A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

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. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

West Palm Beach and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Visitors will usually find more to do in West Palm Beach than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. West Palm Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more popular for its museums, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. West Palm Beach is well known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Also, West Palm Beach is famous for Rosemary Square. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is well known for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

West Palm Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is adequate for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

West Palm Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Both West Palm Beach and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offer respectable local cuisine and restaurants.

West Palm Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

West Palm Beach is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in West Palm Beach know how to have a good time. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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

Is West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for its resorts. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

West Palm Beach is a world class resort vacation destination. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.


Is West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

West Palm Beach is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

West Palm Beach is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for the beach. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

West Palm Beach is considered to be a world-class beach destination. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Hiking?

West Palm Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great recreation area for hiking. However, West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for the hiking trails. 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.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

West Palm Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is adequate for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Families?

West Palm Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Kids will enjoy a visit to either West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

West Palm Beach is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very kid-friendly beach area. 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 West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

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

West Palm Beach is a great beach area if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

West Palm Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great recreation area for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

West Palm Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

West Palm Beach is a beach area with good 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.

You'll find some public transit in West Palm Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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

Is West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

West Palm Beach is a beach area 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.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable beach area. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure than West Palm Beach 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.


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

One day in West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this vibrant 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.

The active destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling 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.

The recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this vibrant 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 area offers something for everyone.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This recreation area offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this beach area offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this beach area 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.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or West Palm Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in West Palm Beach is $330, 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 West Palm Beach and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    West Palm Beach $234
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    West Palm Beach $468
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
Compare Hotels in West Palm Beach and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Looking for a hotel in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach


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: West Palm Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    West Palm Beach $49
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in West Palm Beach

Also for West Palm Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer: Palm Beach Airport PBI to Palm Beach in Luxury SUV: $109
  • Departure Private Transfer: Palm Beach to Palm Beach Airport PBI in Business Car: $94
  • Departure Private Transfer: Palm Beach to Palm Beach Airport PBI in Luxury SUV: $108
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach Port - Arrival Transfer: $41
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - Arrival Private Transfer : $41
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $83
  • Palm Beach hotels to Cruise Port of Palm Beach - Departure Private Transfer : $41
  • Palm Beach to Palm Beach Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Prices for flights to both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and West Palm Beach 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
    West Palm Beach $66
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in West Palm Beach

For West Palm Beach, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour: $85
  • Downtown Food Tour: $85
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Food Tour of Historic West Palm Beach Neighborhoods: $101
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Historic Neighborhood Food Tour: $101

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    West Palm Beach $19
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34

Tours and Activities in West Palm Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for West Palm Beach.

  • 45-Minute Candy Evolution Tour with Guide: $13
  • Bulk Candy Store Tour: $13
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in West Palm Beach by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Sound Bath Meditation and Yoga Experience: Retail Therapy Gift for Women: $25
  • Flamingle Happy Hour Cruise: $40
  • Beginner Snorkel Tour With Videos in West Palm Beach: $49
  • Tour and Photoshoot along Beautiful Historic Worth Avenue: $49
  • Tour and Photoshoot along Beautiful Historic Worth Ave: $49
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures: $50
  • Scenic Sunset Cruise in West Palm Beach: $51
  • Historical Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise in Palm Beach: $51
  • Palm Beach: Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise: $54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    West Palm Beach $39
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21


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

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


Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 490 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach 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.