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

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Columbia?

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 Columbia. 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's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Columbia

Columbia is a suburban, friendly, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Blue Ridge and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Columbia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Blue Ridge. Although Blue Ridge and Columbia are popular destinations, Blue Ridge has more sights and attractions for tourists. Blue Ridge is very popular for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Columbia attracts visitors for its museums. Blue Ridge is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Chattahoochee National Forest. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Blue Ridge different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Columbia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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 Columbia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Blue Ridge or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Blue Ridge and Columbia.

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.

Columbia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Blue Ridge or Columbia Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Columbia?

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Columbia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Blue Ridge or Columbia Better for Families?

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Blue Ridge is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Columbia is a family-friendly town. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Blue Ridge or Columbia Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Blue Ridge is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

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

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city 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.

Columbia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not an expensive place to visit, there is little in the area to attract backpackers.

Is Blue Ridge or Columbia Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

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

Columbia 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 Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Columbia a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Columbia is not a very walkable town. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Blue Ridge or Columbia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Blue Ridge than Columbia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbia.

Families should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Columbia. 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 Blue Ridge than Columbia. 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 Columbia 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 Columbia?

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 museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Columbia, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Columbia, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Columbia?

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 nightlife and shopping around the destination of Columbia, 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 Columbia?

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.

Columbia, 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 Columbia?

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.

Columbia 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 Columbia, we can see that Blue Ridge is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Columbia.

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 Columbia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Columbia?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Columbia, 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 Columbia?

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 Columbia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Columbia. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Columbia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Blue Ridge in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Columbia averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. 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 Columbia. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Columbia. Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the summer. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in July than Columbia. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Columbia in the Autumn?

Both Columbia and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Columbia in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Blue Ridge is generally around the same temperature as Columbia. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 63°F (17°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Columbia during autumn. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Columbia in the Winter?

Both Columbia and Blue Ridge during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Columbia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Blue Ridge can get quite cold in the winter. Blue Ridge is much colder than Columbia in the winter. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Columbia fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Columbia. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 171 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 Columbia. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Columbia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Columbia. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Columbia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Blue Ridge in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Columbia averages at about 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Columbia during spring. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 273 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 Columbia. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Blue Ridge