A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cherokee vs. Lancaster for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cherokee or Lancaster?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee or Lancaster, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cherokee

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

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. Lancaster is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Lancaster travel costs.

Cherokee and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cherokee or Lancaster?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cherokee than Lancaster, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cherokee is better known for its hiking, while Lancaster is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Cherokee is well known for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails. Also, Cherokee is famous for Oconaluftee Indian Village. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Cherokee different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lancaster is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Lancaster can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

Cherokee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Cherokee or Lancaster? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lancaster is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lancaster makes for a great culinary experience. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Cherokee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Is Cherokee or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are respectable in both Cherokee and Lancaster.

Most people don't head to Cherokee specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Lancaster. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Cherokee or Lancaster Better for Hiking?

Cherokee is a great town for hiking. However, Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Cherokee for the hiking trails. 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.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cherokee or Lancaster?

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

Lancaster is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

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 Cherokee or Lancaster More Beautiful?

Lancaster is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Cherokee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Lancaster is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The countryside is beautiful, with preserved farmland, covered bridges, and beautiful gardens.

Cherokee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cherokee or Lancaster Better for Families?

Cherokee and Lancaster are both superb destinations for the whole family.

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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lancaster is very family-friendly. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Is Cherokee or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Cherokee and Lancaster are both superb to visit as a couple.

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.

Lancaster makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

Is Cherokee or Lancaster Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cherokee is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lancaster is not known for backpackers.

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

Lancaster is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by backpackers, the region offers a unique cultural experience.

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

Both Cherokee and Lancaster offer respectable public transit options.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Is Cherokee or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Cherokee and Lancaster both are respectable when exploring on foot.

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

Lancaster is generally not a very walkable town. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or Lancaster?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cherokee or Lancaster?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Cherokee. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful town of Lancaster offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Cherokee or Lancaster?

You'll find museums and food around the cultural destination of Cherokee. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Lancaster 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lancaster, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cherokee or Lancaster?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the genuine town of Cherokee. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lancaster 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.

A week in Cherokee or Lancaster?

Cherokee is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Lancaster is a great place to explore. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Lancaster?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee and Lancaster, 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.

When is the best time to visit Cherokee or Lancaster?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cherokee or Lancaster in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Lancaster. The summer months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

In July, Cherokee is generally around the same temperature as Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 81°F (27°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cherokee this time of the year. In the summer, Cherokee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster. Cherokee gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun.

Cherokee receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cherokee usually gets more rain in July than Lancaster. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cherokee or Lancaster in the Autumn?

Both Lancaster and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cherokee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Cherokee is a little warmer than Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. Cherokee usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during autumn. Cherokee gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cherokee usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cherokee or Lancaster in the Winter?

Both Lancaster and Cherokee during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cherokee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lancaster in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lancaster can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cherokee. In the winter, Cherokee is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cherokee in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Cherokee often gets less sunshine than Lancaster. Cherokee gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. Cherokee usually gets more rain in January than Lancaster. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cherokee or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Lancaster. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lancaster for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Cherokee is generally a little warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 62°F (17°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lancaster this time of the year. In Cherokee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cherokee usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during spring. Cherokee gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Cherokee