A Travel Price Comparison for North Carolina Chimney Rock and Lake Lure vs. Duck for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Duck?

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 Duck 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. It's also known for hiking.

Duck

Duck is a laid-back, traditional, and compact beach town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and food.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Duck: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Duck than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Duck is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more popular for its museums and hiking. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is well known for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. Duck is well known for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Also, Duck is famous for the wide sandy beach.

How is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure different from Duck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Duck

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a moderate recreation area for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There's a museum in Chimney Rock State Park, but most visitors spend their time taking advantage of the outdoor activities.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Duck

Duck is a beach town 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 Duck area. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

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 Duck Better for Nightlife?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Duck

It's hard to distinguish whether Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Duck 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.

Duck doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Duck Better for Resorts?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Duck

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

Duck has a few great resort options. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Duck Better for Beaches?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Duck

Duck is an amazing beach town to visit for the beach. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

Duck is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Duck

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its hiking trails.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular spot for hiking. 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 people include a hike when visiting Duck. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Duck

Duck is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

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 Duck Better for Families?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Duck

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Duck are excellent to visit with kids.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Duck is a very family-friendly destination. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Duck

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Duck are excellent 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.

Duck is a great recreation area if you're traveling as a couple. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Duck

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Duck is not a good beach town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Duck is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's an upscale town with many beach houses available for rent, and very little in the form of budget accommodation.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Duck

Duck is a beach town 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 Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

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 Duck a more walkable city?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Duck

Duck is an amazing beach 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 Duck on foot is easy. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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 Duck Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Duck?

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Duck have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Duck than in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, and 5-7 days is enough time in Duck.

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

Couples should spend more time in Duck than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Duck 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 Duck 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.


  • How many days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Duck? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 1-3 
    Duck 5-7

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Duck?

Visitors 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Duck?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Even though Duck is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Duck?

You'll find around the peaceful destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. This recreation area offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This beach town offers something for everyone.

A week in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Duck?

The beautiful recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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, Duck 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 Duck is $188. 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 Duck in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
    Duck $107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Duck $214
Compare Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Duck

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


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
    Duck $66

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

Prices for flights to both Duck 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
    Duck $45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
    Duck $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
    Duck $45


When comparing the travel costs between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Duck, we can see that Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive? and Is Duck Expensive?.


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

Duck has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Duck, 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.