A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Asheville or Joshua Tree 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 Asheville and Joshua Tree 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.

Asheville

Asheville is a outdoorsy, progressive, and open-minded mountain town. Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food. See Asheville travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a adventurous, unique, and fascinating national park. The beauty of Joshua Tree National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Asheville and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Joshua Tree National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Asheville. Although Asheville and Joshua Tree National Park are both popular with visitors, Asheville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Asheville is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Joshua Tree National Park is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Joshua Tree National Park is more touristy than Asheville and is popular for its unique vegetation and large boulders. Asheville is popular for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue. It is also home to The Biltmore Estate.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Joshua Tree National Park?

Joshua Tree National Park is a national park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Asheville is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Asheville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

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 Asheville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Asheville has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

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 Asheville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Music?

Asheville is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Asheville while you're in town. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a mountain town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a decent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Joshua Tree National Park does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Asheville is worth visiting. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Joshua Tree National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Joshua Tree National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Many visitors go to Asheville for the hiking trails. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Joshua Tree National Park?

Asheville is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Asheville. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

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 Asheville or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its scenery and beauty. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Joshua Tree National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Is Asheville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Both Asheville and Joshua Tree National Park are very good family-friendly destinations.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly mountain town. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Joshua Tree National Park. 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 Asheville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Asheville and Joshua Tree National Park both very good destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Joshua Tree National Park is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Asheville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Joshua Tree National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Is Asheville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Students?

Asheville is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

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

Asheville is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

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

Is Asheville or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Asheville is a mountain town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable mountain town. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

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

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

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

One day in Asheville or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the open-minded mountain town of Asheville. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

You'll find around the national park of Joshua Tree National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Asheville. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find around the adventurous destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.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 Asheville or Joshua Tree National Park?

Asheville 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. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the unique national park of Joshua Tree National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Asheville or Joshua Tree National Park?

Asheville is a popular choice for travelers. 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 choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

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.

When comparing the travel costs between Asheville and Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Joshua Tree National Park 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 Asheville Expensive? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.