A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chimney Rock and Lake Lure vs. Boise for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Boise?

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 Boise 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.

Boise

Boise is a authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Boise: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Although Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Boise are popular destinations, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is very popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Boise attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more touristy than Boise and is popular for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. It is also well known for Lake Lure Beach Park. Boise is famous for its many outdoor and recreational activities.

How is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure different from Boise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Boise

Boise is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Boise. As the state capital, there's a nice selection of local museums around town. Favorites include the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Idaho Black History Museum, and Discovery Center.

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.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Boise

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Boise can be difficult as they are each reasonable in their own way.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Within Chimney Rock Park there's a deli and a cafe. Nearby you'll also find casual eateries with pizza or classic American dishes.

Boise offers some easy restaurants to choose from. While Idaho has long been associated with the potato, the locals usually think of "finger steaks" when describing local food. These are deep-friend beef strips that are as good as they sound.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Boise Better for Nightlife?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Boise

Boise is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for nightlife.

Boise has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. In downtown Boise you'll find a selection of bars, lounges, and breweries. There's enough around town to keep the nightlife scene interesting.

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

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Boise Better for Hiking?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Boise

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Boise is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Boise is not a hiking destination.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Boise

Boise is a city 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 Boise to go shopping. You'll find a mix of local boutiques, independent vendors, and suburban shopping centers where you'll find anything that you might need.

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 Boise Better for Families?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Boise

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Boise is lacking in options 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.

Boise doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. You'll find parks, playgrounds, and the Discovery Center which will help keep kids entertained.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Boise Better for Couples?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Boise

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Boise is lacking in options for romance.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Boise is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Date night activities include dining at a nice restaurants and seeing a show at the theater.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Boise

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boise is lacking in options 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.

Boise is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Backpackers rarely make their way to this town.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Boise

Boise is a city with a few 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Boise. There are infrequent buses around town, but visitors usually have a car to get around town efficiently.

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 Boise a more walkable city?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Boise

Boise is a city with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its walkability.

Boise is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable neighborhoods but, in general, the town isn't 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 Boise Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Boise?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Boise to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure than Boise because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, and 1-2 days is enough time in Boise.

Families should spend more time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure than Boise. 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.


  • How many days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Boise? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 1-3 
    Boise 1-2

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Boise?

In Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, many people enjoy the that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This recreation area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Boise, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this friendly destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Boise?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Boise, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. 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 Boise?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Boise. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.


A week in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Boise?

You'll find around the beautiful destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Boise. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Boise 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 Boise is $146. 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 Boise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
    Boise $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Boise $150
Compare Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Boise

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


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: Boise Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
    Boise $34

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

Prices for flights to both Boise 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
    Boise $45

Typical Food Prices in Boise

For Boise, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hotel
    $59
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (for 4)
    $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
    Boise $30

Typical Entertainment Prices in Boise

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Boise's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Edwards Boise Imax
    $27

Tours and Activities in Boise

For Boise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Boise by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Boise Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • A Macabre History of Boise Walking Tour: $25
  • Hells Canyon Kirkwood Jet Boat Tour near Boise, Idaho: $218

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
    Boise $24


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Boise, we can see that Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more expensive. And not only is Boise much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Boise would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Boise 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 Boise.

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 Boise Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Boise?

Boise has a larger population, and is about 880 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Boise, 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.