A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Charleston for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Charleston?

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 Charleston. 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.

Charleston

Charleston is a historic, classic, and picturesque coastal town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Blue Ridge and Charleston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Charleston?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Charleston than Blue Ridge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Charleston is better known for its museums, food, music, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Blue Ridge is more popular for its hiking and small town charm. Charleston is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is popular for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. Also, Charleston is famous for The Waterfront Park. Blue Ridge is well known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Blue Ridge different from Charleston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Charleston is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Charleston is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. This city is famous for its many historic churches and plantations. The plantations are open to visit and will educate you on the city's past, which is heavily involved in slavery. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.

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 Charleston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charleston is an amazing coastal town to visit for its restaurants. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Charleston, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Is Blue Ridge or Charleston Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Blue Ridge and Charleston.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Charleston has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.

Is Blue Ridge or Charleston Better for Music?

Charleston is a good destination for live music. However, Blue Ridge is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Charleston. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Blue Ridge is not a live music destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Charleston Better for Resorts?

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

Charleston has a handful of resorts to choose from. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from. Kiawah Island is particularly kid-friendly if you're looking for a family beach vacation. If you have a bit more money to spend and want something more residential, check out nearby Seabrook Island.

Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Charleston Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Charleston for it's beautiful beaches. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Charleston Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is an amazing coastal town to visit for its historic old town. However, Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

Charleston offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.

Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

Is Blue Ridge or Charleston Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Charleston 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.

Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Charleston?

Charleston is an amazing coastal town to visit for shopping. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Charleston. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.

Blue Ridge is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Blue Ridge or Charleston Better for Christmas?

Charleston is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Blue Ridge does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Charleston is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. During the Christmas season there are a number of festivals, light shows, and even a boat parade that everyone can enjoy.

Blue Ridge does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Blue Ridge or Charleston Better for Christmas Markets?

Charleston is a good destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Blue Ridge does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Charleston. Marion Square hosts Christmas Markets on weekends throughout the holiday season.

Blue Ridge does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Blue Ridge or Charleston Better for Families?

Blue Ridge is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit 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.

Charleston is a family-friendly town. The city has a number of family-friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. There's also an aquarium, a waterfront park, and many kid-friendly museums. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Is Blue Ridge or Charleston Better for Couples?

Charleston is an amazing coastal town to visit for romance. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Charleston is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.

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.

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

Blue Ridge is notable for backpackers. However, Charleston is a mediocre coastal 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.

Charleston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Hotels in the old town tend to be pricey and there isn't the backpacker community that you find in many other destinations. Still, there are a couple of hostels.

Is Blue Ridge or Charleston Better for Students?

Charleston is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Charleston. The city is a college town with a young vibe that is perfect for students. There's a nice university area where you'll find cheaper places to eat and a good nightlife scene.

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

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

Charleston 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 Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire 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 Charleston a more walkable city?

Charleston 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.

Charleston is very walkable. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.

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 Charleston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Charleston or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Charleston?

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

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

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

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

One day in Blue Ridge or Charleston?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With live music and food around the quaint coastal town of Charleston, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're 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 Charleston?

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. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

With food and shopping around the destination of Charleston, 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 coastal town.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Charleston?

Blue Ridge, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Charleston, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Charleston?

Blue Ridge 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.

Charleston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. 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 Charleston, we can see that Charleston 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 Charleston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Charleston 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 Charleston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Charleston?

Charleston has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Charleston, 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 Charleston?

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 Charleston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Charleston. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Charleston for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Blue Ridge is generally around the same temperature as Charleston. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 81°F (27°C), and Charleston fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charleston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the summer, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Charleston. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 293 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Charleston. Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the summer. Blue Ridge usually gets less rain in July than Charleston. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Charleston in the Autumn?

Both Charleston and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Charleston because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Blue Ridge is cooler than Charleston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Charleston fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston during autumn. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charleston. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Charleston in the Winter?

Both Charleston and Blue Ridge during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.

The weather in Blue Ridge can be very cold. In the winter, Blue Ridge is much colder than Charleston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Blue Ridge in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Charleston averages at about 47°F (9°C).

In the winter, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Charleston. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 188 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Charleston. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Charleston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Charleston. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Charleston for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Blue Ridge is generally around the same temperature as Charleston. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 62°F (17°C), and Charleston fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charleston this time of the year. In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Charleston during spring. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Charleston. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Charleston and Blue Ridge