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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Pocono Mountains?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Pocono 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.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a scenic, beautiful, and magnificent region. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Winston-Salem and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pocono Mountains. Although Winston-Salem and Pocono Mountains are both popular with visitors, Pocono Mountains has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pocono Mountains is more popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Winston-Salem is known for its nightlife and historical sights. Pocono Mountains is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. It is also home to Bushkill Falls. Winston-Salem is popular for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Winston-Salem or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is notable for snow skiing. However, Winston-Salem is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Winston-Salem is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Pocono Mountains is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Winston-Salem and Pocono 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 Pocono Mountains. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Is Winston-Salem or Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

Is Winston-Salem or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

Pocono Mountains is a popular place for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Pocono Mountains has a few great resort options. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

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

Winston-Salem is a city with good options for its old town. However, Pocono 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.

Pocono Mountains does not have a historic old town.

Is Winston-Salem or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

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

Pocono Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

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

Both Winston-Salem and Pocono 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 Pocono Mountains. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Is Winston-Salem or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Pocono 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.

Pocono Mountains is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

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

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Pocono Mountains is a very popular region for backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Students?

Winston-Salem is a city with good options for students. However, Pocono 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.

Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.

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

Both Winston-Salem and Pocono Mountains offer decent public transit options.

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 mostly limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

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

Winston-Salem and Pocono Mountains both are decent when exploring on foot.

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.

Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable city. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

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

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

How long in Winston-Salem or Pocono Mountains?

Both Winston-Salem and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono 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 Pocono Mountains.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono 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 Pocono Mountains.

One day in Winston-Salem or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find food and shopping around the welcoming destination of Winston-Salem. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Pocono Mountains. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Pocono Mountains?

You'll find shopping and museums around the friendly city of Winston-Salem. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pocono 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 Pocono Mountains?

Winston-Salem is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Pocono Mountains. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Pocono Mountains?

Winston-Salem is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the region of Pocono Mountains. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

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

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 Pocono Mountains Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Pocono Mountains?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Pocono Mountains, 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 Winston-Salem or Pocono 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 Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

Both Pocono Mountains and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Winston-Salem is generally a little warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 81°F (27°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Pocono 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 Pocono Mountains during summer. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. It's quite rainy in Winston-Salem. In July, Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pocono Mountains. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Pocono Mountains and Winston-Salem during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Winston-Salem for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains in the autumn. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. In the autumn, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Winston-Salem gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in October than Pocono Mountains. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Pocono Mountains. The winter months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

It's quite cold in Pocono Mountains in the winter. The weather in Winston-Salem can be very cold. In the winter, Winston-Salem is much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the winter temperatures in Winston-Salem in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during winter. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pocono Mountains. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Pocono Mountains. Also, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the natural beauty.

In April, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 61°F (16°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pocono 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 Pocono Mountains. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem usually gets less rain in April than Pocono Mountains. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Winston-Salem