quaint town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Blue Ridge and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Blue Ridge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Carmel-by-the-Sea is better known for its museums & sights, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Blue Ridge is more popular for its nightlife and hiking. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is popular for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for Pebble Beach Golf Course. Blue Ridge is well known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Blue Ridge different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Blue Ridge and Carmel-by-the-Sea can be difficult as they are each very good 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

Is Blue Ridge or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge is a town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Blue Ridge or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Carmel-by-the-Sea for it's beautiful beaches. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Blue Ridge is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Blue Ridge and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

Is Blue Ridge or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Blue Ridge is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge and Carmel-by-the-Sea both very good 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

Is Blue Ridge or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Blue Ridge is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels or accommodation options that appeal to backpackers.

Is Blue Ridge or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is very walkable. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Carmel-by-the-Sea. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 1-3 days is enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

With museums and food around the quaint town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Carmel-by-the-Sea, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

With food and shopping around the small town destination of Carmel-by-the-Sea, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Blue Ridge is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Blue Ridge is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 81°F (27°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the summer. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Blue Ridge during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Blue Ridge in the winter. In the winter, Blue Ridge is much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the winter temperatures in Blue Ridge in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 51°F (11°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Blue Ridge is generally a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 62°F (17°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Blue Ridge