A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Winston-Salem vs. Adirondack Mountains for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains? 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.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a pristine, scenic, and serene region. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Winston-Salem and Adirondack Mountains: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Adirondack Mountains. Although Winston-Salem and Adirondack Mountains are both popular with visitors, Adirondack Mountains has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Adirondack Mountains is more popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Winston-Salem is known for its historical sights. Adirondack Mountains is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. It is also home to Whiteface Mountain. Winston-Salem is popular for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Adirondack Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Adirondack Mountains and Winston-Salem. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains Better for Skiing?

Winston-Salem
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Winston-Salem is not a skiing destination.

Head to Adirondack Mountains for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Winston-Salem is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains?

Winston-Salem
Adirondack Mountains

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Winston-Salem. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

Adirondack Mountains is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

Is the Food Better in Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
Adirondack Mountains

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Winston-Salem and Adirondack Mountains.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Winston-Salem area. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Adirondack Mountains. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Is Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Adirondack Mountains

Evening events are good in both Winston-Salem and Adirondack Mountains.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.


Is Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains Better for Resorts?

Winston-Salem
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is notable for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Adirondack Mountains is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Is Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
Adirondack Mountains

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its old town. However, Adirondack Mountains does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Winston-Salem to see the old town. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Adirondack Mountains does not have a historic old town.

Is Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains Better for Hiking?

Winston-Salem
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains?

Winston-Salem
Adirondack Mountains

Both Winston-Salem and Adirondack Mountains are good shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to go shopping. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Adirondack Mountains. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

Is Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Adirondack Mountains is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly city. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.


Is Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Winston-Salem
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is notable for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular region for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.

Is Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Adirondack Mountains

Winston-Salem is a popular place for students. However, Adirondack Mountains is not popular with students.

Winston-Salem is a good city to visit for students. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Adirondack Mountains is not popular with students.

Is Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Winston-Salem
Adirondack Mountains

Winston-Salem is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

Public transit is quite limited in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.


Is Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Adirondack Mountains

Winston-Salem is a moderate city for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

Winston-Salem is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable city. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Adirondack Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Adirondack Mountains or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains?

Both Winston-Salem and Adirondack Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than in Winston-Salem. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 3-7 days is enough time in Adirondack Mountains.

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

Couples should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than Winston-Salem. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Adirondack Mountains that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than Winston-Salem 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 Adirondack Mountains.


  • How many days in Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Winston-Salem 1-2 
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7

One day in Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Winston-Salem. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Winston-Salem has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the serene destination of Adirondack Mountains. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains?

Winston-Salem is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adirondack Mountains. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


Five days in Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains?

Many people visit Winston-Salem for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Winston-Salem. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the serene destination of Adirondack Mountains. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains?

The welcoming destination of Winston-Salem offers nightlife and food. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful region of Adirondack Mountains. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Adirondack Mountains or Winston-Salem?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Winston-Salem is $150, while the average daily cost in Adirondack Mountains is $166. 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 Winston-Salem and Adirondack Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Adirondack Mountains $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Adirondack Mountains $194
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Adirondack Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains? 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 Winston-Salem


Hotels in Adirondack Mountains


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: Winston-Salem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Adirondack Mountains $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Adirondack Mountains and Winston-Salem 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
    Winston-Salem $42
    Adirondack Mountains $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Adirondack Mountains $17

Tours and Activities in Winston-Salem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Winston-Salem are as follows:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winston-Salem by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Adirondack Mountains $19


When comparing the travel costs between Winston-Salem and Adirondack Mountains, we can see that Adirondack Mountains 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 Winston-Salem Expensive? and Is Adirondack Mountains Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains?

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 Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains in the Summer?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Adirondack Mountains this time of year.

In July, Winston-Salem is generally a little warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 81°F (27°C), and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Adirondack Mountains. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Adirondack Mountains during summer. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Adirondack Mountains receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Winston-Salem. In July, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Adirondack Mountains. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Winston-Salem during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Winston-Salem is much warmer than Adirondack Mountains in the autumn. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. In the autumn, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adirondack Mountains receives 144 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Adirondack Mountains. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Adirondack Mountains. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Adirondack Mountains in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Adirondack Mountains can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Winston-Salem. In the winter, Winston-Salem is much warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Typically, the winter temperatures in Winston-Salem in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Adirondack Mountains averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains during winter. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Adirondack Mountains receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Adirondack Mountains. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Adirondack Mountains in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Adirondack Mountains. Also, most visitors come to Adirondack Mountains for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 61°F (16°C), and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adirondack Mountains. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In the spring, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adirondack Mountains receives 210 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Adirondack Mountains. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 46°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Adirondack Mountains and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Adirondack Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)