A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Roanoke vs. Newport for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Roanoke or Newport?

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

Should I visit Roanoke or Newport? 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. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Roanoke travel costs.

Newport

Newport is a charming, coastal, and seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Newport offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Newport travel costs.

Roanoke and Newport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Roanoke or Newport?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newport. Although Roanoke and Newport are popular destinations, Newport has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newport is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Roanoke attracts visitors for its hiking. Newport is more touristy than Roanoke and is known for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. It is also well known for Thames Street. Roanoke is famous for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Roanoke different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Newport is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Newport offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Is the Food Better in Roanoke or Newport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newport is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Newport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Roanoke and Newport.

If you're looking for night time activities Roanoke has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Newport. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Roanoke or Newport Better for Beaches?

Newport is a great town for the beach. However, Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Newport is considered a top beach destination. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Roanoke or Newport Better for its Old Town?

Newport is a great town for its historic old town charm. However, Roanoke does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Roanoke does not have a historic old town.

Is Roanoke or Newport Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Newport is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Roanoke. 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.

Newport is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Newport?

Newport 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 Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

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 Newport More Beautiful?

Newport is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.

Newport offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The coastal setting and charming architecture give it a lot of character.

Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Roanoke or Newport Better for Families?

Newport is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Newport. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

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.

Is Roanoke or Newport Better for Couples?

Newport is renowned for couples. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Newport makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

Roanoke is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Roanoke or Newport Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Newport is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Roanoke is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Newport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a beautiful town, but accommodation tends to be expensive and there aren't any hostels to attract the budget crowd.

Is Roanoke or Newport Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Newport is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Roanoke is not known for its public transit.

While Newport offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

Public transit is generally 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.

Is Roanoke or Newport a more walkable city?

Newport is a great town for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its walkability.

Newport is a very walkable destination. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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 Newport Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newport or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Newport?

In either Roanoke or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Newport than Roanoke because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Roanoke, and 2-5 days is enough time in Newport.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newport than Roanoke 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 Newport.

One day in Roanoke or Newport?

In Roanoke, you'll find museums and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

In Newport, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Roanoke or Newport?

In Roanoke, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Roanoke has to offer.

In Newport, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Newport has to offer.

Five days in Roanoke or Newport?

Roanoke is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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.

Newport is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Newport has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Roanoke or Newport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Roanoke. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Roanoke. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Newport. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Newport. 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 comparing the travel costs between Roanoke and Newport, we can see that Roanoke 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 Roanoke Expensive? and Is Newport Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Newport?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Newport. When comparing the sizes of Roanoke and Newport, 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 Newport?

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 Roanoke or Newport in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Newport. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Roanoke is a little warmer than Newport in the summer. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Newport fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport this time of the year. In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. Roanoke usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Newport during summer. Roanoke gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Roanoke gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Newport. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Roanoke or Newport in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Newport. Many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Newport in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Roanoke is a little warmer than Newport. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Roanoke in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Newport averages at about 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newport. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In the autumn, Roanoke often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Newport. Roanoke gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 211 hours of full sun.

Roanoke usually gets more rain in October than Newport. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Newport in the Winter?

Both Newport and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Roanoke in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Newport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Newport can be very cold during winter. Roanoke can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Roanoke is generally much warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 38°F (3°C), and Newport fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Roanoke usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Newport during winter. Roanoke gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Roanoke usually receives less rain than Newport. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Roanoke or Newport in the Spring?

Both Newport and Roanoke during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Newport because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Roanoke is much warmer than Newport in the spring. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Newport fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Newport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Roanoke. In the spring, Roanoke often gets more sunshine than Newport. Roanoke gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 225 hours of full sun.

Roanoke usually gets less rain in April than Newport. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Newport and Roanoke