A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chimney Rock and Lake Lure vs. South Lake Tahoe for Nightlife, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or South Lake Tahoe?

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 South Lake Tahoe 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 peaceful, active, and beautiful recreation area. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking.

South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a idyllic, scenic, and breathtaking town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include skiing, nightlife, and food.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and South Lake Tahoe: 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 walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in South Lake Tahoe. Although Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and South Lake Tahoe are both popular with visitors, South Lake Tahoe has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is popular for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. South Lake Tahoe is popular for its casino resorts, ski resorts, and beautiful setting. It is also home to the Heavenly Gondola.

How is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure different from South Lake Tahoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between South Lake Tahoe and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or South Lake Tahoe Better for Skiing?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a skiing destination.

South Lake Tahoe is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. There are three ski resorts in the area. Heavenly Mountain Resort is the largest, but if you're looking for something smaller, head to Kirkwood, which is tucked away and less well known. There's also Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, which is popular with groups and families because it caters to a range of skill levels.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or South Lake Tahoe?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
South Lake Tahoe

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or South Lake Tahoe.

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.

While most people don't head to South Lake Tahoe specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time exploring the area's nature, but you can also stop by Tallac Historic Site or the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe area. While most resorts have their own restaurants, there are a number of options around town that specialize in "alpine comfort cuisine", which is worth sampling. You'll also find plenty of cafes that serve up a hearty breakfast - the perfect way to start an active day.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Nightlife?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for nightlife.

South Lake Tahoe has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The resort town has plenty of nightclubs, bars, and music venues. There are outdoor options when the weather is warm as well as indoor settings for cooler weather. You'll also find casinos and live shows.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Resorts?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a great destination for its resorts. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

In South Lake Tahoe, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. It's a resort town, so there are plenty of options to choose from, many with pools, spas, or casinos.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or South Lake Tahoe Better for Hiking?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is an amazing town to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around South Lake Tahoe visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are miles of beautiful hikes in the area that follow the lake's shore or explore the diverse terrain. Skyline Trail Hike is a favorite. It is accessible by lift and offers spectacular views. For a relaxing stroll check out Fallen Leaf Lake Hike.

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 South Lake Tahoe?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a 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 South Lake Tahoe to go shopping. Most of the shopping involves retailers selling ski gear or outdoor equipment. There are also clothing shops, gift stores, and some art galleries.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Families?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is an amazing 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.

South Lake Tahoe is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Kids will love the outdoor adventures that the area is filled with. There are gondolas, lakefront beaches, adventure parks, and tubing. There are also miles of hiking trails and a beautiful setting that even the young ones will appreciate.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Couples?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

South Lake Tahoe is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's beautiful setting and wide variety of adventurous activities make this the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. The lake has hidden coves and nearby hiking trails. There are also hot springs, gondolas, and carriage rides. You can go hiking when the weather is warm or skiing when the weather is cold.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great recreation area if you're traveling as 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.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
South Lake Tahoe

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, South Lake Tahoe is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

South Lake Tahoe is a good recreation area to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in the area and the skiing and hiking attracts the backpacker crowd.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a 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 South Lake Tahoe. While there are some shuttles and buses, if you really want to explore the area, you'll need your own car.

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 South Lake Tahoe a more walkable city?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe 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.

South Lake Tahoe is a very walkable destination. Once you get to town, the area is very walkable.

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 South Lake Tahoe Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or South Lake Tahoe?

In either Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or South Lake Tahoe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in South Lake Tahoe than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, and 3-5 days is enough time in South Lake Tahoe.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe.


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

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or South Lake Tahoe?

You'll find around the beautiful destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This recreation area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In South Lake Tahoe, many people enjoy the shopping and skiing that this idyllic destination offers. 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 South Lake Tahoe?

You'll find around the active recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. If you have a weekend, this recreation area makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In South Lake Tahoe, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this beautiful 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 South Lake Tahoe?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

In South Lake Tahoe, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this idyllic destination offers. 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 town offers something for everyone.

A week in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or South Lake Tahoe?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful town of South Lake Tahoe. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


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, South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe is $118. 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 South Lake Tahoe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
    South Lake Tahoe $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    South Lake Tahoe $108
Compare Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and South Lake Tahoe

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


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: South Lake Tahoe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
    South Lake Tahoe $24

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

Prices for flights to both South Lake Tahoe 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
    South Lake Tahoe $38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
    South Lake Tahoe $56

Tours and Activities in South Lake Tahoe

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for South Lake Tahoe are as follows:

  • Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Audio Tour From Tahoe City to Incline Village: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Driving Tour from Lake Tahoe to Virginia City: $12
  • Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoe City: $12
  • Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour From Incline Village to South Lake Tahoe: $12
  • Lake Tahoe: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Tallac Historic Site Pope House Tour: $16
  • Ultimate Lake Tahoe Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Tallac Historic Site Grand Estates Tour: $20
  • Lake Tahoe: Self-Guided Driving Tour: $25
  • Guided Tour of Historic Virginia City and Carson City from South Lake Tahoe: $70
  • Sunset Kayak Experience in Lake Tahoe: $75
  • Introductory Snowshoe Shared Experience: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
    South Lake Tahoe $34

Sample the Local Flavors in South Lake Tahoe

Also in South Lake Tahoe, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Sunset Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise: $150


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

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 South Lake Tahoe Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or South Lake Tahoe?

South Lake Tahoe has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and South Lake Tahoe, 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.