A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boone vs. Sonoma for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Boone or Sonoma?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Boone and Sonoma can help you decide which place is right for you.

Boone

Boone is a picturesque, charming, and relaxing town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Boone attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Boone travel costs.

Sonoma

Sonoma is a scenic, serene, and relaxing county. Many visitors also come to Sonoma because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Sonoma travel costs.

Boone and Sonoma: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Boone or Sonoma?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sonoma. Although Boone and Sonoma are popular destinations, Sonoma has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sonoma is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Boone attracts visitors for its skiing, museums and attractions, and small town charm. Sonoma is more touristy than Boone and is known for its world-class winemaking and sustainable agriculture. It is also well known for Buena Vista Winery. Boone is famous for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm.

How is Boone different from Sonoma?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Boone or Sonoma Better for Skiing?

Boone
Sonoma

Boone is a great town for skiing. However, Sonoma is not a skiing destination.

Boone draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Sonoma is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boone or Sonoma?

Boone
Sonoma

Boone is a town with good options for its historical sights. However, Sonoma is not known for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Boone. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

Sonoma offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't think of museums when they think of Sonoma, there are actually some interesting local options. The California Indian Museum, the Cotati Museum, and the Depot Park Museum are also local are fascinating.

Is the Food Better in Boone or Sonoma? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boone
Sonoma

Sonoma is an amazing county to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Sonoma has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Although wine may be the first thing you think about, the region is also filled with farm-to-table restaurants and award-winning dining options. The food is almost always fresh and local. You can sample many local ingredients such as vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, and fish.

Boone offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Is Boone or Sonoma Better for Nightlife?

Boone
Sonoma

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Boone and Sonoma.

The nightlife in Boone has something for everybody. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

Sonoma offers plenty to do in the evening. Lounges, wine bars, and live music venues offer a variety of activities for visitors during the evening hours.


Is Boone or Sonoma Better for Resorts?

Boone
Sonoma

Sonoma is a great county for its luxury resorts. However, Boone is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Sonoma. Spa hotels, charming inns, and beautiful resorts all offer a variety of options for visitors.

Boone is not a resort destination.

Is Boone or Sonoma Better for Beaches?

Boone
Sonoma

Sonoma is a great county for the beach. However, Boone is not a beach destination.

Sonoma is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The county has a coastline that includes several great beaches as well as rocky shoreline. The beaches include secluded coves and picturesque cliffs as well as sand dunes and sandy beaches.

Boone is not a beach destination.

Is Boone or Sonoma Better for Hiking?

Boone
Sonoma

You'll find superb hiking in both Boone and Sonoma.

Many visitors go to Boone for the hiking trails. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

Sonoma is a popular spot for hiking. In between wine tastings you can explore the area's stunning natural beauty. There are hikes through the vineyards, along the coast, or through forested parks. Some of the best hikes are found in Jack London State Historic Park, Sugarloaf State Park, and Armstrong Woods State Park.


Is the Shopping Better in Boone or Sonoma?

Boone
Sonoma

If you're looking to go shopping, Boone and Sonoma both offer plenty of superb spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Boone. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

Sonoma is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a range of local vendors in the area, selling everything from jewelry to art, home decor, and olive oil.

Is Boone or Sonoma More Beautiful?

Boone
Sonoma

Sonoma is an amazing county to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Sonoma because of it's amazing beauty. The lined vineyards are strikingly beautiful and the setting offers stunning viewpoints and a serene beauty.

Boone is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The surrounding area is filled with great natural beauty and wonderful hikes.

Is Boone or Sonoma Better for Families?

Boone
Sonoma

Boone is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sonoma is not as popular, but is still a nice county for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boone. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

Sonoma is a family-friendly place to visit. While most people think immediately of wine tours, there's actually a lot more to Sonoma County. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in the area, which include beaches, parks, wildlife viewing, and more. There's also horseback riding and even ziplining opportunities.


Is Boone or Sonoma Better for Couples?

Boone
Sonoma

Sonoma is an amazing county to visit for couples. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Sonoma has plenty to offer. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination for couples who come for the vineyards and wine tours. There are also charming hotels, award winning restaurants, and beautiful beaches.

Boone is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

Is Boone or Sonoma Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boone
Sonoma

Boone is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sonoma is not known for backpackers.

Boone is a good town to visit for backpackers. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

Sonoma is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few budget hotel options in the area, but not much in the form of hostels.

Is Boone or Sonoma Better for Students?

Boone
Sonoma

Boone is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Sonoma is not popular with students.

Boone is a very popular town for students. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

Sonoma is not popular with students.


Is Boone or Sonoma Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boone
Sonoma

Boone is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Sonoma is not known for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Sonoma. While there are buses, they are almost never used by tourists. There is the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley which you should purchase tickets for in advance.

Is Boone or Sonoma a more walkable city?

Boone
Sonoma

Boone is a great town for its ease of walking around. However, Sonoma is not known for its walkability.

Boone is a very walkable destination. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

Sonoma is not a walkable town. You really must have a car to get around the area and explore it efficiently.

For even more information, also check out Is Boone Worth Visiting? and Is Sonoma Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sonoma or Boone?

How long in Boone or Sonoma?

It's fun to spend time in either Boone or Sonoma. In our opinion, Boone has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Boone than Sonoma. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boone than Sonoma 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 Boone.


  • How many days in Boone or Sonoma? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boone 2-4 
    Sonoma 2-4

One day in Boone or Sonoma?

Boone 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.

In Sonoma, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this scenic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This county offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Boone or Sonoma?

Boone 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sonoma. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Boone or Sonoma?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boone. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sonoma is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sonoma. Lots of people come for the food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Boone or Sonoma?

Boone 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the relaxing destination of Sonoma. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sonoma or Boone?

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

  • Boone Prices
    USA Prices
    Sonoma Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Boone $211
    Sonoma $260

The average daily cost (per person) in Boone is $211, while the average daily cost in Sonoma is $260. 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 Boone and Sonoma in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boone $91
    Sonoma $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boone $182
    Sonoma $186
Compare Hotels in Boone and Sonoma

Looking for a hotel in Boone or Sonoma? 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 Boone


Hotels in Sonoma


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: Boone Hotel Prices and Sonoma Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boone $33
    Sonoma $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Boone or Sonoma?

Prices for flights to both Sonoma and Boone 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
    Boone $91
    Sonoma $96
Typical Food Prices in Boone

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Boone:


  • Restaurant Lunch for 2
    $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boone $53
    Sonoma $16

Tours and Activities in Sonoma

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

  • From Napa Valley Classic Sidecar Tour to 3 Wineries: $340
  • Sonoma Valley: Guided Winery Tour with Picnic Lunch: $137
  • Sonoma Valley: Wine Trolley Tasting Tour with Lunch: $135
  • Sonoma Plaza Walking Tour: $109

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boone $26
    Sonoma $41


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boone and Sonoma, we can see that Sonoma is more expensive. And not only is Boone much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Boone would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Boone 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 Sonoma would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sonoma than you might in Boone.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Boone Expensive? and Is Sonoma Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Boone or Sonoma?

Boone has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Sonoma. When comparing the sizes of Boone and Sonoma, 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.