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

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Lancaster?

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 Lancaster 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.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a picturesque, scenic, and traditional town. With stunning beauty, Lancaster attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See Lancaster travel costs.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • 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
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lancaster. Although Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Lancaster are popular destinations, Lancaster has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lancaster is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure attracts visitors for its hiking. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more touristy than Lancaster and is popular for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. Lancaster is famous for its history and long running Amish community. It is also well known for Bird-in-Hand Village.

How is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Lancaster

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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 Lancaster? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Lancaster

Lancaster 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 Lancaster is an experience not to be missed. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

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 Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Lancaster

It's hard to distinguish whether Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Lancaster 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.

Lancaster doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Lancaster

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great recreation area for hiking. However, Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for the hiking trails. 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.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Lancaster

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

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 Lancaster More Beautiful?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Lancaster

Lancaster 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, Lancaster attracts visitors from all around. The countryside is beautiful, with preserved farmland, covered bridges, and beautiful gardens.

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 Lancaster Better for Families?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Lancaster

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Lancaster are high quality to visit with kids.

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.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly destination. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Lancaster

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Lancaster are high quality 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.

Lancaster is a great recreation area if you're traveling as a couple. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Lancaster

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great recreation area for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lancaster is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

Lancaster is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by backpackers, the region offers a unique cultural experience.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Lancaster

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

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 Lancaster a more walkable city?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Lancaster

Lancaster is a town with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its walkability.

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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 Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Lancaster?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Lancaster. In our opinion, Lancaster has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lancaster than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, and 2-3 days is enough time in Lancaster.

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

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


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

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Lancaster?

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 Lancaster, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this traditional 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 Lancaster?

You'll find around the active 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 Lancaster, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful 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 Lancaster?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful 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 museums and food when visiting Lancaster. 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 Lancaster?

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 food and shopping when visiting the beautiful town of Lancaster. 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, Lancaster 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
    Lancaster Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Lancaster $221

The average daily cost (per person) in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is $234, while the average daily cost in Lancaster is $221. 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 Lancaster in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
    Lancaster $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Lancaster $182
Compare Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Lancaster

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


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: Lancaster Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
    Lancaster $69

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

Prices for flights to both Lancaster 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
    Lancaster $91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster

For Lancaster, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • International Food Tour Lancaster, PA: $62
  • Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $69
  • 3 Hour Retro Music Variety Show Dinner Theater: $75
  • Outdoor Cooking Class Activity with Customizable Recipes: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
    Lancaster $19

Tours and Activities in Lancaster

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lancaster.

  • Guided Tour of the Lititz 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $10
  • 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
  • Passport to Spain - Interactive Culinary Experience: $23
  • Ghost Tour of Lancaster: $25
  • Lititz Whiskey and History Tour : $25
  • Amish Farmlands Tour: $27
  • Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $35
  • Lancaster Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Premium Amish Country Tour including Amish Farm and House: $38
  • Amish Experience Visit-In-Person Tour: $56
  • Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
    Lancaster $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Lancaster

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

  • Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City: $79


When comparing the travel costs between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Lancaster, we can see that Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive? and Is Lancaster Expensive?.


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

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Lancaster, 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.