A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chimney Rock and Lake Lure vs. Big Sur for Couples, Hiking, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Big Sur?

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 Big Sur 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 active, beautiful, and peaceful recreation area. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Big Sur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Big Sur. Although Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Big Sur are popular destinations, Big Sur has more sights and attractions for tourists. Big Sur is very popular for its food, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is famous for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. Big Sur is famous for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also well known for Bixby Bridge.

How is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Big Sur?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is adequate for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

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

Big Sur is a natural area with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Big Sur area. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

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 Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a great destination for the beach. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Big Sur attract visitors from all over. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Big Sur are destinations which offer superb 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 Big Sur for the hiking trails. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Big Sur?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers in the area, but for the best shopping, head over to Asheville.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Big Sur Better for Families?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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.

Big Sur is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for couples. Also, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Big Sur is a great natural area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great recreation area if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

It's common for backpackers to visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

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

Neither Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Big Sur offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There is limited public transit in the area.

Public transit is quite limited in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Neither Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Big Sur are walkable places.

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

Big Sur is not a very walkable recreation area. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Big Sur. In our opinion, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure than Big Sur. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure than Big Sur 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Big Sur?

In Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This recreation area offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Big Sur, many people enjoy the food that this remote destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Big Sur?

In Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chimney Rock and Lake Lure has to offer.

In Big Sur, many people enjoy the food that this beautiful destination offers. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Big Sur?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Big Sur. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This natural area offers something for everyone.

A week in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Many people enjoy the when visiting Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the beautiful natural area of Big Sur. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

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

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 Big Sur Expensive?.