A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chattanooga vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a bustling, outdoorsy, and thriving city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Chattanooga travel costs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quaint, charming, and picturesque town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

Chattanooga and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Although Chattanooga and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations, Carmel-by-the-Sea has more sights and attractions for tourists. Carmel-by-the-Sea is very popular for its food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Chattanooga attracts visitors for its nightlife and hiking. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more touristy than Chattanooga and is known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. It is also well known for Pebble Beach Golf Course. Chattanooga is famous for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Chattanooga different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Chattanooga. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Chattanooga. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Is the Food Better in Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Carmel-by-the-Sea is an experience not to be missed. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chattanooga. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Is Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Chattanooga is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Chattanooga. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for the beach. However, Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is considered a top beach destination. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Is Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Chattanooga is a popular spot for hiking. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chattanooga. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Is Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea More Beautiful?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Chattanooga is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from all around. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

Chattanooga is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Chattanooga is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Chattanooga is a family-friendly place to visit. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for couples. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Carmel-by-the-Sea frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

Chattanooga is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

Is Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chattanooga is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Chattanooga offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

Public transit is mostly limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

Is Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Chattanooga and Carmel-by-the-Sea both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Chattanooga is a very walkable destination. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is very walkable. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

For even more information, also check out Is Chattanooga Worth Visiting? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Chattanooga?

How long in Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chattanooga and Carmel-by-the-Sea. In our opinion, Carmel-by-the-Sea has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Chattanooga. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Chattanooga, and 1-3 days is enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

Couples should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Chattanooga. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Chattanooga, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With museums and nightlife around the bustling city of Chattanooga, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling destination of Chattanooga. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Because Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Chattanooga is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Since Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chattanooga Expensive? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Chattanooga and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many visitors come to Chattanooga in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Chattanooga is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most visitors come to Chattanooga for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Chattanooga is around the same temperature as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chattanooga in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Chattanooga usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Chattanooga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

The weather in Chattanooga can be very cold. In January, Chattanooga is generally much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 40°F (5°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In January, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Chattanooga during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Chattanooga is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Chattanooga