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

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach. 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.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. Virginia Beach is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches. See Virginia Beach travel costs.

Blue Ridge and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Blue Ridge. Although Blue Ridge and Virginia Beach are popular destinations, Blue Ridge has more sights and attractions for tourists. Blue Ridge is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. Blue Ridge is famous for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Chattahoochee National Forest. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Blue Ridge different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Blue Ridge is adequate for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Blue Ridge is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination 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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Virginia Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Is Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Virginia Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

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

Virginia Beach offers a nice beach destination. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is great for hiking. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach?

Blue Ridge is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach More Beautiful?

Blue Ridge and Virginia Beach both are comparable with their nice scenery and 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.

Virginia Beach is a beautiful place to visit, too. As a developed beach town, the city has its share of hotels along the beach, but it is still a beautiful setting to explore.

Is Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Both Blue Ridge and Virginia Beach are great 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.

Virginia Beach is a very kid-friendly town. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

Is Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

Blue Ridge is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Virginia Beach is a good town for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

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

Neither Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination 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.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach?

Both Blue Ridge and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Blue Ridge. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

Families should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With nightlife around the bustling coastal city of Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

With nightlife around the destination of Virginia Beach, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Blue Ridge. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Virginia Beach, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach?

Blue Ridge is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Virginia Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. 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 comparing the travel costs between Blue Ridge and Virginia Beach, we can see that Blue Ridge is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Virginia Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 360 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Virginia Beach. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Blue Ridge in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during summer. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Virginia Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Virginia Beach. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Blue Ridge is generally around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 63°F (17°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the autumn, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Virginia Beach. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

Both Virginia Beach and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

It's quite cold in Virginia Beach in the winter. The weather in Blue Ridge can be very cold. Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Virginia Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Virginia Beach during winter. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

Both Virginia Beach and Blue Ridge during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Blue Ridge in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the spring, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in April than Virginia Beach. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Blue Ridge