A Travel Price Comparison for North Carolina Boone vs. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for Nightlife, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Boone or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure can help you decide which place is right for you.

Boone

Boone is a quaint, picturesque, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

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.

Boone and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Blue Ridge Parkway
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 nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boone. Although Boone and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are popular destinations, Boone has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boone is famous for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm. It is also well known for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is famous for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities.

How is Boone 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 Boone. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Boone or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Skiing?

Boone
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Boone is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a skiing destination.

Boone is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a skiing destination.


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

Boone
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Boone is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

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 Boone or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boone
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Boone is a town with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Boone area. 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.

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 Boone or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Nightlife?

Boone
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Boone 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 Boone know how to have a good time. 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.

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


Is Boone or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Hiking?

Boone
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

You'll find superb hiking in both Boone and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

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

Boone
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Boone 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 Boone. 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.

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 Boone or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Families?

Boone
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Boone or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

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.

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 Boone or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Couples?

Boone
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Both Boone and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are superb 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.

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 Boone or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boone
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great recreation area for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Boone. 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.

Is Boone or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Students?

Boone
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Boone is an amazing town to visit for students. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.

Boone is a very popular town 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.


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

Boone
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Boone is a town with a few 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.

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

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

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

Boone
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Boone is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its walkability.

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

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

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

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

How long in Boone or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boone and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boone than in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Boone, and 1-3 days is enough time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

Families should spend more time in Boone than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 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 Boone.


  • How many days in Boone or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boone 2-4 
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 1-3

One day in Boone or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Boone might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, many people enjoy the that this active destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This recreation area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.


A weekend in Boone or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Even though Boone is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Since Boone is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This town offers something for everyone.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Boone is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the active destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Boone is $173, 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 Boone and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boone $91
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boone $182
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
Compare Hotels in Boone and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Looking for a hotel in Boone 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 Boone


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: Boone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boone $33
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35

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

Prices for flights to both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Boone 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
    Boone $53
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $52
Typical Food Prices in Boone

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Boone:


  • Restaurant Lunch for 2
    $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boone $53
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boone $26
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21


When comparing the travel costs between Boone and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, we can see that Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Boone or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Boone has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Boone 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.