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

Should you visit Cherokee or Roanoke?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee or Roanoke, 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 fascinating, cultural, and genuine town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Cherokee travel costs.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a outdoorsy, laid back, and scenic town. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Roanoke travel costs.

Cherokee and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cherokee or Roanoke?

Both Roanoke and Cherokee have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Cherokee is better known for its food, while Roanoke is more popular for its nightlife. Cherokee is well known for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails. Roanoke is well known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Cherokee different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Cherokee and Roanoke have notable 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.

Roanoke offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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

Cherokee is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cherokee is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Cherokee or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Roanoke is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Is Cherokee or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Cherokee and Roanoke are both places where visitors can find very good hiking trails.

Cherokee is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Roanoke. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Cherokee or Roanoke?

Both Cherokee and Roanoke are notable 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 Roanoke. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Cherokee or Roanoke Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cherokee. 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.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Cherokee or Roanoke Better for Couples?

Cherokee and Roanoke are both very good 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.

Roanoke makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Is Cherokee or Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Cherokee and Roanoke are notable 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.

Roanoke is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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

Both Cherokee and Roanoke offer respectable 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 Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Cherokee or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Cherokee and Roanoke both are respectable when exploring on foot.

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

Roanoke is generally not a very walkable town. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or Roanoke?

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

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

One day in Cherokee or Roanoke?

In Cherokee, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The town of Roanoke offers nightlife 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 Roanoke?

In Cherokee, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cherokee has to offer.

Roanoke 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 Roanoke, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cherokee or Roanoke?

Cherokee is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Roanoke 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 Roanoke?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cherokee. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Cherokee. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Roanoke 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 comparing the travel costs between Cherokee and Roanoke, we can see that Roanoke 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 Cherokee Expensive? and Is Roanoke Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Roanoke?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee and Roanoke, 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 Roanoke?

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 Cherokee or Roanoke in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Roanoke. Many visitors come to Cherokee in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cherokee is generally around the same temperature as Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 81°F (27°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cherokee this time of the year. In the summer, Cherokee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke. Cherokee gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Roanoke. Cherokee receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cherokee usually gets more rain in July than Roanoke. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cherokee or Roanoke in the Autumn?

Both Roanoke and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cherokee for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Roanoke because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Cherokee is around the same temperature as Roanoke in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Roanoke fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. Cherokee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke during autumn. Cherokee gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cherokee usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cherokee or Roanoke in the Winter?

Both Roanoke and Cherokee during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year.

It's quite cold in Roanoke in the winter. The weather in Cherokee can be very cold. In the winter, Cherokee is a little warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cherokee in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Roanoke averages at about 38°F (3°C).

In the winter, Cherokee often gets less sunshine than Roanoke. Cherokee gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. Cherokee usually gets more rain in January than Roanoke. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cherokee or Roanoke in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Roanoke.

In April, Cherokee is generally a little warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 62°F (17°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In Cherokee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cherokee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke during spring. Cherokee gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Roanoke. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Cherokee