A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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 Boca Raton and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a outdoorsy, relaxed, and luxurious coastal city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a active, beautiful, and peaceful recreation area. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Boca Raton and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boca Raton. Although Boca Raton and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are popular destinations, Boca Raton has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boca Raton is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more touristy than Boca Raton and is popular for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. Boca Raton is famous for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also well known for Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Boca Raton. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Boca Raton
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Boca Raton is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Boca Raton. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

While most people don't head to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There's a museum in Chimney Rock State Park, but most visitors spend their time taking advantage of the outdoor activities.


Is the Food Better in Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boca Raton
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Boca Raton is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Boca Raton is an experience not to be missed. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Within Chimney Rock Park there's a deli and a cafe. Nearby you'll also find casual eateries with pizza or classic American dishes.

Is Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Boca Raton is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Boca Raton know how to have a good time. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Is Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Boca Raton is a great destination for its resorts. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

In Boca Raton, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.


Is Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Boca Raton is a coastal city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Boca Raton is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

Boca Raton is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

Is Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is great for hiking. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for the hiking trails. One of the most popular trails in Chimney Rock State Park is The Exclamation Point Trail , which leads to many viewpoints. During the summer and fall seasons the trail can get very crowded. The obvious highlight in the park is Chimney Rock, which is a rock outcropping that offers spectacular views.

Boca Raton is a good destination for hiking. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.


Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Boca Raton
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Boca Raton is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a good destination for shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers in the area, but for the best shopping, head over to Asheville.

Is Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Families?

Boca Raton
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Both Boca Raton and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are very good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area. Head to sliding rock for a fun afternoon. There's also tubing, kayaking, and river rafting nearby. Horseback riding is a fun way to explore a trail, or simply hiking on one of the many paths in the area. You'll also find ziplining and plenty of water activities at the lake.

Is Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Couples?

Boca Raton
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Boca Raton and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure both very good destinations for a couple.

Boca Raton is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic hotels as well as bed and breakfasts that make for a romantic retreat. Couples who enjoy beautiful outdoor settings and fun adventures will enjoy a weekend trip to the area. There are also local restaurants and a few wineries to explore.


Is Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boca Raton
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boca Raton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

Boca Raton is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's known for its upscale luxury, and you won't find much in the form of hostels or backpacker-friendly accommodation.

Is Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boca Raton
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Boca Raton is a coastal city with good options for its public transit. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Boca Raton, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There is limited public transit in the area.

Is Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure a more walkable city?

Boca Raton
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Boca Raton is a coastal city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its walkability.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable coastal city. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a very walkable coastal city. The trails and parks in the region are spread out and require a car to access.


For even more information, also check out Is Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boca Raton and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boca Raton than in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 1-3 days is enough time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

Families should spend more time in Boca Raton than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Boca Raton, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Boca Raton than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Boca Raton that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Boca Raton.


  • How many days in Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boca Raton 3-5 
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 1-3

One day in Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Boca Raton, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this outdoorsy destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With around the beautiful recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Boca Raton, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

With around the destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, there's plenty to do. 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 recreation area.

Five days in Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Boca Raton, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this relaxed destination offers. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, a popular recreation area, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal city of Boca Raton. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Boca Raton?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Boca Raton is $283, while the average daily cost in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is $196. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Boca Raton and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boca Raton $171
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boca Raton $342
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
Compare Hotels in Boca Raton and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Looking for a hotel in Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Boca Raton


Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Boca Raton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boca Raton $76
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boca Raton

Also for Boca Raton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Delray Beach Transfer and Fort Lauderdale Airport: $84
  • Boca Raton Private Transfer to FLL (UP TO 14 PASS): $80
  • Boca Raton to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)- Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Boca Raton to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Boynton Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Boynton Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Delray Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Delray Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Private Transfer from West Palm Beach to (FLL) Airport: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Prices for flights to both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Boca Raton change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Boca Raton $67
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boca Raton

For Boca Raton, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Delray Beach Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boca Raton $28
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34

Tours and Activities in Boca Raton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Boca Raton.

  • Delray Beach Food & Drinks Tour: $104
  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $150
  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $160
  • Boca Raton-Delray Beach 1-Hour Private Jet Ski Guided Tour: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boca Raton $40
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton than you might in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Boca Raton Expensive? and Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Boca Raton has a larger population, and is about 490 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, 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.