A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cabo San Lucas vs. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for Nightlife, Couples, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cabo San Lucas and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a scenic, idyllic, and wild city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a beautiful, peaceful, and active recreation area. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking.

Cabo San Lucas and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and is known for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Cabo San Lucas is famous for Land's End. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is well known for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Cabo San Lucas is a city 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 Cabo San Lucas. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas is an experience not to be missed. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for nightlife.

Cabo San Lucas has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

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

Is Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for its resorts. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cabo San Lucas is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

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

Is Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for the beach. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Cabo San Lucas attract visitors from all over. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure does not have a historic old town.

Cabo San Lucas is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Hiking?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are destinations which offer great hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cabo San Lucas. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Families?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are great to visit with kids.

Cabo San Lucas is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is very family-friendly. 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 Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cabo San Lucas and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Cabo San Lucas. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Many 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.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a 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 Cabo San Lucas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

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

Is Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas is a very walkable destination. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a very walkable 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 Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting? and Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cabo San Lucas and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 1-3 days is enough time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas.

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Cabo San Lucas, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this scenic destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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, you'll find . Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Cabo San Lucas, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Cabo San Lucas, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this scenic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Cabo San Lucas, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this beautiful city offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Cabo San Lucas has a larger population, and is about 260 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas 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.