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

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Monterey?

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 Monterey. 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 quaint, charming, and outdoorsy town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Blue Ridge and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Monterey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monterey than Blue Ridge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monterey is better known for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Blue Ridge is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Monterey is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Also, Monterey is famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Blue Ridge is well known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Blue Ridge different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Monterey 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 Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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 Monterey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Blue Ridge and Monterey 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 Monterey. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

Is Blue Ridge or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

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

Monterey has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Blue Ridge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Blue Ridge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a good destination for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Monterey offers a nice beach destination. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Monterey Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Monterey?

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

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.

Monterey is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

Is Blue Ridge or Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Monterey is very family-friendly. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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.

Is Blue Ridge or Monterey Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge and Monterey 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 Monterey frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

Monterey 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 Monterey. There is a bus system through 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 Monterey a more walkable city?

Monterey 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.

Monterey is very walkable. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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 Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Monterey?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Monterey 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 Monterey.

One day in Blue Ridge or Monterey?

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 food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the nature-oriented city of Monterey, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monterey, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Monterey?

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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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.

Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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.

Monterey 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 Monterey, we can see that Monterey 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 Monterey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Monterey 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 Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Monterey?

Monterey has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

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

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Monterey. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Monterey in the Autumn?

Both Monterey and Blue Ridge during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Monterey for the shopping scene.

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

Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Monterey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Monterey. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Blue Ridge. In the winter, Blue Ridge is much colder than Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Blue Ridge in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Monterey. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Monterey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Monterey. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches during these months.

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

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the spring. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Blue Ridge