A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Blue Ridge for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Washington 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 Washington and Blue Ridge can help you decide which place is right for you.

Washington

Washington is a diverse, active, and monument-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

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.

Washington and Blue Ridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Washington or Blue Ridge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Washington. Although Washington and Blue Ridge are both popular with visitors, Washington has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Washington is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Blue Ridge is known for its hiking and small town charm. Washington is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is known for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. It is also home to The Washington Monument and the White House. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Washington different from Blue Ridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Washington from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

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 Washington or Blue Ridge Better for Theater?

Washington is a very popular place for theatre. However, Blue Ridge is not a theatre destination.

Washington offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Blue Ridge is not a theatre destination.

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

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Washington, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

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 Washington or Blue Ridge Better for Nightlife?

Washington is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Washington has a large number of nightlife venues. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Washington or Blue Ridge Better for Music?

Washington is a good destination for live music. However, Blue Ridge is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Blue Ridge is not a live music destination.

Is Washington or Blue Ridge Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is great for hiking. However, Washington is not a good destination for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Is the Shopping Better in Washington or Blue Ridge?

If you're looking to go shopping, Washington and Blue Ridge both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Blue Ridge is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Washington or Blue Ridge Better for Christmas?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Blue Ridge does not offer Christmas activities.

Washington offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Blue Ridge does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Washington or Blue Ridge Better for Families?

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

Washington is a very family-friendly destination. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

Blue Ridge is a very kid-friendly 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 Washington or Blue Ridge Better for Couples?

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

Washington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

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 Washington or Blue Ridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington 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.

Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.

Is Washington or Blue Ridge Better for Students?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

Washington is a very popular place to visit for students. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

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

Washington is an amazing city 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 in Washington is top-notch. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

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

Is Washington or Blue Ridge a more walkable city?

Washington is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Washington. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Blue Ridge or Washington?

How long in Washington or Blue Ridge?

In either Washington or Blue Ridge, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than Blue Ridge because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Washington, and 2-5 days is enough time in Blue Ridge.

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

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

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

One day in Washington or Blue Ridge?

When visiting Washington, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Washington or Blue Ridge?

When visiting Washington, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Washington or Blue Ridge?

Washington, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Blue Ridge, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Washington or Blue Ridge?

Washington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Blue Ridge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

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 Washington and Blue Ridge, we can see that Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive? and Is Blue Ridge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Washington or Blue Ridge?

Washington has a larger population, and is about 470 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington or Blue Ridge in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Blue Ridge. Many visitors come to Washington in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, 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.

Washington is around the same temperature as Blue Ridge in the summer. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 79°F (26°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 Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Blue Ridge during summer. Washington gets 278 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. In July, Washington usually receives less rain than Blue Ridge. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Washington or Blue Ridge in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Washington as well as Blue Ridge. Most visitors come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area 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, Washington is cooler than Blue Ridge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Washington in October average around 60°F (15°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. In the autumn, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Blue Ridge. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Blue Ridge receives 211 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Blue Ridge. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Washington or Blue Ridge in the Winter?

Both Blue Ridge and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Washington because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, 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. The weather in Washington can be very cold. In January, Washington is generally much colder than Blue Ridge. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 35°F (1°C), and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Blue Ridge during winter. Washington gets 139 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, Washington usually receives less rain than Blue Ridge. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Washington or Blue Ridge in the Spring?

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

Washington is cooler than Blue Ridge in the spring. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 56°F (14°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 Washington. In the spring, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Blue Ridge. Washington gets 228 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. Washington usually gets less rain in April than Blue Ridge. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Blue Ridge and Washington