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

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, 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 colonial, historic, and notable city. Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a beautiful, peaceful, and active recreation area. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking. See Chimney Rock and Lake Lure travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more popular for its hiking. Saint Augustine is well known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is well known for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities.

How is Saint Augustine different from Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Saint Augustine 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 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.

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 Saint Augustine or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Saint Augustine is an experience not to be missed. 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.

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 Saint Augustine or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine 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.

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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Is Saint Augustine or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine is a great destination for the beach. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Saint Augustine attract visitors from all over. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Hiking?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 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.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

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

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Saint Augustine. 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.

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 Saint Augustine or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure both are comparable with their notable scenery and beauty.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Families?

Saint Augustine and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are both high quality 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, 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are both high quality 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

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

Saint Augustine 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 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 quite limited in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There is limited public transit in the area.

Is Saint Augustine or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its walkability.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a very walkable city. The trails and parks in the region are spread out and require a car to access.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint Augustine or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Augustine and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Augustine than in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 1-3 days is enough time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

Families should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

One day in Saint Augustine or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Saint Augustine, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this notable destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers . 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 enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Saint Augustine, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers . 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Saint Augustine. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This recreation area offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Saint Augustine. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, we can see that Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more expensive. And not only is Saint Augustine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Augustine would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Augustine 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure than you might in Saint Augustine.

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Saint Augustine has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, 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.