A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chimney Rock and Lake Lure vs. Beaver Creek for Families, Food, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Beaver Creek can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a beautiful, peaceful, and active recreation area. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a adventurous, charming, and active town. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beaver Creek than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beaver Creek is better known for its skiing, theatre productions, food, resorts, and shopping, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and is popular for its skiing and charming atmosphere Also, Beaver Creek is famous for Beaver Creek Golf Club. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is well known for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities.

How is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Beaver Creek and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an amazing town to visit for winter skiing. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Beaver Creek. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Beaver Creek

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is adequate for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There's a museum in Chimney Rock State Park, but most visitors spend their time taking advantage of the outdoor activities.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is not so good for its shows and theatre. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a theatre destination.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Beaver Creek is an experience not to be missed. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Within Chimney Rock Park there's a deli and a cafe. Nearby you'll also find casual eateries with pizza or classic American dishes.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Beaver Creek

It's hard to distinguish whether Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek has a better nightlife scene.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Beaver Creek doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a town with good options for its resorts. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

Beaver Creek has a few great resort options. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Beaver Creek

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Beaver Creek are destinations which offer high quality hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. One of the most popular trails in Chimney Rock State Park is The Exclamation Point Trail , which leads to many viewpoints. During the summer and fall seasons the trail can get very crowded. The obvious highlight in the park is Chimney Rock, which is a rock outcropping that offers spectacular views.

Many visitors go to Beaver Creek for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.


Is the Shopping Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Beaver Creek to go shopping. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a good destination for shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers in the area, but for the best shopping, head over to Asheville.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Beaver Creek is an extremely popular town to visit for families. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area. Head to sliding rock for a fun afternoon. There's also tubing, kayaking, and river rafting nearby. Horseback riding is a fun way to explore a trail, or simply hiking on one of the many paths in the area. You'll also find ziplining and plenty of water activities at the lake.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Beaver Creek

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Beaver Creek are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic hotels as well as bed and breakfasts that make for a romantic retreat. Couples who enjoy beautiful outdoor settings and fun adventures will enjoy a weekend trip to the area. There are also local restaurants and a few wineries to explore.

Beaver Creek is a great recreation area if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Beaver Creek

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great recreation area for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Beaver Creek is not known for backpackers.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

Beaver Creek is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many facilities that cater to backpackers.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Beaver Creek, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

Public transit is quite limited in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There is limited public transit in the area.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its walkability.

Getting around Beaver Creek on foot is easy. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a very walkable recreation area. The trails and parks in the region are spread out and require a car to access.


For even more information, also check out Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting? and Is Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek?

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaver Creek than in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

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

Couples should spend more time in Beaver Creek than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Beaver Creek that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.


  • How many days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 1-3 
    Beaver Creek 3-7

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek?

In Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, many people enjoy the that this peaceful recreation area offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this recreation area.

In Beaver Creek, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this adventurous destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the skiing. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Beaver Creek, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this destination offers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek?

You'll find around the active destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

In Beaver Creek, many people enjoy the shopping and skiing that this charming destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This town offers something for everyone.


A week in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Beaver Creek, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this town offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Lots of people come for the skiing. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.


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


Which place is cheaper, Beaver Creek or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is $196, while the average daily cost in Beaver Creek is $316. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Beaver Creek in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
    Beaver Creek $203
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Beaver Creek $406
Compare Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Beaver Creek

Looking for a hotel in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek? 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure


Hotels in Beaver Creek


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: Beaver Creek Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
    Beaver Creek $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Beaver Creek?

Prices for flights to both Beaver Creek and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $52
    Beaver Creek $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
    Beaver Creek $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
    Beaver Creek $35


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive? and Is Beaver Creek Expensive?.