A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pensacola vs. Asheville for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Hiking

Should you visit Pensacola or Asheville?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pensacola and Asheville can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a active, entertaining, and fun-filled beach town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping. See Pensacola travel costs.

Asheville

Asheville is a eclectic, outdoorsy, and progressive mountain town. Asheville is a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Asheville travel costs.

Pensacola and Asheville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pensacola or Asheville?

You'll generally find more things to do in Asheville than Pensacola. Asheville is bigger than Pensacola, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Asheville is better known for its nightlife, music, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Pensacola is more popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, and beaches. Pensacola is more touristy than Asheville and is known for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. Asheville is well known for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue. Also, Asheville is famous for The Biltmore Estate.

How is Pensacola different from Asheville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Asheville and Pensacola. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pensacola or Asheville?

Pensacola is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Pensacola offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Pensacola or Asheville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Pensacola and Asheville both to be high quality destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pensacola. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

Asheville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Is Pensacola or Asheville Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its evening party scene.

Asheville has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

Is Pensacola or Asheville Better for Music?

Asheville is notable for its live music scene. However, Pensacola is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Asheville. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Pensacola is not a live music destination.

Is Pensacola or Asheville Better for Resorts?

Pensacola is well known for its resorts. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Pensacola to choose from. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Is Pensacola or Asheville Better for Beaches?

Pensacola is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Asheville is not a beach destination.

Pensacola offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

Asheville is not a beach destination.

Is Pensacola or Asheville Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its old town. However, Pensacola does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Asheville. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Pensacola does not have a historic old town.

Is Pensacola or Asheville Better for Hiking?

Asheville is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its hiking trails.

Asheville is a popular spot for hiking. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Pensacola. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Asheville?

Asheville is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its shopping areas.

Asheville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Pensacola has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

Is Pensacola or Asheville More Beautiful?

Asheville is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Pensacola is not a destination known for its beauty.

Asheville is a beautiful place to visit, too. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Pensacola is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pensacola or Asheville Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Pensacola or Asheville.

Pensacola is a very kid-friendly beach town. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Asheville. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Is Pensacola or Asheville Better for Couples?

Both Pensacola and Asheville are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Pensacola is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

Asheville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Is Pensacola or Asheville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is notable for backpackers. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit for backpackers. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Pensacola is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few budget-friendly places to stay, particularly away from the beach.

Is Pensacola or Asheville Better for Students?

Asheville is notable for students. However, Pensacola is not popular with students.

Asheville is very popular with students. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Pensacola is not popular with students.

Is Pensacola or Asheville Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

Public transit is quite limited in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Is Pensacola or Asheville a more walkable city?

Asheville is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its ease of walking around.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

Pensacola is generally not a very walkable beach town. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

For even more information, also check out Is Pensacola Worth Visiting? and Is Asheville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Asheville or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Asheville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pensacola and Asheville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pensacola than in Asheville. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pensacola, and 2-3 days is enough time in Asheville.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Pensacola 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 Asheville.

One day in Pensacola or Asheville?

You'll find shopping and museums around the beach town of Pensacola. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the mountain town of Asheville. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Pensacola or Asheville?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the entertaining destination of Pensacola. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the progressive destination of Asheville. 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 mountain town has to offer. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Pensacola or Asheville?

You'll find nightlife and food around the active beach town of Pensacola. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the outdoorsy mountain town of Asheville. 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.

A week in Pensacola or Asheville?

Pensacola is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pensacola, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Asheville 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Asheville?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola and Asheville, 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 Pensacola or Asheville?

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 Pensacola or Asheville in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Asheville. Many visitors come to Pensacola in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Pensacola is around the same temperature as Asheville in the summer. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Asheville fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Asheville. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pensacola or Asheville in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Asheville. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Asheville because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Pensacola is a little warmer than Asheville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pensacola in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Asheville averages at about 64°F (18°C).

Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pensacola usually gets more rain in October than Asheville. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.

Should I visit Pensacola or Asheville in the Winter?

Both Asheville and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Asheville this time of year.

In January, Pensacola is generally much warmer than Asheville. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 51°F (10°C), and Asheville fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In January, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Asheville. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pensacola or Asheville in the Spring?

Both Asheville and Pensacola during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Asheville for the natural beauty.

Pensacola is a little warmer than Asheville in the spring. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 67°F (20°C) in April, and Asheville fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pensacola usually gets less rain in April than Asheville. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.

Typical Weather for Asheville and Pensacola