A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Blue Ridge for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge?

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 Saint Petersburg and Blue Ridge can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a outdoorsy, historic, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Saint Petersburg and Blue Ridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Petersburg. Although Saint Petersburg and Blue Ridge are both popular with visitors, Saint Petersburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Petersburg is more popular for its museums, resorts, and beaches, while Blue Ridge is known for its hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also home to St. Pete Beach. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Blue Ridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge?

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Saint Petersburg. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

Is the Food Better in Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Saint Petersburg and Blue Ridge.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Saint Petersburg. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Is Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Saint Petersburg and Blue Ridge.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is an amazing coastal city to visit for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Saint Petersburg offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is great for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge?

Blue Ridge is great for shopping. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Saint Petersburg offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Is Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Blue Ridge is a very kid-friendly coastal city. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Is Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge Better for Couples?

Both Saint Petersburg and Blue Ridge are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Blue Ridge is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Is Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Blue Ridge is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Petersburg is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge is very good for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Blue Ridge is somewhat walkable. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting? and Is Blue Ridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Blue Ridge or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge?

In either Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than Saint Petersburg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 2-5 days is enough time in Blue Ridge.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Saint Petersburg 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 Blue Ridge.

One day in Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge?

With museums and nightlife around the underrated coastal city of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this town 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.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge?

Saint Petersburg, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Blue Ridge is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Blue Ridge 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Blue Ridge, 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.

When is the best time to visit Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Blue Ridge. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Blue Ridge in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Blue Ridge during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Blue Ridge receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Petersburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Blue Ridge. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Blue Ridge. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Blue Ridge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Blue Ridge averages at about 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Blue Ridge. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Blue Ridge receives 211 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Blue Ridge. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge in the Winter?

Both Blue Ridge and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year.

It's quite cold in Blue Ridge in the winter. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Blue Ridge. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 59°F (15°C), and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Blue Ridge during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Blue Ridge receives 145 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Blue Ridge. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Blue Ridge in the Spring?

Both Blue Ridge and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Blue Ridge in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Blue Ridge. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Blue Ridge receives 243 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Blue Ridge. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Typical Weather for Blue Ridge and Saint Petersburg