A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Louis vs. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saint Louis or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint Louis and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Saint Louis and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Louis than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Louis is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. Saint Louis is well known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. Also, Saint Louis is famous for the Gateway Arch.

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

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

Saint Louis is an amazing 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 Saint Louis on the map. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

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 Saint Louis or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Louis is a city 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 Saint Louis area. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

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 Saint Louis or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Nightlife?

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

Saint Louis has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

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

Is Saint Louis or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Hiking?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

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

Saint Louis is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and 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 Saint Louis or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Families?

Both Saint Louis and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are very good family-friendly destinations.

Saint Louis is a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

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 Saint Louis or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Couples?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is well known for romance. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Saint Louis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is well known for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known 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.

Saint Louis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of affordable motels around town but no real hostels.

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

Saint Louis is a great destination 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Saint Louis. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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

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

Saint Louis is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its walkability.

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a very walkable 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 Saint Louis Worth Visiting? and Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint Louis or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Louis and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. In our opinion, Saint Louis has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Saint Louis than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis.

One day in Saint Louis or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Saint Louis, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this unexpected destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the peaceful recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this recreation area has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Saint Louis or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Saint Louis, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the active destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This recreation area offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Louis or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Saint Louis. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

The beautiful recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers . 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Saint Louis or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Saint Louis. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 1930 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis 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.