A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Roanoke vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

Should I visit Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a scenic, outdoorsy, and laid back town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Roanoke travel costs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quaint, charming, and picturesque town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

Roanoke and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Although Roanoke 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 food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Roanoke attracts visitors for its nightlife and hiking. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more touristy than Roanoke and is popular for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. It is also well known for Pebble Beach Golf Course. Roanoke is famous for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Roanoke 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 Roanoke. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Roanoke.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Roanoke. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Is the Food Better in Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Carmel-by-the-Sea has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Roanoke is a town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great town for the beach. However, Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Roanoke is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great town for its shopping areas. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Roanoke is a great destination for shopping. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea More Beautiful?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great town for its scenery and beauty. However, Roanoke is not a destination known for its 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.

Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Roanoke is a town with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

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 Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Roanoke and Carmel-by-the-Sea make for a excellent place to visit.

Roanoke is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke is a town with good options for backpackers. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Roanoke is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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 Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Roanoke and Carmel-by-the-Sea both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

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.

Is Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great town for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known 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.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

For even more information, also check out Is Roanoke Worth Visiting? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Roanoke. 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 Roanoke than Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Roanoke.

One day in Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Roanoke, 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 is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With shopping and museums around the outdoorsy town of Roanoke, 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Carmel-by-the-Sea has to offer.

Five days in Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the laid back destination of Roanoke. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Roanoke is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

When is the best time to visit Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Roanoke during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Roanoke in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Roanoke is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. Roanoke usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most visitors come to Roanoke for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Roanoke is around the same temperature as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Roanoke in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. The winter months attract visitors to Roanoke because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

The weather in Roanoke can be very cold. In January, Roanoke is generally much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 38°F (3°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Roanoke usually gets more rain in January than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Roanoke is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Roanoke