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

Should you visit Miami or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Miami and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a bustling, high energy, and glamorous beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

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. It's also known for hiking.

Miami and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Miami than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Miami is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Miami is more touristy than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and is known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is well known for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities.

How is Miami different from Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Miami
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Miami
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Miami is an amazing beach 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 Miami have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Nightlife?

Miami
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

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

Miami has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Is Miami or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Music?

Miami
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its music scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a live music destination.

In Miami you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

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


Is Miami or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Resorts?

Miami
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its resorts. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

Miami is a world class resort vacation destination. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

Is Miami or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Beaches?

Miami
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for the beach. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

Miami is considered to be a world-class beach destination. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

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

Miami
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Miami is not a hiking destination.


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

Miami
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

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

Miami is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

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 Miami or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Families?

Miami
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Miami or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

Miami is a very family-friendly place to visit. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is very family-friendly. 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 Miami or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Couples?

Miami
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Both Miami and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Miami frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great beach city 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 Miami or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is well known for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

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

Miami
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Miami is a beach city with good options for students. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.

Miami is popular with students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.

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

Miami
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Miami is a beach city with good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Miami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Public transit is quite limited in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There is limited public transit in the area.


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

Miami
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Miami 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.

Miami is a very walkable destination. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a very walkable beach city. The trails and parks in the region are spread out and require a car to access.

For even more information, also check out Is Miami Worth Visiting? and Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Miami or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Miami and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure than in Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 1-3 days is enough time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

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

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

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


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

One day in Miami or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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

In Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, many people enjoy the that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This recreation area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Miami or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

The big city destination of Miami offers nightlife and live music. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Miami or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Miami. 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 beach city offers something for everyone.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Miami or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beach city of Miami. 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.

You'll find around the peaceful destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Miami?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $206, while the average daily cost in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is $196. 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 Miami and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $132
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $264
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
Compare Hotels in Miami and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

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


Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure


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: Miami Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $38
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:


  • Car Rental for a Day
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:

  • Miami Airport and Port of Miami transfers, Limo Service in Miami: $120
  • All Inclusive Miami Pass with Airport Transfer: $119
  • Door to Door Shuttle Transfer from Miami to Orlando: $80
  • Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Experience with roundtrip transfer: $59
  • Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Ride with Roundtrip Transfer: $70
  • Everglades National Park & Airboat tour with Roundtrip Transfer: $70
  • From Miami - Private Transfer from Miami Hotels to Airport: $265
  • From Miami Airport - Private Transfer to Hotels and Homes: $265
  • From Miami Beach: Roundtrip Bimini Ferry and Hotel Transfers: $289
  • From Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer: $55
  • From Everglades Wildlife Show, Airboat & Bus Transfer: $40
  • MIA: Transfer to Miami Beach, Aventura, Coral Gables: $150

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

Prices for flights to both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Miami 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
    Miami $41
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $52
Typical Food Prices in Miami

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:


  • Lunch with Drinks (for 2)
    $45
  • David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.

  • Little Havana- Family Friendly Walking Food Tour : $52
  • Little Havana Ultimate Food Tour : $64
  • The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $64
  • A Taste of South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • Taste of Little Havana Food Tour in Miami with Cuban Street Food: $75
  • Food Tour of Miami's South Beach: $79
  • Mango's Dinner and Show Ticket: $98
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
  • Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100
  • Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $124
  • 3 Hour Regional Indian Cooking Class and Dining Experience in Miami: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Miami $31
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34

Tours and Activities in Miami

Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Haunted a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour : $5.97
  • Little Havana Smartphone guided Audio App Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Miami Marlins Baseball Game Ticket at loandepot Park: $7.19
  • Haunted Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $7.31
  • Miami Beach: Self-Guided Walking Tour With Audio Guide: $7.31
  • Sights of Downtown a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Private Sightseeing Audio Walking Tour in Miami Beach: $7.99
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Miami: $8.72
  • Miami Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Big Cypress National Preserve Audio Tour Guide: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Little Havana: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Miami by Wacky Walks: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $22
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Miami

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:

  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Small-Group Brewery Golf Cart Tour of Wynwood with a Local Guide: $59
  • Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Bar Crawl: $100


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


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

Miami has a larger population, and is about 2310 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Miami and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, 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.