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

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Sacramento?

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 Sacramento 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 peaceful, active, and beautiful recreation area. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Chimney Rock and Lake Lure travel costs.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a undiscovered, laid back, and relaxed city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sacramento travel costs.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Sacramento: 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 nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Although Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Sacramento are both popular with visitors, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Sacramento is known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. It is also home to Lake Lure Beach Park. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Sacramento

Sacramento 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 Sacramento. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.

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 Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Sacramento

Sacramento is a city with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sacramento area. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

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 Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Sacramento

Sacramento is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for nightlife.

Sacramento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

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 Sacramento Better for Hiking?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Sacramento

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is not a hiking destination.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Sacramento

Sacramento 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 Sacramento to go shopping. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.

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 Sacramento More Beautiful?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Sacramento

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

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

Sacramento is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Sacramento

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is very family-friendly. 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 Sacramento. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.


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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Sacramento

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Sacramento

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many 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.

Sacramento is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although most backpackers skip this town for more popular destinations, there are a couple of hostels in town.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Sacramento

Sacramento is a city 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 Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

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 Sacramento a more walkable city?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Sacramento

Sacramento is a city 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.

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

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 Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sacramento 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 Sacramento.


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

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Sacramento?

With around the beautiful recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, one day is sufficent for most.

In Sacramento, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this relaxed destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Sacramento?

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. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this recreation area.

In Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, a popular recreation area, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Sacramento. 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, Sacramento 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
    Sacramento Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Sacramento $320

The average daily cost (per person) in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is $234, while the average daily cost in Sacramento is $320. 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 Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Sacramento

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


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: Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

  • Napa, CA to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer : $294
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $294
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $74

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

Prices for flights to both Sacramento 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
    Sacramento $92

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sacramento

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

  • Chinese Wonton Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $115
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Discover Midtown - Delicious Walking Food Tour: $125

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

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

For Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $15
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $15
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $15
  • Mini Golf Experience 9 Hole Course in Sacramento: $18
  • Nevada City Haunted History Tour: $20
  • Shadows, Scandals & Secrets of Sacramento Ghost Tours: $24
  • Sacramento Capitol Park Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $25
  • Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
    Sacramento $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Sacramento

Also in Sacramento, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Apple Hill Wine Tasting Tours And Placerville wine tasting tours: $169
  • Old Vine Express Train Ride with Wine Tasting: $174


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


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

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 2820 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Sacramento, 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.