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

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Mystic?

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 Mystic 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. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Mystic

Mystic is a laid back, charming, and quaint town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Mystic: 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
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mystic than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mystic is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is well known for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. Mystic is well known for its New England charm and local character. Also, Mystic is famous for the Mystic Seaport Museum.

How is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Mystic

Mystic 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 Mystic. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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 Mystic? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Mystic

Mystic is a 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 Mystic area. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

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 Mystic Better for Nightlife?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Mystic

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

Mystic has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

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 Mystic Better for Beaches?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Mystic

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

The beaches at Mystic attract visitors from all over. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Mystic

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Mystic

Mystic 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 Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

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 Mystic Better for Families?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Mystic

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Mystic are very good 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.

Mystic is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Mystic

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Mystic

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Mystic

Neither Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Mystic 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 Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Mystic

Mystic is a 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.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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 Mystic Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Mystic?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Mystic. In our opinion, Mystic has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Mystic than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, and 2-3 days is enough time in Mystic.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mystic 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 Mystic.


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

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Mystic?

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 Mystic, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this quaint 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 Mystic?

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 Mystic, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this 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 Mystic?

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 Mystic. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This town offers something for everyone.

A week in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Mystic?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the peaceful 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 town of Mystic. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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, Mystic 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 Mystic is $210. 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 Mystic in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
    Mystic $125
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Mystic $250
Compare Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Mystic

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


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: Mystic Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
    Mystic $56

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

Prices for flights to both Mystic 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
    Mystic $52

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
    Mystic $24

Tours and Activities in Mystic

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

  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $31
  • Moonlit Mystic Graveyard Ghost Tour: $35
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Downtown Mystic at Night: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
    Mystic $31

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100


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


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

Mystic has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Mystic, 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.