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

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Juneau?

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 Juneau. 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.

Juneau

Juneau is a scenic, breathtaking, and historic city. Juneau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Juneau travel costs.

Blue Ridge and Juneau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Juneau?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Juneau. Although Blue Ridge and Juneau are popular destinations, Juneau has more sights and attractions for tourists. Juneau is very popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Blue Ridge attracts visitors for its nightlife and small town charm. Juneau is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is popular for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. It is also well known for the Mendenhall Glacier. Blue Ridge is famous for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Blue Ridge different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Juneau 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 Juneau. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State 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 Juneau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Blue Ridge and Juneau can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Juneau. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

Is Blue Ridge or Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Blue Ridge or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Juneau is an amazing city to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Juneau is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Juneau?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Blue Ridge and Juneau.

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.

Juneau is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

Is Blue Ridge or Juneau More Beautiful?

Juneau is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Juneau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The landscape is filled with glaciers, mountains, and fjords, making it a dramatic and beautiful destination.

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.

Is Blue Ridge or Juneau Better for Families?

Both Blue Ridge and Juneau are superb 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.

Juneau is a very kid-friendly town. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

Is Blue Ridge or Juneau Better for Couples?

Juneau is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Juneau is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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.

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

Blue Ridge and Juneau are both superb destinations 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.

Juneau is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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

Juneau 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 Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Juneau a more walkable city?

Juneau 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.

Juneau is very walkable. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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 Juneau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Juneau or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Juneau?

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

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

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

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

One day in Blue Ridge or Juneau?

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 museums and food around the breathtaking city of Juneau, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Juneau?

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 food and shopping around the destination of Juneau, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Juneau?

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.

Juneau, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Juneau?

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.

Juneau is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Juneau, we can see that Juneau 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 Juneau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Juneau 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 Juneau Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Juneau?

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

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 Juneau in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Juneau. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Juneau for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Blue Ridge is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the summer temperatures in Blue Ridge in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Juneau averages at about 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the summer, Blue Ridge often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 179 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Juneau. Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the summer. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in July than Juneau. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Juneau in the Autumn?

Both Juneau and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Juneau in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Blue Ridge is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 63°F (17°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during autumn. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 69 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. In October, Blue Ridge usually receives less rain than Juneau. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Juneau in the Winter?

Both Juneau and Blue Ridge during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Juneau for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Juneau can be very cold during winter. Blue Ridge can get quite cold in the winter. Blue Ridge is much warmer than Juneau in the winter. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Juneau fluctuates around 24°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Blue Ridge often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 87 hours of full sun.

Juneau 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 January than Juneau. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Juneau in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Juneau. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Juneau because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Juneau can be very cold. In the spring, Blue Ridge is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the spring temperatures in Blue Ridge in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Juneau averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during spring. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Juneau. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Juneau and Blue Ridge