A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Adirondack Mountains vs. Death Valley National Park for Backpackers, Resorts, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park?

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

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley 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.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a pristine, scenic, and serene region. With stunning beauty, Adirondack Mountains attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Adirondack Mountains travel costs.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a dramatic, striking, and vast national park. You'll find world class beauty in Death Valley National Park as well. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Adirondack Mountains and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • 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 nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Adirondack Mountains. Although Adirondack Mountains and Death Valley National Park are both popular with visitors, Adirondack Mountains has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Adirondack Mountains is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park is known for its impressive beauty. Adirondack Mountains is popular for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. It is also home to Whiteface Mountain. Death Valley National Park is popular for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is Adirondack Mountains different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Death Valley National Park and Adirondack Mountains. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park Better for Skiing?

Adirondack Mountains
Death Valley National Park

Adirondack Mountains is very good for snow skiing. However, Death Valley National Park is not a skiing destination.

Head to Adirondack Mountains for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Death Valley National Park is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park?

Adirondack Mountains
Death Valley National Park

Adirondack Mountains is very good for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Adirondack Mountains. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Is the Food Better in Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Adirondack Mountains
Death Valley National Park

Adirondack Mountains is very good for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Adirondack Mountains area. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Adirondack Mountains
Death Valley National Park

Adirondack Mountains is very good for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Adirondack Mountains
Death Valley National Park

Adirondack Mountains is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Adirondack Mountains. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Adirondack Mountains
Death Valley National Park

If you're looking to go hiking, Adirondack Mountains and Death Valley National Park both have great trails.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Death Valley National Park. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Is the Shopping Better in Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park?

Adirondack Mountains
Death Valley National Park

Adirondack Mountains is very good for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Many visitors go to Adirondack Mountains to go shopping. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park More Beautiful?

Adirondack Mountains
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Death Valley National Park as well. The striking desert setting offers stunning beauty and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is at its most beautiful when the sun is low during sunrise and sunset.

With stunning beauty, Adirondack Mountains attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful lakes and waterfalls, serene settings, and striking viewpoints make this a beautiful destination where you can escape into nature.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Adirondack Mountains
Death Valley National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park.

Adirondack Mountains is a very kid-friendly region. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Death Valley National Park. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Adirondack Mountains
Death Valley National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Adirondack Mountains and Death Valley National Park make for a great place to visit.

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

Death Valley National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adirondack Mountains
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Death Valley National Park. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Adirondack Mountains. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Adirondack Mountains
Death Valley National Park

Neither Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Adirondack Mountains
Death Valley National Park

Neither Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park are walkable places.

Adirondack Mountains is not a walkable region. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable region. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.


For even more information, also check out Is Adirondack Mountains Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Adirondack Mountains?

How long in Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Adirondack Mountains due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Adirondack Mountains, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than Death Valley National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Adirondack Mountains that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than Death Valley 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 Adirondack Mountains.


  • How many days in Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7 
    Death Valley National Park 2-4

One day in Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park?

In Adirondack Mountains, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this scenic destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Death Valley National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park?

In Adirondack Mountains, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

Death Valley National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park?

In Adirondack Mountains, many people enjoy the museums and skiing that this pristine destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This region offers something for everyone.

Many people visit Death Valley National Park for five days. You'll find around the beautiful national park of Death Valley National Park. 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 Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park?

In Adirondack Mountains, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this beautiful region offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this region makes for a great vacation. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

The striking destination of Death Valley National Park offers . Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Death Valley National Park or Adirondack Mountains?

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

  • Adirondack Mountains Prices
    USA Prices
    Death Valley National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Adirondack Mountains $202
    Death Valley National Park $101

The average daily cost (per person) in Adirondack Mountains is $202, while the average daily cost in Death Valley National Park is $101. 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 Adirondack Mountains and Death Valley National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Adirondack Mountains $97
    Death Valley National Park $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Adirondack Mountains $194
    Death Valley National Park $74
Compare Hotels in Adirondack Mountains and Death Valley National Park

Looking for a hotel in Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley 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 Adirondack Mountains


Hotels in Death Valley 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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Adirondack Mountains $33
    Death Valley National Park $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Adirondack Mountains or Death Valley National Park?

Prices for flights to both Death Valley National Park and Adirondack Mountains 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
    Adirondack Mountains $85
    Death Valley National Park $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Adirondack Mountains $17
    Death Valley National Park $36

Tours and Activities in Death Valley National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Death Valley National Park are as follows:

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Death Valley National Park: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Adirondack Mountains $19
    Death Valley National Park $8.57


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Adirondack Mountains Expensive? and Is Death Valley National Park Expensive?.