A Travel Price Comparison for North Carolina Cherokee vs. New Bern for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Cherokee or New Bern?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee or New Bern, 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 cultural, genuine, and fascinating town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

New Bern

New Bern is a laid back, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Cherokee and New Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cherokee or New Bern?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cherokee. Although Cherokee and New Bern are both popular with visitors, Cherokee has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cherokee is more popular for its hiking, while New Bern is known for its small town charm. Cherokee is popular for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails. It is also home to Oconaluftee Indian Village. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is Cherokee different from New Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Cherokee and New Bern have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cherokee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

New Bern offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

Is the Food Better in Cherokee or New Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cherokee and New Bern can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Cherokee offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

New Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Is Cherokee or New Bern Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are decent in both Cherokee and New Bern.

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 New Bern. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is Cherokee or New Bern Better for Hiking?

Cherokee is well known for its hiking experiences. However, New Bern is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

New Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cherokee or New Bern?

Both Cherokee and New Bern are good shopping destinations.

Cherokee is a great destination for shopping. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Is Cherokee or New Bern Better for Families?

Cherokee is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is Cherokee or New Bern Better for Couples?

Cherokee is well known for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Cherokee frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

Is Cherokee or New Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cherokee is a popular place for backpackers. However, New Bern is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cherokee. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

New Bern is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not popular with backpackers in part because it's a small town that most people breeze through on their way to the beach.

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

Cherokee is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is Cherokee or New Bern a more walkable city?

New Bern is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for its high level of walkability.

New Bern is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore 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 New Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New Bern or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or New Bern?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cherokee or New Bern to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cherokee than New Bern because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cherokee, and 1-2 days is enough time in New Bern.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cherokee than New Bern 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 New Bern?

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.

New Bern is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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 New Bern?

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.

New Bern 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 New Bern, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cherokee or New Bern?

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.

New Bern 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 New Bern?

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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cherokee or New Bern?

New Bern has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee and New Bern, 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 New Bern?

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 Cherokee or New Bern in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and New Bern. Many visitors come to Cherokee in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to New Bern for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cherokee is around the same temperature as New Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and New Bern fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

New Bern receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cherokee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cherokee usually receives less rain than New Bern. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cherokee or New Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as New Bern. Most visitors come to Cherokee for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to New Bern because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Cherokee is around the same temperature as New Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cherokee in October average around 63°F (17°C), and New Bern averages at about 65°F (18°C).

Cherokee usually gets less rain in October than New Bern. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cherokee or New Bern in the Winter?

Both New Bern and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to New Bern this time of year.

The weather in Cherokee can be very cold. In January, Cherokee is generally cooler than New Bern. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 40°F (5°C), and New Bern fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Bern. It's quite rainy in Cherokee. In January, Cherokee usually receives more rain than New Bern. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cherokee or New Bern in the Spring?

Both New Bern and Cherokee during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to New Bern for the small town charm.

Cherokee is around the same temperature as New Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and New Bern fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

Cherokee usually gets more rain in April than New Bern. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New Bern and Cherokee