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

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Sun Valley?

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 Sun Valley. 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 charming, outdoorsy, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and active town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Blue Ridge and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Sun Valley?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sun Valley. Although Blue Ridge and Sun Valley are both popular with visitors, Sun Valley has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sun Valley is more popular for its skiing, resorts, and impressive beauty, while Blue Ridge is known for its shopping and small town charm. Sun Valley is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is popular for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. It is also home to Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Blue Ridge different from Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sun Valley and Blue Ridge. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Blue Ridge or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is an amazing town to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Blue Ridge is not a skiing destination.

Sun Valley is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Blue Ridge is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Sun Valley?

Spend time exploring the decent sights and museums in either Blue Ridge or Sun Valley.

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.

Sun Valley offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

Is the Food Better in Blue Ridge or Sun Valley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Blue Ridge and Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

Is Blue Ridge or Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Blue Ridge and Sun Valley.

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.

Sun Valley has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

Is Blue Ridge or Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Sun Valley to choose from. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Blue Ridge and Sun Valley, and they are excellent.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sun Valley. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Sun Valley?

Blue Ridge is a great destination for shopping. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Blue Ridge is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sun Valley. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

Is Blue Ridge or Sun Valley Better for Families?

Sun Valley is an amazing town 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, Sun Valley is very family-friendly. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

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 Sun Valley Better for Couples?

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

Sun Valley is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

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 Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge and Sun Valley are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Blue Ridge is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Sun Valley is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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

Sun Valley is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Sun Valley is fairly effecient and thorough. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Sun Valley. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

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 Sun Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sun Valley or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Sun Valley?

Both Blue Ridge and Sun Valley have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sun Valley than in Blue Ridge. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sun Valley.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley.

One day in Blue Ridge or Sun Valley?

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 shopping and skiing around the active town of Sun Valley, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. 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.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Sun Valley?

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 skiing and nightlife around the destination of Sun Valley, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Sun Valley?

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.

Sun Valley, 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.

A week in Blue Ridge or Sun Valley?

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.

Sun Valley is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Sun Valley?

Sun Valley has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Sun Valley, 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.