A Travel Price Comparison for North Carolina Chimney Rock and Lake Lure vs. Durham for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Durham?

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 Durham 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. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Durham: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Although Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Durham 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 Durham attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more touristy than Durham and is known for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. It is also well known for Lake Lure Beach Park. Durham is famous for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure different from Durham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Durham is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Durham. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

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 Durham? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Durham is a city 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 Durham area. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

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 Durham Better for Nightlife?

Durham 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.

Durham has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

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 Durham Better for Hiking?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

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.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

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

Durham 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 Durham to go shopping. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

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 Durham Better for Families?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Durham is a family-friendly recreation area. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a well-known place for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

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

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very popular recreation area for backpackers and budget travelers. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

Durham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The student population means there are a number of parties and bars around town, but most backpackers overlook this city.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Durham Better for Students?

Durham is a great destination for students. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Durham. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.

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

Durham 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 Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

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 Durham a more walkable city?

Durham 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.

Durham is generally not very walkable. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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 Durham Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Durham?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Durham. In our opinion, Durham has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Durham than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 Durham. 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 Durham than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Durham that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Durham?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Durham, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this sports oriented 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 Durham?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Durham, many people enjoy the nightlife and food 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 Durham?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Durham. 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 Durham?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the active destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. This recreation area offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Durham. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

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 Durham Expensive?.

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

Durham has a larger population, and is about 1230 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Durham, 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.