A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Couples, Backpackers, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park? 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.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a vibrant, built-up, and well-known city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Acapulco de Juarez travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a unique, fascinating, and adventurous national park. With stunning beauty, Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Acapulco de Juarez and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Acapulco de Juarez. Although Acapulco de Juarez and Joshua Tree National Park are popular destinations, Acapulco de Juarez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Acapulco de Juarez is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Acapulco de Juarez is famous for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. It is also well known for the cliff divers of La Quebrada. Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Joshua Tree National Park and Acapulco de Juarez. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park?

Acapulco de Juarez
Joshua Tree National Park

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park.

Acapulco de Juarez offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.

While most people don't head to Joshua Tree National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.


Is the Food Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acapulco de Juarez
Joshua Tree National Park

Acapulco de Juarez is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Acapulco de Juarez is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez
Joshua Tree National Park

Acapulco de Juarez is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Acapulco de Juarez is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa Beach.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez
Joshua Tree National Park

Acapulco de Juarez is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is a world class resort vacation destination. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Acapulco de Juarez
Joshua Tree National Park

Acapulco de Juarez is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez
Joshua Tree National Park

Acapulco de Juarez is a very popular place for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Acapulco de Juarez attract visitors from all over. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Acapulco de Juarez
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

People visit Joshua Tree National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park?

Acapulco de Juarez
Joshua Tree National Park

Acapulco de Juarez is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Acapulco de Juarez has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

Acapulco de Juarez
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors from all around. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Acapulco de Juarez
Joshua Tree National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park.

Acapulco de Juarez is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very family-friendly destination. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez
Joshua Tree National Park

Acapulco de Juarez is renowned for couples. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Acapulco de Juarez is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

Couples visit Joshua Tree National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acapulco de Juarez
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Acapulco de Juarez is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are more hotels and resorts than hostels, so most backpackers head elsewhere. There is a young crowd during the spring break season.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Acapulco de Juarez
Joshua Tree National Park

Acapulco de Juarez is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Acapulco de Juarez has some public transit options. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Acapulco de Juarez
Joshua Tree National Park

Acapulco de Juarez is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Acapulco de Juarez is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable city. You need a car to truly explore the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Acapulco de Juarez?

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Acapulco de Juarez, and 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

Families should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Joshua Tree National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Acapulco de Juarez, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Joshua Tree National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Acapulco de Juarez that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Joshua Tree National Park 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 Acapulco de Juarez.


  • How many days in Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Acapulco de Juarez 3-5 
    Joshua Tree National Park 2-4

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the vibrant city of Acapulco de Juarez. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the fascinating destination of Joshua Tree National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Acapulco de Juarez. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the nightlife. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the when visiting the fascinating national park of Joshua Tree National Park. Most people visit for the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Joshua Tree National Park has to offer.


Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park?

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Joshua Tree National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park?

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. Most people visit for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Joshua Tree National Park or Acapulco de Juarez?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Acapulco de Juarez Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Joshua Tree National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Acapulco de Juarez $92
    Joshua Tree National Park $177

The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $92, while the average daily cost in Joshua Tree National Park is $177. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Acapulco de Juarez and Joshua Tree National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acapulco de Juarez $35
    Joshua Tree National Park $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acapulco de Juarez $70
    Joshua Tree National Park $174
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Joshua Tree National Park

Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez


Hotels in Joshua Tree National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $15
    Joshua Tree National Park $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

  • Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Roundtrip Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $27
  • Airport Transfer In Suburban: $45
  • Acapulco Airport Roundtrip Transfers: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Joshua Tree National Park?

Prices for flights to both Joshua Tree National Park and Acapulco de Juarez change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Acapulco de Juarez $45
    Joshua Tree National Park $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.

  • Cliff Divers Exhibition 2 Drinks + Tacos al Pastor Dinner & Beer: $55
  • Lucha Libre-Wrestling FiestaExper Taco Dinner Beer ONLY SUNDAYS: $62
  • Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour with a Professional Chef: $100
  • Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
  • Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $253
  • Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $286

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $16
    Joshua Tree National Park $27

Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez

Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 4Hrs Small Group Half Day City Tour with Lunch at High Divers: $70
  • Museums, Magic City Market & Meals: A Cultural Tour of Acapulco: $129
  • 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $67
  • 4 in 1 Combo tours for visitors in their first time: $192
  • 4hr Fun Guide Tour For Cruisers or Hotels Guests with Divers Show: $58
  • 6 Hour Fun-Filled Tour Perfect for Cruise Travelers & Hotel Stays: $83
  • 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $75
  • 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $96
  • Acapulco City Tour: $68
  • Acapulco City Tour: $65
  • Acapulco City Tour: $70
  • Acapulco Eco-Tour: $93

Tours and Activities in Joshua Tree National Park

For Joshua Tree National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Rappelling Experience: $255
  • From San Diego: Joshua Tree National Park Private Tour: $949

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acapulco de Juarez $9.81
    Joshua Tree National Park $4.93


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.


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