A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chapel Hill vs. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for Attractions, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

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

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a collegiate, southern, and student-oriented town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a vast, overlooked, and underrated park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Chapel Hill and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • 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
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chapel Hill than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chapel Hill is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Chapel Hill is well known for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States. Also, Chapel Hill is famous for the University of North Carolina. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is well known for its alpine lakes, hydrothermal activity, and unique volcanoes.

How is Chapel Hill different from Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Chapel Hill. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Chapel Hill
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Chapel Hill is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Chapel Hill. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

While most people don't head to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visit the Loomis Museum to learn about the park history and see historic photos of the park. The building was constructed in 1972 and is worth a stopover.


Is the Food Better in Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chapel Hill
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Chapel Hill is a town with good options for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its restaurants.

Chapel Hill offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. You'll find restaurants and shops at three locations within the park. Options are much more limited during the winter months, but you will find places to eat on the south side of the park in Mineral, Mill Creek, and Chester. On the north side, the closest towns are Shingletown and Old Station.

Is Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Chapel Hill
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Chapel Hill is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for nightlife and partying.

Chapel Hill offers plenty to do in the evening. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing and campfire chats are the best ways to enjoy evening in the park.

Is Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Hiking?

Chapel Hill
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There are more than 150 miles of hiking trails in the park. Many pass by the park's hydrothermal areas, but there are also trails that follow the edge of the alpine lakes or go through flower-filled meadows. Bumpass Hell Trail is one of the most notable hikes, but visitors also enjoy Lassen Peak Trail, Cinder Cone Trail, and Manzanita Lake Loop.

Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Chapel Hill
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Chapel Hill is a town with good options for shopping. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its shopping opportunities.

Chapel Hill is a great destination for shopping. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

If you're looking to go shopping, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park has some nice offerings. There are stores and gift shops near the visitor centers.

Is Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Families?

Chapel Hill
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Chapel Hill. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park offers lots of family activities. While many of the hikes in the park are challenging for kids, there are still some great options for those with little legs. Manzanita Lake Trail is less than two miles and makes a great introductory hike. Bumpass Hell Trail is three miles, and it's a highlight of any trip to the park.

Is Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Couples?

Chapel Hill
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is well known for couples. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The setting makes a romantic backdrop for those who enjoy hiking and outdoor adventures. You can go kayaking or river rafting during the day and then enjoy stargazing at night.

Chapel Hill is a nice destination for couples. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.


Is Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chapel Hill
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is well known for backpackers. However, Chapel Hill is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a very popular park for backpackers and budget travelers. There is a large backcountry area which offers a unique hiking and camping experience. You'll need to purchase permits before your trip.

Chapel Hill is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a young population thanks to the university, but there's little else to attract backpackers.

Is Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Students?

Chapel Hill
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Chapel Hill is an amazing town to visit for students. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not popular with students.

Chapel Hill is a very popular town for students. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not popular with students.

Is Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chapel Hill
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Chapel Hill is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for times when you don't have a car.

Chapel Hill has a few public transit options. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Public transit is quite limited in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There is no public transportation in the park.


Is Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park a more walkable city?

Chapel Hill
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Chapel Hill is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its high level of walkability.

Chapel Hill is somewhat walkable. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large, so to efficiently access the different hiking trails you'll need to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Chapel Hill Worth Visiting? and Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Chapel Hill?

How long in Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chapel Hill and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. In our opinion, Chapel Hill has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Chapel Hill than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chapel Hill, and 2-3 days is enough time in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Families should spend more time in Chapel Hill than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chapel Hill, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Chapel Hill than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chapel Hill that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chapel Hill than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 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 Chapel Hill.


  • How many days in Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chapel Hill 1-3 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 2-3

One day in Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

In Chapel Hill, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the overlooked park of Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Chapel Hill, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. In Chapel Hill, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this student-oriented destination offers. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the vast destination of Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This park offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the town of Chapel Hill. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 underrated park of Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park offers . 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Chapel Hill is a popular choice for travelers. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Chapel Hill?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Chapel Hill is $164, while the average daily cost in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is $126. 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 Chapel Hill and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chapel Hill $95
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chapel Hill $190
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $124
Compare Hotels in Chapel Hill and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? 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 Chapel Hill


Hotels in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park


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: Chapel Hill Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chapel Hill $34
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Prices for flights to both Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Chapel Hill 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
    Chapel Hill $49
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chapel Hill $17
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $21

Tours and Activities in Chapel Hill

Here are a few actual costs in Chapel Hill for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Chapel Hill, NC: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Chapel Hill Historic Churches Tour: $16
  • Carolina History & Haunts Greensboro Historical Ghost Tour: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Greensboro by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Morning Aerial Adventure Adult Course from Riegelwood: $55
  • Raleigh Guided E-Bike Tour: Burgers, Brews, and History too: $107
  • Coastal Excursion/Sunset Cruise/Sand Dollars/Sea Shells/Horses: $225
  • 8 Hours Private Crystal Coast Sightseeing in North Carolina: $275

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chapel Hill $40
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Chapel Hill

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chapel Hill:

  • Wacky Fayetteville Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chapel Hill Expensive? and Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

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 Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chapel Hill and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Many visitors come to Chapel Hill in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Chapel Hill is around the same temperature as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chapel Hill in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park averages at about 83°F (29°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park this time of the year. In Chapel Hill, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chapel Hill usually receives less sunshine than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park during summer. Chapel Hill gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 436 hours of full sun in the summer.

Chapel Hill gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chapel Hill usually receives more rain than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Chapel Hill gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chapel Hill 79°F (26°C) 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 83°F (29°C)

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chapel Hill as well as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Most visitors come to Chapel Hill for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Chapel Hill is generally cooler than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Daily temperatures in Chapel Hill average around 61°F (16°C), and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chapel Hill this time of the year. In the autumn, Chapel Hill often gets less sunshine than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Chapel Hill gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 284 hours of full sun.

Chapel Hill usually gets more rain in October than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Chapel Hill gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 1.5 inches (37 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chapel Hill 61°F (16°C) 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 66°F (19°C)

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Winter?

Both Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Chapel Hill are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Chapel Hill because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park this time of year.

The weather in Chapel Hill can be very cold. Chapel Hill is much colder than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Chapel Hill averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (9°C).

Chapel Hill usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park during winter. Chapel Hill gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. In January, Chapel Hill usually receives less rain than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Chapel Hill gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chapel Hill 40°F (5°C) 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 47°F (9°C)

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Spring?

Both Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Chapel Hill during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Chapel Hill is around the same temperature as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chapel Hill in April average around 60°F (16°C), and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park averages at about 60°F (16°C).

In Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chapel Hill. In the spring, Chapel Hill often gets less sunshine than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Chapel Hill gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 329 hours of full sun.

Chapel Hill usually gets more rain in April than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Chapel Hill gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 1.4 inches (35 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chapel Hill 60°F (16°C) 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 60°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Apr 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 60°F (16°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 69°F (21°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 78°F (25°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 83°F (29°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 76°F (25°C) 0.6 inches (16 mm)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 66°F (19°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Nov 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (88 mm)


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