A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Denver for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Denver?

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 Denver. 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 historic, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Blue Ridge is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Denver

Denver is a park-filled, suburban, and accessible city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Denver travel costs.

Blue Ridge and Denver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Denver?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Denver. Although Blue Ridge and Denver are popular destinations, Denver has more sights and attractions for tourists. Denver is very popular for its skiing and big city activities, while Blue Ridge attracts visitors for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Blue Ridge is more touristy than Denver and is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. Denver is famous for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area. It is also well known for Red Rocks Park.

How is Blue Ridge different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Blue Ridge or Denver Better for Skiing?

Denver is a good destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Blue Ridge is not a skiing destination.

Denver is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.

Blue Ridge is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the reasonable sights and museums in either Blue Ridge or Denver.

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.

Denver offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.

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

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.

Is Blue Ridge or Denver Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Blue Ridge and Denver.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Denver has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.

Is Blue Ridge or Denver Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

Blue Ridge is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Denver. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Denver?

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Denver has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.

Is Blue Ridge or Denver More Beautiful?

Blue Ridge is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Denver is not a destination known for its beauty.

Blue Ridge is a beautiful place to visit, too. 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.

Denver is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Blue Ridge or Denver Better for Families?

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Blue Ridge is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Denver is a family-friendly town. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.

Is Blue Ridge or Denver Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Denver is a good town for couples to visit. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.

Is Blue Ridge or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Denver is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Blue Ridge is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Denver is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Some backpackers fly into Denver to begin their national park tour. There is a hostel or two around town, and if you leave town quickly you'll find campgrounds not far away.

Is Blue Ridge or Denver Better for Students?

Denver is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Denver. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

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

Denver 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.

Denver has some public transit options. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Denver a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Denver is not a very walkable town. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Denver or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Denver?

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

Families should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Denver. 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 Denver. 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 Denver 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 Denver?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With shopping and skiing around the accessible city of Denver, there's plenty to do. 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.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Denver?

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Denver, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Blue Ridge. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Denver, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Denver?

Blue Ridge is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Denver?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 470 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Denver, 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.