A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Winston-Salem vs. Ketchikan for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Ketchikan?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Ketchikan? 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.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a under-rated, welcoming, and friendly city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Winston-Salem travel costs.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Winston-Salem and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Ketchikan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ketchikan than Winston-Salem, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ketchikan is better known for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Winston-Salem is more popular for its nightlife and historical sights. Ketchikan is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Also, Ketchikan is famous for the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Winston-Salem or Ketchikan?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Winston-Salem or Ketchikan.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Winston-Salem. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

Ketchikan is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

Is the Food Better in Winston-Salem or Ketchikan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ketchikan is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Ketchikan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Winston-Salem. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

Is Winston-Salem or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem is very good for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Winston-Salem or Ketchikan Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem is very good for its historic old town. However, Ketchikan does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to see the historical old town. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Ketchikan does not have a historic old town.

Is Winston-Salem or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

People visit Ketchikan specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Ketchikan?

Both Winston-Salem and Ketchikan are notable shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to go shopping. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Winston-Salem or Ketchikan More Beautiful?

Ketchikan is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Winston-Salem or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Ketchikan is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Ketchikan is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly city. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Winston-Salem or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

Ketchikan is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Ketchikan is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Winston-Salem or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ketchikan is a popular place for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.

Is Winston-Salem or Ketchikan Better for Students?

Winston-Salem is very good for students. However, Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Winston-Salem is a good city to visit for students. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Is Winston-Salem or Ketchikan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Winston-Salem and Ketchikan offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Winston-Salem or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Ketchikan is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Ketchikan is a very walkable destination. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Winston-Salem and Ketchikan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ketchikan than in Winston-Salem. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ketchikan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ketchikan than Winston-Salem 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 Ketchikan.

One day in Winston-Salem or Ketchikan?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Winston-Salem. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Winston-Salem has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the quaint destination of Ketchikan. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Ketchikan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Winston-Salem. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ketchikan. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Winston-Salem or Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated city of Winston-Salem. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local destination of Ketchikan. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Winston-Salem or Ketchikan?

Winston-Salem is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful town of Ketchikan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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 Winston-Salem and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan is more expensive. And not only is Winston-Salem much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Winston-Salem would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Winston-Salem 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan than you might in Winston-Salem.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Winston-Salem Expensive? and Is Ketchikan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Ketchikan?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem and Ketchikan, 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 Winston-Salem or Ketchikan?

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 Winston-Salem or Ketchikan in the Summer?

Both Ketchikan and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Winston-Salem is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Winston-Salem in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 58°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. It's quite rainy in Winston-Salem. In July, Winston-Salem usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

Both Ketchikan and Winston-Salem during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 62°F (17°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Winston-Salem usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Ketchikan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Ketchikan. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ketchikan can be very cold during winter. Winston-Salem can get quite cold in the winter. Winston-Salem is much warmer than Ketchikan in the winter. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Winston-Salem usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Ketchikan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Ketchikan. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Winston-Salem is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Winston-Salem in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 44°F (6°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Winston-Salem usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Winston-Salem