A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cherokee vs. Ketchikan for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cherokee or Ketchikan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee or Ketchikan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a cultural, genuine, and fascinating town. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Cherokee travel costs.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a local, scenic, and quaint town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Ketchikan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Cherokee and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cherokee or Ketchikan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ketchikan. Although Cherokee and Ketchikan are both popular with visitors, Ketchikan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ketchikan is more touristy than Cherokee and is known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. It is also home to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Cherokee is popular for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Cherokee different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cherokee or Ketchikan?

Both Cherokee and Ketchikan have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cherokee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

Is the Food Better in Cherokee or Ketchikan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ketchikan is an amazing town to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Ketchikan is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

Cherokee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Is Cherokee or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are decent in both Cherokee and Ketchikan.

Most people don't head to Cherokee specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Cherokee or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is an amazing town to visit for the nearby hiking options. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Ketchikan draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Cherokee. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Is the Shopping Better in Cherokee or Ketchikan?

Both Cherokee and Ketchikan are good shopping destinations.

Cherokee is a great destination for shopping. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Cherokee or Ketchikan More Beautiful?

Ketchikan is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Cherokee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ketchikan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Cherokee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cherokee or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Cherokee and Ketchikan are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Cherokee is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Ketchikan is very family-friendly. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Is Cherokee or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

Cherokee and Ketchikan are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Cherokee is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

Ketchikan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

Is Cherokee or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Cherokee and Ketchikan are good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cherokee. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

Ketchikan is a good town to visit for backpackers. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Is Cherokee or Ketchikan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Cherokee and Ketchikan offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Cherokee or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Ketchikan is notable for its walkability. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for its high level of walkability.

Ketchikan is very walkable. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

Cherokee is generally not a very walkable town. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Cherokee Worth Visiting? and Is Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cherokee and Ketchikan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cherokee than in Ketchikan. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cherokee, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ketchikan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ketchikan than Cherokee 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 Ketchikan.

One day in Cherokee or Ketchikan?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Cherokee. 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.

The beautiful town of Ketchikan offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cherokee or Ketchikan?

You'll find museums and food around the fascinating destination of Cherokee. 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.

Ketchikan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ketchikan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cherokee or Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the genuine town of Cherokee. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ketchikan is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cherokee or Ketchikan?

Cherokee 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.

Ketchikan is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Ketchikan?

Ketchikan has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee and Ketchikan, 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 Cherokee or Ketchikan?

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 Cherokee or Ketchikan in the Summer?

Both Ketchikan and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cherokee for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cherokee is much warmer than Ketchikan in the summer. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. It's quite rainy in Cherokee. In July, Cherokee usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cherokee or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

Both Ketchikan and Cherokee during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

In the autumn, Cherokee is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cherokee in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 46°F (8°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cherokee usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cherokee or Ketchikan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Ketchikan. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cherokee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ketchikan. It's quite cold in Cherokee in the winter. In January, Cherokee is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 40°F (5°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cherokee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Cherokee usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cherokee or Ketchikan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Ketchikan. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Cherokee is much warmer than Ketchikan in the spring. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Cherokee usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Cherokee