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

Should you visit Cherokee or Monterey?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee or Monterey, 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cherokee and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cherokee or Monterey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monterey than Cherokee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monterey is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Cherokee is more popular for its hiking. Monterey is more touristy than Cherokee and is popular for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Also, Monterey is famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Cherokee is well known for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Cherokee different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Monterey 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 Monterey?

Monterey 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 Monterey can be an interesting and educational experience. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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 Monterey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Monterey 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, Monterey makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is notable for nightlife. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Monterey has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Is Cherokee or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cherokee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Cherokee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cherokee or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Cherokee is not a beach destination.

Monterey has a beach worth visiting. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Cherokee is not a beach destination.

Is Cherokee or Monterey Better for Hiking?

Cherokee is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Cherokee. 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.

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cherokee or Monterey?

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

Monterey is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Monterey is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cherokee is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Cherokee or Monterey Better for Couples?

Cherokee and Monterey are both great 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.

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

Is Cherokee or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Cherokee and Monterey are notable destinations 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.

Monterey is a good town to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

Both Cherokee and Monterey 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 Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Cherokee or Monterey a more walkable city?

Monterey is notable for its walkability. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for its high level of walkability.

Monterey is very walkable. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or Monterey?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cherokee or Monterey?

The town of Cherokee offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

The city of Monterey offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cherokee or Monterey?

Cherokee 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cherokee, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Monterey is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monterey, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cherokee or Monterey?

Cherokee 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.

Monterey 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 Monterey?

Cherokee is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Monterey 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 city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Cherokee and Monterey, we can see that Cherokee 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 Cherokee Expensive? and Is Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Monterey?

Monterey has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and Cherokee during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cherokee for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Monterey in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cherokee is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 81°F (27°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. Cherokee usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cherokee or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Monterey. Many visitors come to Cherokee in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Monterey for the shopping scene during these months.

Cherokee is around the same temperature as Monterey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Monterey. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cherokee or Monterey in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Monterey. Most visitors come to Cherokee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Monterey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cherokee can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Cherokee is much colder than Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cherokee in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Cherokee receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cherokee usually gets more rain in January than Monterey. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cherokee or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

In April, Cherokee is generally a little warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 62°F (17°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Monterey. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Cherokee