A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Blue Ridge for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a charming, outdoorsy, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Blue Ridge is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Blue Ridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Blue Ridge are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, and historical sights, while Blue Ridge is known for its hiking and small town charm. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Saint Augustine different from Blue Ridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge?

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Saint Augustine. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Saint Augustine and Blue Ridge offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Blue Ridge has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Is Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Blue Ridge has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Saint Augustine for it's beautiful beaches. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Blue Ridge and Saint Augustine.

Saint Augustine is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Blue Ridge is well-known for its shopping. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Is Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine and Blue Ridge both are comparable with their good scenery and beauty.

Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Blue Ridge is a beautiful place to visit, too. There are plenty of hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There's also a scenic railroad as well as places to kayak or go horseback riding.

Is Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge Better for Families?

Saint Augustine and Blue Ridge are both great destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Blue Ridge is very family-friendly. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Is Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine and Blue Ridge are both great to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Blue Ridge is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Is Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is a great destination for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Blue Ridge. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

Is Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Augustine is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable place. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Blue Ridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Blue Ridge or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge?

In either Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than Saint Augustine because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 2-5 days is enough time in Blue Ridge.

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

Couples should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Saint Augustine that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge?

With museums and nightlife around the colonial city of Saint Augustine, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Augustine, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge?

Saint Augustine, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge?

Saint Augustine 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.

Since Blue Ridge is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge?

Saint Augustine has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Blue Ridge, 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 Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge?

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 Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Blue Ridge. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Blue Ridge in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Blue Ridge. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Blue Ridge receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. Saint Augustine receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Augustine usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Blue Ridge. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge in the Autumn?

Both Blue Ridge and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Blue Ridge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Blue Ridge averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Blue Ridge during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Blue Ridge receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of rain as Blue Ridge. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge in the Winter?

Both Blue Ridge and Saint Augustine during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Blue Ridge can be very cold. In January, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Blue Ridge. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Blue Ridge. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Blue Ridge receives 145 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in January than Blue Ridge. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Blue Ridge in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Blue Ridge. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Blue Ridge in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Blue Ridge during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Blue Ridge receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Blue Ridge. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Typical Weather for Blue Ridge and Saint Augustine