A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chimney Rock and Lake Lure vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Although Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 museums and attractions, food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure attracts visitors for its hiking. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is famous for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. It is also well known for Pebble Beach Golf Course.

How is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 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.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Carmel-by-the-Sea has a better nightlife scene.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Carmel-by-the-Sea doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for the beach. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Carmel-by-the-Sea attract visitors from all over. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Hiking?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options 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.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea More Beautiful?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a gorgeous place to visit. From the top of Chimney Rock there's an impressive view point. The area is also filled with natural beauty and peaceful settings.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Carmel-by-the-Sea are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great recreation area if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels or accommodation options that appeal to backpackers.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a town with a few options 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 is generally limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

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

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With around the destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Carmel-by-the-Sea might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people come for the beaches. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With around the peaceful recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, 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.

Even though Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the active destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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.

Since Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This town offers something for everyone.

A week in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This recreation area 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.