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

Should you visit Pensacola 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 Pensacola and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a entertaining, fun-filled, and active beach town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

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.

Pensacola and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers
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


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pensacola. Although Pensacola and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are both popular with visitors, Pensacola has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pensacola is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Pensacola is more touristy than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and is known for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. It is also home to Gulf Islands National Seashore. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is popular for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities.

How is Pensacola 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 Pensacola. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Pensacola
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Pensacola is a beach town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pensacola. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's 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 the Food Better in Pensacola or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pensacola
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Pensacola is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Pensacola is an experience not to be missed. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

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 Pensacola or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Nightlife?

Pensacola
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

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

Pensacola has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

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

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

Pensacola
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

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

In Pensacola, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.


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

Pensacola
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

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

Pensacola is considered to be a world-class beach destination. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

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

Pensacola
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its hiking trails.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Pensacola. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

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

Pensacola
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Pensacola is a beach 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 Pensacola to go shopping. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir 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 Pensacola or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Families?

Pensacola
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

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

Pensacola is a very kid-friendly beach town. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 Pensacola or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Couples?

Pensacola
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

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

Pensacola is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

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.

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

Pensacola
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is notable for backpackers. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town 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.

Pensacola is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few budget-friendly places to stay, particularly away from the beach.


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

Pensacola
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Neither Pensacola or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

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

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

Pensacola
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Pensacola is a beach 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.

Pensacola is generally not very walkable. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

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

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

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

How long in Pensacola or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Pensacola or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Pensacola, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this entertaining destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chimney Rock and Lake Lure has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Pensacola or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Pensacola, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this 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.

You'll find around the beautiful destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this recreation area has to offer. This recreation area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Pensacola or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Pensacola, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this active destination offers. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This beach town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the peaceful recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Pensacola or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Pensacola, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beach town offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pensacola is $198, 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 Pensacola and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pensacola $115
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pensacola $230
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
Compare Hotels in Pensacola and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Looking for a hotel in Pensacola 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 Pensacola


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: Pensacola Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pensacola $64
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pensacola

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pensacola:

  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $142
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Pensacola to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $55

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

Prices for flights to both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Pensacola 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
    Pensacola $48
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $52
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola

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

  • Seville Stroll Food Tour: $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pensacola $13
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Public Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Cruise, Pensacola FL: $30
  • Penscola Most Haunted: Ghost Tour and Scavenger Hunt: $30
  • Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $34
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola : $35
  • Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $37
  • Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour: $39
  • Pensacola Shared Trolley Ghost and Mystery Tour: $45
  • Seville Haunted Luncheon and Ghost Tour: $50
  • Land Paddle Tour in Pensacola: $50
  • Seville Quarter Haunted Ghost Tour, Investigation, and Luncheon: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pensacola $44
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola

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

  • Walking Pub Tour : $21


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


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

Pensacola has a larger population, and is about 340 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola 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.