A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Naples vs. Roanoke for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Naples or Roanoke?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Naples and Roanoke 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.

Naples

Naples is a nature-filled, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a scenic, outdoorsy, and laid back town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Naples and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Naples or Roanoke?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples. Although Naples and Roanoke are popular destinations, Naples has more sights and attractions for tourists. Naples is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Roanoke attracts visitors for its hiking. Naples is more touristy than Roanoke and is known for its white sand, blue water, water sports, and golf resorts. It is also well known for Naples Pier and the miles of sandy beach. Roanoke is famous for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Naples different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Roanoke and Naples. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Naples or Roanoke?

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Roanoke and Naples.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Naples. While most visitors spend most of their time at the beach, on a rainy day you can check out the town's art museums, history museums, or local spots such as the Palm Cottage.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

Is the Food Better in Naples or Roanoke? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Naples is a great beach town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Naples has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood is a favorite around town, but you'll also find plenty of Italian food. Everything from casual to fine dining is available with many local favorites to choose from.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Naples or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Both Naples and Roanoke have nice vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Naples. There are live music venues, cocktail bars, and dance clubs around town.

Roanoke has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Naples or Roanoke Better for Resorts?

Naples is a great beach town for its luxury resorts. However, Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Naples is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels, and a range of prices to choose from. Most have pools and many have oceanfront views with golf facilities available. Many of the major brands such as Marriott are found here.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Is Naples or Roanoke Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Naples is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Roanoke is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Naples has a few good snorkeling spots. Snorkeling and scuba diving are both available in the area, in part because of the impressive artificial reefs that have been constructed. Snorkeling is available at Tigertail Beach, Clam Pass, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.

Roanoke is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Naples or Roanoke Better for Beaches?

Naples is renowned for the beach. However, Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Naples. White sand beaches and calm Gulf waters make this an ideal beach destination. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a favorite beach spot in the area, but you should also check out Naples Municipal Beach which is where you'll find the Naples Pier. If you want a more natural setting, head to Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Naples or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Roanoke. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Naples offers some nice hiking trails. The area is filled with state parks and nature reserves where you can explore and enjoy a scenic hike. There are also greenways and coastal paths nearby.

Is the Shopping Better in Naples or Roanoke?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Naples and Roanoke.

Naples has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shopping centers, outlet malls, and plenty of retail space around town. Some of the favorite shopping spots are the Mercato, Coastland Center, and Waterside Shops. For souvenirs and beach items head to Tin City Waterfront Shops.

Roanoke is a great destination for shopping. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Naples or Roanoke Better for Families?

Naples is a great beach town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Naples. You'll find relaxing beaches, nice parks, plenty of playgrounds, and even the Golisano Childrens Museum for rainy days. There are also nature centers with great walks as well as gardens and wildlife viewpoints.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Naples or Roanoke Better for Couples?

Both Naples and Roanoke are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Naples makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches and relaxing spas make this a favorite couples destination. Golf, high end restaurants and plenty of romantic activities will ensure you have the anniversary trip or honeymoon to remember.

Couples visit Roanoke frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Is Naples or Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples and Roanoke are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Naples is a good beach town to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel or two in the area as well as cheaper accommodation than other parts of Florida.

Plenty of backpackers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Is Naples or Roanoke Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Naples and Roanoke.

Public transit is mostly limited in Naples. There's a trolley system as well as a public bus system.

Public transit is generally limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Naples or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Naples is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its walkability.

Naples is a somewhat walkable beach town. The downtown area is relatively walkable, but to fully explore the region you'll need your own car.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

For even more information, also check out Is Naples Worth Visiting? and Is Roanoke Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Naples?

How long in Naples or Roanoke?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Naples and Roanoke. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Naples than in Roanoke. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Naples, and 1-3 days is enough time in Roanoke.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Naples than Roanoke 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 Naples.

One day in Naples or Roanoke?

In Naples, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This beach town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Roanoke. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Naples or Roanoke?

In Naples, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Naples has to offer.

Roanoke 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.

Five days in Naples or Roanoke?

Naples is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Naples has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Roanoke. 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.

A week in Naples or Roanoke?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Naples. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Naples. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Roanoke. This town 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Naples and Roanoke, we can see that Naples is more expensive. And not only is Roanoke much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Roanoke would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Roanoke 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 Naples would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Naples than you might in Roanoke.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Naples Expensive? and Is Roanoke Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Naples or Roanoke?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Naples. When comparing the sizes of Naples and Roanoke, 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.