A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. El Paso for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Blue Ridge or El Paso?

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 El Paso. 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 quaint, charming, and outdoorsy town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Blue Ridge is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

El Paso

El Paso is a laid-back, low-key, and undiscovered city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See El Paso travel costs.

Blue Ridge and El Paso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or El Paso?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Blue Ridge. Although Blue Ridge and El Paso are both popular with visitors, Blue Ridge has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Blue Ridge is more popular for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while El Paso is known for its museums and attractions. Blue Ridge is more touristy than El Paso and is known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. It is also home to Chattahoochee National Forest. El Paso is popular for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is Blue Ridge different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between El Paso 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 El Paso?

El Paso is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

El Paso is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Visitors can learn about local art, culture, and history at the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Museum, and the Eduardo Pedregón Memorial Veterans Museum.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

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

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in El Paso. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

Is Blue Ridge or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Blue Ridge and El Paso.

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.

El Paso has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.

Is Blue Ridge or El Paso Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or El Paso?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for shopping. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Blue Ridge. 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.

El Paso offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of malls and outlet centers around town. One of the most well known is Bassett Place, but other options include Cielo Vista Mall and the Fountains at Farah.

Is Blue Ridge or El Paso More Beautiful?

Blue Ridge is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, El Paso 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.

El Paso is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Blue Ridge or El Paso Better for Families?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in El Paso. There are adventure parks, playgrounds, outdoor centers and nature activities that families can enjoy.

Is Blue Ridge or El Paso Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for romance. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Most people don't think of El Paso as a couple's destination. Couples can enjoy dinner and a show or taking a romantic drive up to the overlook.

Is Blue Ridge or El Paso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Blue Ridge is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

El Paso is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's little in the area that appeals to backpackers.

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

El Paso is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in El Paso. While there are some bus routes in town, you shouldn't rely on them and must have a private vehicle to efficiently visit the city.

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

Is Blue Ridge or El Paso a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge is very good for its walkability. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Blue Ridge is somewhat walkable. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

El Paso is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around town.

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

Should I spend more time in El Paso or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or El Paso?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Blue Ridge or El Paso to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Blue Ridge than El Paso because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 1-2 days is enough time in El Paso.

Families should spend more time in Blue Ridge than El Paso. 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 El Paso. 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 El Paso 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 El Paso?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the low-key city of El Paso, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in El Paso, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or El Paso?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Blue Ridge has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of El Paso, 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 El Paso?

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Blue Ridge has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

El Paso, 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 El Paso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Blue Ridge. Since Blue Ridge is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or El Paso?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 480 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and El Paso, 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.