A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chapel Hill vs. Sun Valley for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Chapel Hill or Sun Valley?

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

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Sun Valley? 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a active, adventurous, and outdoorsy town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Chapel Hill and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chapel Hill or Sun Valley?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sun Valley than Chapel Hill, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sun Valley is better known for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Chapel Hill is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Sun Valley is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is known for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. Also, Sun Valley is famous for Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Chapel Hill is well known for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

How is Chapel Hill different from Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Chapel Hill or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is very popular for winter skiing. However, Chapel Hill is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Sun Valley should be on your list. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Chapel Hill is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chapel Hill or Sun Valley?

Chapel Hill is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sun Valley is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

Is the Food Better in Chapel Hill or Sun Valley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sun Valley is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Sun Valley is an experience not to be missed. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chapel Hill. 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.

Is Chapel Hill or Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

Chapel Hill is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Chapel Hill know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Sun Valley has a few options to choose from. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

Is Chapel Hill or Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley is well known for its resorts. However, Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

Sun Valley is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

Is Chapel Hill or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chapel Hill or Sun Valley?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sun Valley and Chapel Hill.

Many visitors go to Chapel Hill to go 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Sun Valley. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

Is Chapel Hill or Sun Valley Better for Families?

Sun Valley is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Sun Valley is a very family-friendly destination. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

Chapel Hill offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Chapel Hill or Sun Valley Better for Couples?

Sun Valley is very popular for couples. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Sun Valley makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

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 Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sun Valley is well known for backpackers. However, Chapel Hill is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sun Valley is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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 Sun Valley Better for Students?

Chapel Hill is terrific for students. However, Sun Valley is not popular with students.

Chapel Hill is a very popular place to visit 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.

Sun Valley is not popular with students.

Is Chapel Hill or Sun Valley Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sun Valley is well known for its public transit. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Sun Valley. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

While Chapel Hill offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Is Chapel Hill or Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Sun Valley on foot is easy. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

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.

For even more information, also check out Is Chapel Hill Worth Visiting? and Is Sun Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sun Valley or Chapel Hill?

How long in Chapel Hill or Sun Valley?

Both Chapel Hill and Sun Valley have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sun Valley than in Chapel Hill. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chapel Hill, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sun Valley.

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

Couples should spend more time in Sun Valley than Chapel Hill. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sun Valley that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley than Chapel Hill 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 Sun Valley.

One day in Chapel Hill or Sun Valley?

With museums and nightlife around the student-oriented town of Chapel Hill, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chapel Hill, one day is sufficent for most.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the active town of Sun Valley. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the skiing. 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 Sun Valley?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Chapel Hill, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Sun Valley. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Chapel Hill or Sun Valley?

Chapel Hill, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active town of Sun Valley. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Chapel Hill or Sun Valley?

Chapel Hill 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Sun Valley. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the skiing. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

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.

When comparing the travel costs between Chapel Hill and Sun Valley, we can see that Sun Valley 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 Chapel Hill Expensive? and Is Sun Valley Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chapel Hill or Sun Valley?

Chapel Hill has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Chapel Hill and Sun Valley, 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.