A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chimney Rock and Lake Lure vs. Arlington for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Arlington can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a active, beautiful, and peaceful recreation area. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Chimney Rock and Lake Lure travel costs.

Arlington

Arlington is a educational, international, and historical city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Arlington travel costs.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Home to Arlington National Cemetery


Is there more to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arlington. Although Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Arlington are popular destinations, Arlington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arlington is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is famous for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. Arlington is famous for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. It is also well known for Arlington National Cemetery.

How is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arlington and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Arlington

Arlington is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Arlington. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

While most people don't head to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There's a museum in Chimney Rock State Park, but most visitors spend their time taking advantage of the outdoor activities.


Is the Food Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Arlington

Arlington is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Arlington is an experience not to be missed. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Within Chimney Rock Park there's a deli and a cafe. Nearby you'll also find casual eateries with pizza or classic American dishes.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Arlington

Arlington is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Arlington know how to have a good time. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington Better for Hiking?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Arlington

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. One of the most popular trails in Chimney Rock State Park is The Exclamation Point Trail , which leads to many viewpoints. During the summer and fall seasons the trail can get very crowded. The obvious highlight in the park is Chimney Rock, which is a rock outcropping that offers spectacular views.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Arlington

Arlington is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Arlington to go shopping. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a good destination for shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers in the area, but for the best shopping, head over to Asheville.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington More Beautiful?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Arlington

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Arlington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers plenty of beauty for visitors. From the top of Chimney Rock there's an impressive view point. The area is also filled with natural beauty and peaceful settings.

Arlington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington Better for Families?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Arlington

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area. Head to sliding rock for a fun afternoon. There's also tubing, kayaking, and river rafting nearby. Horseback riding is a fun way to explore a trail, or simply hiking on one of the many paths in the area. You'll also find ziplining and plenty of water activities at the lake.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington Better for Couples?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Arlington

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic hotels as well as bed and breakfasts that make for a romantic retreat. Couples who enjoy beautiful outdoor settings and fun adventures will enjoy a weekend trip to the area. There are also local restaurants and a few wineries to explore.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Arlington

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Arlington are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very popular recreation area for backpackers and budget travelers. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

Arlington is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington Better for Students?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Arlington

Arlington is a great destination for students. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Arlington. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Arlington

Arlington is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Arlington is top-notch. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Public transit is quite limited in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There is limited public transit in the area.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington a more walkable city?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Arlington

Arlington is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its walkability.

Arlington is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a very walkable recreation area. The trails and parks in the region are spread out and require a car to access.

For even more information, also check out Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting? and Is Arlington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Arlington due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, and 2-4 days is enough time in Arlington.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Arlington.


  • How many days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 1-3 
    Arlington 2-4

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington?

You'll find around the recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chimney Rock and Lake Lure has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Arlington, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this educational destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington?

You'll find around the peaceful destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 recreation area has to offer. This recreation area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Arlington, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the peaceful recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Arlington. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

A week in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Arlington. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Arlington or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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

  • Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Prices
    USA Prices
    Arlington Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Arlington $323

The average daily cost (per person) in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is $234, while the average daily cost in Arlington is $323. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Arlington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
    Arlington $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Arlington $262
Compare Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Arlington

Looking for a hotel in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington? 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure


Hotels in Arlington


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: Arlington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
    Arlington $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arlington

Also for Arlington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ronald Reagan DCA Airport Transfers: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington?

Prices for flights to both Arlington and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $91
    Arlington $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
    Arlington $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
    Arlington $17


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive? and Is Arlington Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Arlington?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 1120 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Arlington, 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.