A Travel Price Comparison for North Carolina Boone vs. Cherokee for Nightlife, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Boone or Cherokee?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Boone and Cherokee can help you decide which place is right for you.

Boone

Boone is a charming, relaxing, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a fascinating, cultural, and genuine town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Boone and Cherokee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boone or Cherokee?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boone than Cherokee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Boone is more touristy than Cherokee and is popular for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm. Also, Boone is famous for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cherokee is well known for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Boone different from Cherokee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Boone or Cherokee Better for Skiing?

Boone is notable for snow skiing. However, Cherokee is not a skiing destination.

Boone is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Cherokee is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boone or Cherokee?

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Cherokee and Boone.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Boone. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

Cherokee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

Is the Food Better in Boone or Cherokee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Boone and Cherokee can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Boone is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Cherokee offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Is Boone or Cherokee Better for Nightlife?

Boone is notable for nightlife. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Boone has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Is Boone or Cherokee Better for Hiking?

You'll find excellent hiking in both Boone and Cherokee.

Many visitors go to Boone for the hiking trails. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

Cherokee is a popular spot for hiking. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Is the Shopping Better in Boone or Cherokee?

Boone is notable for shopping. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Boone is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cherokee. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

Is Boone or Cherokee Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Boone or Cherokee.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boone. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

Cherokee is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

Is Boone or Cherokee Better for Couples?

Both Boone and Cherokee are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Boone is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

Cherokee is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

Is Boone or Cherokee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Boone and Cherokee are notable places to visit.

Boone is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cherokee. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

Is Boone or Cherokee Better for Students?

Boone is an amazing town to visit for students. However, Cherokee is not popular with students.

Boone is a great destination for students. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

Cherokee is not popular with students.

Is Boone or Cherokee Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boone and Cherokee both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

Public transit is generally limited in Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

Is Boone or Cherokee a more walkable city?

Boone is notable for its walkability. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for its high level of walkability.

Boone is very walkable. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

Cherokee is generally not a very walkable town. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Boone Worth Visiting? and Is Cherokee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cherokee or Boone?

How long in Boone or Cherokee?

It's fun to spend time in either Boone or Cherokee. In our opinion, Boone has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Boone than Cherokee. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boone than Cherokee 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 Boone.

One day in Boone or Cherokee?

Boone is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and skiing. 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.

In Cherokee, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this genuine destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Boone or Cherokee?

Boone 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 Boone, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cherokee. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Boone or Cherokee?

Boone is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cherokee is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Cherokee. 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.

A week in Boone or Cherokee?

Boone 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the genuine destination of Cherokee. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Boone and Cherokee, we can see that Cherokee is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Boone Expensive? and Is Cherokee Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Boone or Cherokee?

Boone has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Boone and Cherokee, 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.