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

Should you visit Cherokee or Williamsburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee or Williamsburg, 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food. See Cherokee travel costs.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a historic, charming, and quaint town. Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Cherokee and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cherokee or Williamsburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Williamsburg than Cherokee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Williamsburg is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cherokee is more popular for its hiking. Williamsburg is more touristy than Cherokee and is known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Also, Williamsburg is famous for Colonial Williamsburg. Cherokee is well known for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Cherokee different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cherokee
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Williamsburg can be an interesting and educational experience. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

Cherokee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.


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

Cherokee
Williamsburg

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Williamsburg makes for a great culinary experience. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

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 Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Cherokee
Williamsburg

Evening events are respectable in both Cherokee and Williamsburg.

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 Williamsburg. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Cherokee or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Cherokee
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town. However, Cherokee does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Cherokee does not have a historic old town.


Is Cherokee or Williamsburg Better for Hiking?

Cherokee
Williamsburg

Cherokee is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cherokee or Williamsburg?

Cherokee
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is notable for shopping. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Williamsburg is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cherokee. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

Is Cherokee or Williamsburg More Beautiful?

Cherokee
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Cherokee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Cherokee is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Cherokee or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Cherokee
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Williamsburg is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cherokee is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Cherokee or Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Cherokee
Williamsburg

Cherokee and Williamsburg are both great 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.

Williamsburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

Is Cherokee or Williamsburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cherokee
Williamsburg

Cherokee is a good destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cherokee. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.


Is Cherokee or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Cherokee
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for students. However, Cherokee is not popular with students.

Williamsburg is a great destination for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Cherokee is not popular with students.

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

Cherokee
Williamsburg

Both Cherokee and Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Cherokee or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Cherokee
Williamsburg

Cherokee and Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or Williamsburg?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cherokee or Williamsburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cherokee 2-4 
    Williamsburg 2-4

One day in Cherokee or Williamsburg?

In Cherokee, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The town of Williamsburg offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cherokee or Williamsburg?

Cherokee is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Williamsburg 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 visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Williamsburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cherokee or Williamsburg?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Cherokee. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg?

Cherokee is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Williamsburg is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Williamsburg or Cherokee?

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

  • Cherokee Prices
    USA Prices
    Williamsburg Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cherokee $186
    Williamsburg $135

The average daily cost (per person) in Cherokee is $186, while the average daily cost in Williamsburg is $135. 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 Cherokee and Williamsburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cherokee $158
    Williamsburg $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cherokee $316
    Williamsburg $132
Compare Hotels in Cherokee and Williamsburg

Looking for a hotel in Cherokee or Williamsburg? 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 Cherokee


Hotels in Williamsburg


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: Cherokee Hotel Prices and Williamsburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cherokee -
    Williamsburg $11

Is it cheaper to fly into Cherokee or Williamsburg?

Prices for flights to both Williamsburg and Cherokee 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
    Cherokee $27
    Williamsburg $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cherokee -
    Williamsburg $34

Tours and Activities in Williamsburg

Here are a few actual costs in Williamsburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Williamsburg Colonial Adventure: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.00
  • Williamsburg's Famous Ghosts Self Guided Audio Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Colonial Contradictions Self Guided Walking Tour of Williamsburg: $9.99
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • Yorktown Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • The Original Ghost of Williamsburg Candlelight Walking Tour: $20
  • The Original Ghosts of Williamsburg Tour: $20
  • Williamsburg, VA: History of Slavery Guided Walking Tour: $25
  • Dark History Conspiracy Tour: $25
  • 1 Hour Christmastide Walking Tour in Virginia Past and Present : $25
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $25
  • The Patriots Historical Walking Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cherokee -
    Williamsburg -

Sample the Local Flavors in Williamsburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Williamsburg:

  • Williamsburg Ghosts and Brews Haunted Pub Crawls: $29
  • Colonial Ghosts Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee and Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Williamsburg. Many travelers come to Cherokee for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cherokee is generally around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 81°F (27°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg during summer. Cherokee gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Williamsburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cherokee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cherokee usually receives around the same amount of rain as Williamsburg. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cherokee 81°F (27°C) 
    Williamsburg 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Williamsburg. Many visitors come to Cherokee in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Cherokee is around the same temperature as Williamsburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cherokee this time of the year. In the autumn, Cherokee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. Cherokee gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun.

Cherokee usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Williamsburg. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cherokee 63°F (17°C) 
    Williamsburg 61°F (16°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Williamsburg in the Winter?

Both Williamsburg and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cherokee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Williamsburg can be very cold. Cherokee can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Cherokee is a little warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cherokee in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 38°F (4°C).

Cherokee usually receives less sunshine than Williamsburg during winter. Cherokee gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Cherokee. In January, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Williamsburg. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cherokee 40°F (5°C) 
    Williamsburg 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Williamsburg in the Spring?

Both Williamsburg and Cherokee during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

In April, Cherokee is generally a little warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 62°F (17°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cherokee. In the spring, Cherokee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. Cherokee gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun.

Cherokee usually gets more rain in April than Williamsburg. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cherokee 62°F (17°C) 
    Williamsburg 57°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Cherokee

Cherokee Williamsburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 49°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 66°F (19°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 78°F (26°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 78°F (25°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)