A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chimney Rock and Lake Lure vs. Hilton Head Island for Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Hilton Head Island?

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 Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a resort-filled, family-friendly, and relaxing coastal town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Hilton Head Island: 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
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


Is there more to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Hilton Head Island?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Although Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Hilton Head Island 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 museums, nightlife, and hiking, while Hilton Head Island attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is famous for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. It is also well known for Lake Lure Beach Park. Hilton Head Island is famous for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails.

How is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure different from Hilton Head Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Hilton Head Island

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a coastal 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 Hilton Head Island area. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

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 Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Hilton Head Island

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for its resorts. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

In Hilton Head Island, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for the beach. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Hilton Head Island attract visitors from all over. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Hilton Head Island Better for Hiking?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Hilton Head Island

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Hilton Head Island?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a coastal 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 Hilton Head Island to go shopping. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

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 Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is an amazing coastal 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.

Hilton Head Island is an extremely popular coastal town to visit for families. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

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 Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Hilton Head Island

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very popular place for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Hilton Head Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Hilton Head Island

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Hilton Head Island

Neither Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a coastal town 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.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

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 Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Hilton Head Island?

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Hilton Head Island have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island.

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

Couples should spend more time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure than Hilton Head Island. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure that are great 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 1-3 
    Hilton Head Island 5-7

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting 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. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this resort-filled destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Hilton Head Island?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the when visiting the beautiful recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Hilton Head Island?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days 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.

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this relaxing destination offers. 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 coastal town offers something for everyone.

A week in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Hilton Head Island?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this coastal town offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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, Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island is $212. 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 Hilton Head Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
    Hilton Head Island $129
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Hilton Head Island $258
Compare Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Hilton Head Island

Looking for a hotel in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Hilton Head Island? 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 Hilton Head Island


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: Hilton Head Island Hotel Prices.

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Hilton Head Island?

Prices for flights to both Hilton Head Island 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
    Hilton Head Island $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilton Head Island

For Hilton Head Island, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $70
  • Sunset Hibachi Dinner Cruise : $102
  • Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
    Hilton Head Island $23

Tours and Activities in Hilton Head Island

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

  • Kazoo Factory Tour & Museum : $15
  • Beaufort Ghost Walking Tours : $22
  • Tybee Island Ghost Tour: $30
  • Walking Tour in Beaufort: $30
  • Historic Tour of Tybee Island: $30
  • Historic Walking Tour of Tybee Island: $30
  • Complete History and Movie Walking Tour of Beaufort: $30
  • History and Movie Tour of Beaufort by Golf Cart: $32
  • Beaufort City Minibus Tour: $35
  • 90-Minute Dolphin & Nature Tour: $35
  • #1 Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Tour: $35
  • Beaufort’s #1 Horse & Carriage History Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
    Hilton Head Island $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Hilton Head Island

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hilton Head Island:

  • Hilton Head's ONLY Distillery Experience: $55


When comparing the travel costs between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Hilton Head Island?

Hilton Head Island has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Hilton Head Island, 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.