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

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco 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.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a one-of-a-kind, scenic, and beautiful coastal city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, theater, and nightlife.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and San Francisco: 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 food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Golden Gate Bridge


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Francisco. Although Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and San Francisco are popular destinations, San Francisco has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Francisco is more touristy than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also well known for The Golden Gate Bridge. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is famous for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities.

How is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit 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 many recognizable landmarks that put San Francisco on the map. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or San Francisco Better for Theater?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
San Francisco

San Francisco is a coastal city with good options for its shows and theatre. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a theatre destination.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in San Francisco have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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 San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
San Francisco

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

San Francisco has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

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 San Francisco Better for Music?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
San Francisco

San Francisco is a coastal city with good options for its music scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a live music destination.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
San Francisco

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

The beaches at San Francisco attract visitors from all over. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around San Francisco visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Many visitors go to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for the hiking trails. 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.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for shopping.

San Francisco is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

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 San Francisco Better for Families?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city 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.

San Francisco is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 San Francisco Better for Couples?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
San Francisco

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and San Francisco are high quality 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.

San Francisco is a great recreation area if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
San Francisco

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and San Francisco are high quality places to visit 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.

San Francisco is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or San Francisco Better for Students?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
San Francisco

San Francisco 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 San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit 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 in San Francisco is top-notch. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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 San Francisco a more walkable city?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
San Francisco

San Francisco is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its walkability.

San Francisco is a very walkable destination. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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 San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or San Francisco?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.


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

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Each neighborhood in San Francisco has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 San Francisco?

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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Each neighborhood in San Francisco has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 San Francisco?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the active destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This recreation area offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Each neighborhood in San Francisco has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

A week in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or San Francisco?

You'll find around the recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Each neighborhood in San Francisco has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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, San Francisco 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 San Francisco is $222. 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 San Francisco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
    San Francisco $130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and San Francisco

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


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: San Francisco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
    San Francisco $16

Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:


  • Taxi to SFO
    $45
  • Golden Gate Bridge Toll
    $6.00
  • Alcatraz Tour
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco

Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer SFO Airport to San Francisco City by SUV: $245
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport SFO to San Francisco in Business Car: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport SFO to San Francisco in Luxury Car: $169
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport SFO to San Francisco in Luxury SUV: $141
  • Carmel 1-Way Transfer to/from San Francisco Airport: $535
  • Departure Private Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport by Sedan: $152
  • Departure Private Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport in a SUV: $203
  • Departure Private Transfer: San Francisco to Airport SFO in Business Car: $108
  • Napa Valley 1-Way Transfer to/from the San Francisco Airport: $400
  • Private Airport Transfer From SFO to Sonoma (One-way): $280
  • Private Airport Transfer from SFO to San Francisco (One-way): $110
  • Private Airport Transfer: San Francisco to SF International Airport (SFO): $107

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

Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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
    San Francisco $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco

For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $79
  • Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay: $82
  • Secret Food Tours San Francisco: $83
  • Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $85
  • Farmers' Market & Ferry Building Food Tour: $87
  • San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89
  • Mission District Food Tour: $89
  • Mission District Walking Food Tour: $89
  • Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $89
  • San Francisco North Beach Food Tour: $89
  • San Francisco Food Tour: Ferry Building and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: $90
  • Secret Food Tour of North Beach and Chinatown: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
    San Francisco $46

Tours and Activities in San Francisco

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.

  • Golden Gate Bridge: Self-guided Tour App - Audio + Written: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Golden Gate Bridge Bike or Walking App Tour: $5.00
  • San Francisco’s Chinatown on foot: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Embarcadero Self-Guided Audio Smartphone Tour: $5.99
  • Leave your heart at the Wharf: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • San Francisco self-guided tour App - multilingual AudioGuide: $6.42
  • Ghosts & Hauntings Audio App Walking Tour: $6.99
  • The Ghosts of San Francisco Haunted Audio App Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Japantown & Stories: $6.99
  • The Secrets of Golden Gate Park: A San Francisco Chronicle Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
  • San Francisco's Castro Neighborhood: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Secrets of Golden Gate Park Audio Tour: $7.99

For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
    San Francisco $22

Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:

  • Chinatown San Francisco’s Bar Crawl: An Audio Tour: $4.99
  • San Francisco Bar Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $27
  • SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $27
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Sunset Distillery with Local Whiskey or Cocktail Tasting: $40
  • 2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco: $49
  • Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
  • Private Wine Tour Napa or Sonoma from $99 per person up to 7 & Concierge Service: $99
  • The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $109
  • Small Group: The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $109
  • Big Bus Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour: $125
  • Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings: $126


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


Which is Bigger, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 4410 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and San Francisco, 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.