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

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Wilmington?

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 Wilmington. 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 outdoorsy, historic, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a charming, historic, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Blue Ridge and Wilmington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Wilmington?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wilmington. Although Blue Ridge and Wilmington are both popular with visitors, Wilmington has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wilmington is more popular for its museums & sights, beaches, and historical sights, while Blue Ridge is known for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. Wilmington is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. It is also home to the Battleship North Carolina.

How is Blue Ridge different from Wilmington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Wilmington is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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 Wilmington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is Blue Ridge or Wilmington Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Wilmington has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Blue Ridge or Wilmington Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Wilmington for it's beautiful beaches. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Wilmington Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

Wilmington is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

Is Blue Ridge or Wilmington Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is great for hiking. However, Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails. 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.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Wilmington?

Blue Ridge is great for shopping. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Wilmington offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Blue Ridge or Wilmington Better for Families?

Both Blue Ridge and Wilmington are great family-friendly destinations.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Wilmington is a very kid-friendly town. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Is Blue Ridge or Wilmington Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge and Wilmington both great 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 Wilmington frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

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

Blue Ridge is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination 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.

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Wilmington Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

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

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Wilmington a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge and Wilmington are good when it comes to walkability.

Blue Ridge is somewhat walkable. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Wilmington or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Wilmington?

In either Blue Ridge or Wilmington, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Wilmington has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Wilmington than Blue Ridge. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Wilmington than Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington?

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 museums and nightlife around the welcoming city of Wilmington, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Wilmington?

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 nightlife and food around the destination of Wilmington, 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 city.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Wilmington?

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.

Wilmington, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Wilmington?

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Wilmington?

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

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 Wilmington in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Wilmington. 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 Wilmington for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Wilmington in the summer. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Wilmington fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington this time of the year. In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington during summer. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

Wilmington receives a lot of rain in the summer. Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives less rain than Wilmington. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Wilmington in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Wilmington. 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 Wilmington because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Wilmington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Blue Ridge in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Wilmington averages at about 65°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the autumn, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 227 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in October than Wilmington. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Wilmington in the Winter?

Both Wilmington and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year.

The weather in Blue Ridge can be very cold. In January, Blue Ridge is generally much colder than Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 40°F (5°C), and Wilmington fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Wilmington during winter. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 180 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Wilmington. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Wilmington in the Spring?

Both Wilmington and Blue Ridge during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wilmington for the beaches.

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

In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the spring, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Wilmington. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 278 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in April than Wilmington. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wilmington and Blue Ridge