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

Should you visit Savannah or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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

Should I visit Savannah or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Savannah

Savannah is a charming, scenic, and historic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, 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.

Savannah and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • 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 shopping
  • Less walkable


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Savannah than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Savannah is better known for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more popular for its nightlife and hiking. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more touristy than Savannah and is known for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. Savannah is well known for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District. Also, Savannah is famous for Forsyth Park.

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

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

Savannah
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Savannah is a great destination 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 a good number of museums and monuments packed into Savannah. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

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

Savannah
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Savannah 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 Savannah is an experience not to be missed. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

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 Savannah or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Nightlife?

Savannah
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a moderate recreation area for nightlife. However, Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Most people don't head to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

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

Savannah
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Savannah is a city with good options for the beach. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Savannah. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.


Is Savannah or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for its Old Town?

Savannah
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Savannah is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure does not have a historic old town.

Savannah is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure does not have a historic old town.

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

Savannah
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Savannah is not a hiking destination.

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.

Savannah is not a hiking destination.

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

Savannah
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Savannah 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 Savannah. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

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 Savannah or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Families?

Savannah
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Savannah is a family-friendly city. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Is Savannah or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Couples?

Savannah
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

With fun activities for couples, both Savannah and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure make for a excellent place to visit.

Savannah is a very popular place to visit for couples. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

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

Savannah
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Savannah is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.


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

Savannah
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

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

Savannah is popular with students. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.

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

Savannah
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Savannah is a city with a few 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

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

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

Savannah
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Savannah 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.

Savannah is a very walkable destination. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

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 Savannah Worth Visiting? and Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Savannah or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Savannah and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. In our opinion, Savannah has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Savannah 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 Savannah than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Savannah, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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


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

One day in Savannah or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Savannah, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Savannah or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Savannah, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this recreation area makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Savannah or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Savannah. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Savannah or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the city of Savannah. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This recreation area offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Savannah is $160, 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 Savannah and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Savannah $84
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Savannah $168
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
Compare Hotels in Savannah and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Looking for a hotel in Savannah 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 Savannah


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: Savannah Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Savannah $27
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Savannah

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Savannah:

  • Private Transfer from SAV to Hilton Head Island, SC : $222
  • Private Transfer from SAV to Savannah: $205
  • Private Transfer from Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Hilton Head Island, SC: $222
  • Private Transfer from Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah : $257
  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Hilton Head Island - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $179
  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $205
  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV): Private Transfer to Savannah: $432
  • Savannah to Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) - Departure Private Transfer: $103
  • African American History Walking Tour w/ Transfer: $64
  • Grave Encounters Tour with Guide and Transfers: $32

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

Prices for flights to both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Savannah 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
    Savannah $58
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Savannah

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

  • Grave Encounters Ghost Tour with Cellar and Dinner: $55
  • 2-Hour Southern Food Tour: $63
  • Savannah Southern Fried Expectations Walking Food Tour: $67
  • Savannah Ghost Trolley Tour with Dinner at the Pirate's House: $72
  • Savannah Riverboat Gospel Music Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Monday Gospel Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Savannah First Squares Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Savannah's Port City Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Famous and Secret East Side/Port City Food Tour: $82
  • 2 HR Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise with Onboard Entertainment: $91
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $91
  • Southern Traditions Dinner Tour: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Savannah $17
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Savannah

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


  • Pub Crawl
    $10

Tours and Activities in Savannah

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

  • Old Squares GPS Audio Guided Walking Tour: $5.50
  • Self-Guided 'Old Squares of Savannah' Solo Walking Tour: $7.50
  • Ghosts of Savannah Self-Guided Haunted Tour: $7.75
  • Savannah’s Historical District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Savannah Historical District: Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Chippewa Square to Forsyth Park: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Savannah: $7.99
  • Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in Savannah in 6 Languages: $9.00
  • Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in Savannah in 6 Languages: $9.00
  • Johnson Square to Independent Presbyterian: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Savannah: $9.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Savannah by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Skip the Line: General Admission Webb Military Museum Ticket: $10
  • Uncover Savannah's Haunted Secrets: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Savannah $34
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Savannah

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Savannah:

  • Epic Savannah Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • 90 Minute Historic Savannah Walking Haunted Bar Pub Crawl: $19
  • Captain Stoner's Haunted Dive Bar Crawl: $20
  • Captain Stoner Joe's Haunted Dive Bar Crawl in Historic Savannah: $20
  • Spanish Moss Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl: $20
  • Late Night Happy Hour Haunted Pub Crawl and Legendary Bar Tour: $22
  • Captain Stoner's Late Night Happy Hour Pub Crawl in Savannah: $22
  • Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl-Walking Tour Historic District: $25
  • Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Bloody Murder Savannah Pub Crawl: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Conjuring Cocktails Pub Crawl: $30


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Savannah Expensive? and Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive?.


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

Savannah has a larger population, and is about 790 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Savannah 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.