A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tampa vs. Boone for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Tampa or Boone?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Boone? 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.

Tampa

Tampa is a easy-going, low-key, and laid-back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food and beaches. See Tampa travel costs.

Boone

Boone is a relaxing, quaint, and picturesque town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Boone attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Boone travel costs.

Tampa and Boone: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Boone?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boone. Although Tampa and Boone are popular destinations, Boone has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boone is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Tampa attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities. Boone is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm. It is also well known for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Tampa is famous for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Tampa different from Boone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tampa or Boone Better for Skiing?

Boone is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Tampa is not a skiing destination.

Boone draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Tampa is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tampa or Boone?

Boone is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Boone. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Tampa or Boone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Tampa and Boone can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Tampa is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Boone offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Is Tampa or Boone Better for Nightlife?

Boone is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

Boone has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tampa or Boone Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Boone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Boone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Boone Better for Beaches?

Tampa is a great city for the beach. However, Boone is not a beach destination.

Tampa is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Boone is not a beach destination.

Is Tampa or Boone Better for Hiking?

Boone is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Boone. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Boone?

Boone is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Boone. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Boone More Beautiful?

Boone is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Tampa is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Boone attracts visitors from all around. The surrounding area is filled with great natural beauty and wonderful hikes.

Tampa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tampa or Boone Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tampa or Boone.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Boone is a very family-friendly place to visit. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

Is Tampa or Boone Better for Couples?

Boone is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Boone makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Tampa or Boone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boone is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boone. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Tampa or Boone Better for Students?

Boone is an amazing town to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Tampa is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Boone. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

Tampa is not popular with students.

Is Tampa or Boone Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boone is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Boone a more walkable city?

Boone is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

Boone is a very walkable destination. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Tampa Worth Visiting? and Is Boone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boone or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Boone?

It's fun to spend time in either Tampa or Boone. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Boone due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Tampa, and 2-4 days is enough time in Boone.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boone than Tampa 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 Boone.

One day in Tampa or Boone?

In Tampa, many people enjoy the food that this low-key destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Boone is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tampa or Boone?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tampa. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boone. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Boone?

Tampa is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Tampa. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Boone is a fun place to experience. Boone is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tampa or Boone?

You'll find food around the easy-going destination of Tampa. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Boone is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Tampa and Boone, we can see that Tampa 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 Tampa Expensive? and Is Boone Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Boone?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Boone. When comparing the sizes of Tampa and Boone, 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.