A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Alexandria vs. Death Valley National Park for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Alexandria or Death Valley National Park?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Alexandria and Death Valley National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Alexandria attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Alexandria travel costs.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. Many visitors also come to Death Valley National Park because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Alexandria and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • 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 food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Alexandria. Although Alexandria and Death Valley National Park are popular destinations, Alexandria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alexandria is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Alexandria is famous for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Mount Vernon. Death Valley National Park is famous for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is Alexandria 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 Alexandria. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Alexandria
Death Valley National Park

Alexandria is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Alexandria specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

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 Alexandria or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alexandria
Death Valley National Park

Alexandria is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Dining out in Alexandria is an experience not to be missed. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

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 Alexandria or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Alexandria
Death Valley National Park

Alexandria 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 Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

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 Alexandria or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Alexandria
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Alexandria is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Death Valley National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. 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.

Alexandria is not a resort destination.


Is Alexandria or Death Valley National Park Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria
Death Valley National Park

Alexandria is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Death Valley National Park does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Alexandria is one of the most recognized in the world. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Death Valley National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Alexandria or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Alexandria
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is great for hiking. However, Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Death Valley National Park for the hiking trails. 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.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Death Valley National Park?

Alexandria
Death Valley National Park

Alexandria is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

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 Alexandria or Death Valley National Park More Beautiful?

Alexandria
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Death Valley National Park because of it's amazing beauty. 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.

Alexandria is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The historic architecture and beautiful waterfront make this an iconic destination.

Is Alexandria or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Alexandria
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Alexandria or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Alexandria
Death Valley National Park

Alexandria and Death Valley National Park both high quality destinations for a couple.

Alexandria is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Alexandria or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alexandria
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Death Valley National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. 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 visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

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

Alexandria
Death Valley National Park

Alexandria is renowned for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Alexandria has a great public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

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

Is Alexandria or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Alexandria
Death Valley National Park

Alexandria is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Alexandria on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

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


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

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

How long in Alexandria or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Alexandria or Death Valley National Park. In our opinion, Alexandria has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Alexandria than Death Valley National Park. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria 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 Alexandria.


  • How many days in Alexandria or Death Valley National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Alexandria 2-4 
    Death Valley National Park 2-4

One day in Alexandria or Death Valley National Park?

In Alexandria, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this quaint 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.

With around the vast national park of Death Valley National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Alexandria or Death Valley National Park?

In Alexandria, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this beautiful destination offers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

With around the destination of Death Valley National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Five days in Alexandria or Death Valley National Park?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Alexandria. 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.

Death Valley National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Alexandria or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful city of Alexandria. 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.

Death Valley National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Death Valley National Park or Alexandria?

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

  • Alexandria Prices
    USA Prices
    Death Valley National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Alexandria $0.00
    Death Valley National Park $101

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $0.00, 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 Alexandria and Death Valley National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $38
    Death Valley National Park $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $76
    Death Valley National Park $74
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Death Valley National Park

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria 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 Alexandria


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.


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

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria -
    Death Valley National Park $41

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

Prices for flights to both Death Valley National Park and Alexandria 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
    Alexandria -
    Death Valley National Park $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria -
    Death Valley National Park $36

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Alexandria.

  • Phantoms of the Potomac: Old Town Alexandria Ghost Tour: $27
  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Old Town Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $39
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Semi-Private Walking Tour Old Town Alexandria & Carlyle: $69
  • Alexandria & Mt Vernon Tour: $99
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127

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
    Alexandria -
    Death Valley National Park $8.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Alexandria:

  • Alexandria Ghosts: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30


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

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


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