A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Galveston for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Galveston?

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 Galveston. 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 outdoorsy, historic, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Blue Ridge is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Galveston

Galveston is a historic, charming, and coastal town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Galveston travel costs.

Blue Ridge and Galveston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Galveston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Galveston. Although Blue Ridge and Galveston are popular destinations, Galveston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Galveston is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Blue Ridge attracts visitors for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Galveston is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is known for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. It is also well known for Pleasure Pier. Blue Ridge is famous for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Blue Ridge different from Galveston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Blue Ridge
Galveston

Galveston is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Galveston. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.

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 Galveston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge
Galveston

Blue Ridge is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Blue Ridge has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Galveston area. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

Is Blue Ridge or Galveston Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge
Galveston

Galveston is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Galveston has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.

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 Galveston Better for Beaches?

Blue Ridge
Galveston

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

Galveston offers a nice beach destination. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.


Is Blue Ridge or Galveston Better for its Old Town?

Blue Ridge
Galveston

Galveston is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

Galveston is a good destination for visiting its old town. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

Is Blue Ridge or Galveston Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge
Galveston

Blue Ridge is great for hiking. However, Galveston is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails. 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.

Galveston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Galveston?

Blue Ridge
Galveston

Blue Ridge is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping areas.

Blue Ridge is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Galveston to go shopping. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.


Is Blue Ridge or Galveston More Beautiful?

Blue Ridge
Galveston

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

Galveston is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Blue Ridge or Galveston Better for Families?

Blue Ridge
Galveston

Both Blue Ridge and Galveston are high quality family-friendly destinations.

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.

Galveston is a very kid-friendly town. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

Is Blue Ridge or Galveston Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge
Galveston

Blue Ridge and Galveston both high quality destinations for a couple.

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.

Couples visit Galveston frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.


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

Blue Ridge
Galveston

Blue Ridge is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Galveston is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers 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.

Galveston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The beaches are great, but most backpackers don't think to visit Galveston.

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

Blue Ridge
Galveston

Galveston 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 Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Galveston a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge
Galveston

Blue Ridge and Galveston are nice when it comes to 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.

Galveston is a somewhat walkable place. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.


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

Should I spend more time in Galveston or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Galveston?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Blue Ridge or Galveston? Ideal Length of Stay
    Blue Ridge 2-5 
    Galveston 1-3

One day in Blue Ridge or Galveston?

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Galveston?

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Galveston, 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 town.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Galveston?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Galveston, a popular town, 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 Galveston?

Blue Ridge is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Galveston 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.


Which place is cheaper, Galveston or Blue Ridge?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Blue Ridge Prices
    USA Prices
    Galveston Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Blue Ridge $150
    Galveston $221

The average daily cost (per person) in Blue Ridge is $150, while the average daily cost in Galveston is $221. 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 Blue Ridge and Galveston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Blue Ridge $67
    Galveston $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Blue Ridge $134
    Galveston $162
Compare Hotels in Blue Ridge and Galveston

Looking for a hotel in Blue Ridge or Galveston? 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 Blue Ridge


Hotels in Galveston


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: Blue Ridge Hotel Prices and Galveston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Blue Ridge $34
    Galveston $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Blue Ridge or Galveston?

Prices for flights to both Galveston and Blue Ridge 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
    Blue Ridge $61
    Galveston $90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galveston

For Galveston, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taste of the Strand all-inclusive family friendly food tours: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Blue Ridge $18
    Galveston $15

Tours and Activities in Blue Ridge

For Blue Ridge, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen: $29
  • 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour: $29
  • Helen Haunts, Murder, Mystery Tour With Paranormal Investigation: $20
  • Helen’s Ghosts of Christmas Past Walking Tour: $26

Tours and Activities in Galveston

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.

  • Al's Ghost tour : a small group experience : $19
  • Authentic Galveston Ghost City Tour: $30
  • Baywatch Dolphin Tour : $28
  • Beer Tasting Experience with 4 Beer Flight: $10
  • Combo: "Dark of the Moon" Ghost Tour + Red Light District Tour: $29
  • Demo and Reno Galveston Reconstructed Private Tour: $85
  • Galveston Dark of the Moon Tour: $30
  • Galveston Gilded Age Architecture Tour: $85
  • Galveston Haunted Harbor Tour: 1-Hour Boat Ride at Night : $45
  • Galveston Historical Harbor Tours: $35
  • Galveston History and Architecture Tour: $40
  • Galveston Island E-Bike Adventure Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Blue Ridge $20
    Galveston $37

Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston

Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Galveston Island Brewing Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting : $10
  • Haunted Pub Crawl & Scandalous Red Light Tour: $20
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $20
  • Haunted Pub Crawl & Scandalous Red Light Tour in Galveston: $29
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl and Historical Tour near The Strand: $29
  • Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35


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


Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Galveston?

Galveston has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Galveston, 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 Galveston?

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 Blue Ridge or Galveston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Galveston. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Galveston in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Galveston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Blue Ridge in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Galveston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Galveston. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Blue Ridge 81°F (27°C) 
    Galveston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Galveston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Galveston. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Galveston for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Blue Ridge is generally cooler than Galveston. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 63°F (17°C), and Galveston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in October than Galveston. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Blue Ridge 63°F (17°C) 
    Galveston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Galveston in the Winter?

Both Galveston and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Galveston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Blue Ridge can be very cold during winter. Blue Ridge is much colder than Galveston in the winter. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Galveston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Galveston. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Blue Ridge 40°F (5°C) 
    Galveston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Galveston in the Spring?

Both Galveston and Blue Ridge during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Galveston this time of year.

In the spring, Blue Ridge is cooler than Galveston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Blue Ridge in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Galveston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in April than Galveston. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Blue Ridge 62°F (17°C) 
    Galveston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Galveston and Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Galveston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)