A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Atlantic City for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Atlantic City?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Blue Ridge and Atlantic City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a charming, outdoorsy, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Blue Ridge is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a flashy, party-oriented, and colorful city. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Blue Ridge and Atlantic City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Atlantic City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atlantic City. Although Blue Ridge and Atlantic City are both popular with visitors, Atlantic City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Atlantic City is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Blue Ridge is known for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Atlantic City is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality It is also home to Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Blue Ridge different from Atlantic City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the decent sights and museums in either Blue Ridge or Atlantic City.

While most people don't head to Blue Ridge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Atlantic City offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

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

Blue Ridge is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Blue Ridge makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Atlantic City Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Atlantic City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

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 Blue Ridge or Atlantic City Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Atlantic City to choose from. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Atlantic City Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a good destination for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City offers a nice beach destination. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Atlantic City Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Blue Ridge. 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.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Atlantic City?

Blue Ridge is well known for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Blue Ridge is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atlantic City. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Is Blue Ridge or Atlantic City More Beautiful?

Blue Ridge is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Blue Ridge is a gorgeous place to visit. There are plenty of hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There's also a scenic railroad as well as places to kayak or go horseback riding.

Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Blue Ridge or Atlantic City Better for Families?

Blue Ridge is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Blue Ridge or Atlantic City Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is well known for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Blue Ridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Atlantic City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is well known for backpackers. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Blue Ridge. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

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

Atlantic City is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Atlantic City has some public transit options. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Atlantic City a more walkable city?

Atlantic City is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Atlantic City is very walkable. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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 Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atlantic City or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Atlantic City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Atlantic City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Atlantic City. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 1-3 days is enough time in Atlantic City.

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

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

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

One day in Blue Ridge or Atlantic City?

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

With shopping and nightlife around the glitzy city of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlantic City, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Atlantic City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Blue Ridge. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Atlantic City?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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.

Atlantic City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Atlantic City?

Blue Ridge is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Atlantic City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Blue Ridge and Atlantic City, we can see that Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlantic City 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 Blue Ridge Expensive? and Is Atlantic City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Atlantic City?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Atlantic City, 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 Blue Ridge or Atlantic City?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Atlantic City in the Summer?

Both Atlantic City and Blue Ridge during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.

Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Atlantic City in the summer. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

In Atlantic City, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the summer, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Atlantic City. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 273 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in July than Atlantic City. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Atlantic City in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Atlantic City. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Blue Ridge in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Atlantic City during autumn. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Atlantic City in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Atlantic City. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Atlantic City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Atlantic City can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Blue Ridge. In January, Blue Ridge is generally much warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 40°F (5°C), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

In the winter, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Atlantic City. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 146 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the winter. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Atlantic City. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Atlantic City in the Spring?

Both Atlantic City and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches during these months.

Blue Ridge is much warmer than Atlantic City in the spring. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives more sunshine than Atlantic City during spring. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Atlantic City and Blue Ridge