A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Denali National Park for Backpackers, Resorts, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Atlantic City or Denali 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 Atlantic City and Denali 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.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a colorful, glitzy, and flashy city. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a spectacular, epic, and vast park. The famous beauty of Denali National Park is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking. See Denali National Park travel costs.

Atlantic City and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
  • 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
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Denali National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Atlantic City. Although Atlantic City and Denali National Park are popular destinations, Atlantic City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Atlantic City is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Denali National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Atlantic City is more touristy than Denali National Park and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality It is also well known for Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. Denali National Park is famous for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife.

How is Atlantic City different from Denali National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlantic City or Denali National Park?

Atlantic City
Denali National Park

Both Atlantic City and Denali National Park have reasonable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Atlantic City offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

While most people don't head to Denali National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.


Is the Food Better in Atlantic City or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlantic City
Denali National Park

Atlantic City is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Denali National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is Atlantic City or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City
Denali National Park

Atlantic City is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

Atlantic City is a world class party destination. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is Atlantic City or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City
Denali National Park

Atlantic City is a great city for its luxury resorts. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Atlantic City. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Denali National Park has a few great resort options. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.


Is Atlantic City or Denali National Park Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City
Denali National Park

Atlantic City is very good for the beach. However, Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Atlantic City to enjoy the beach. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Atlantic City or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Atlantic City
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Denali National Park offers some nice hiking trails. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Denali National Park?

Atlantic City
Denali National Park

Atlantic City is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atlantic City. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Denali National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.


Is Atlantic City or Denali National Park More Beautiful?

Atlantic City
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Denali National Park is one of the main draws. Home to the highest peak in North America, the park is famous for its dramatic beauty and rugged landscapes.

Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Atlantic City or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Atlantic City
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Denali National Park. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Atlantic City or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Atlantic City
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is well known for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Denali National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.


Is Atlantic City or Denali National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Denali National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

Is Atlantic City or Denali National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atlantic City
Denali National Park

Atlantic City is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Denali National Park is not known for its public transit.

While Atlantic City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

Public transit is generally limited in Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.

Is Atlantic City or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Atlantic City
Denali National Park

Atlantic City is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

Atlantic City is a very walkable city. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

Denali National Park is not a walkable city. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.


For even more information, also check out Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Atlantic City or Denali National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Denali National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlantic City than Denali 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 Atlantic City.


  • How many days in Atlantic City or Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Atlantic City 1-3 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in Atlantic City or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Atlantic City. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlantic City has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the vast destination of Denali National Park. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Atlantic City or Denali National Park?

Atlantic City is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Denali National Park. 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 Atlantic City or Denali National Park?

Many people visit Atlantic City for five days. You'll find shopping and nightlife around the city of Atlantic City. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the epic destination of Denali National Park. This park 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 Atlantic City or Denali National Park?

The glitzy destination of Atlantic City offers nightlife and food. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find around the beautiful park of Denali National Park. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Atlantic City?

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

  • Atlantic City Prices
    USA Prices
    Denali National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Atlantic City $190
    Denali National Park $260

The average daily cost (per person) in Atlantic City is $190, while the average daily cost in Denali National Park is $260. 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 Atlantic City and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atlantic City $73
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atlantic City $146
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Atlantic City and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Atlantic City or Denali 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 Atlantic City


Hotels in Denali 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: Atlantic City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atlantic City $40
    Denali National Park $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Atlantic City or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Atlantic City 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
    Atlantic City $86
    Denali National Park $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Atlantic City $44
    Denali National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Atlantic City

Here are a few actual costs in Atlantic City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Hour Private Escape Room Experience in Ocean City: $36
  • 1-Hour Ocean Parasailing Adventure In Ocean City, MD: $95
  • 1-Hour Private Party Assateague Island Pony Cruise in Ocean City: $200
  • 1-Hour Private Party Happy Hour Booze Cruise in Ocean City, MD: $190
  • 1-Hour Sea Rocket Sunset & OC Harbor Cruise in Ocean City, MD: $38
  • 45-Minute Sea Rocket Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City MD: $40
  • 75 Minute Private Party Back Bay Sunset Cruise in Ocean City, MD: $200
  • Aces to Ashes: Apparitions of Atlantic City Boardwalk Ghost Tour: $31
  • Assateague Horses, Herons and Happy Hour Cruise: $40
  • Atlantic City Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $29
  • Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour: $110
  • EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City, MD: $35

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.

  • Denali Husky Kennel & Brewpub Visit – Half-Day Experience: $130
  • Denali Naturalist Walking Tour: $132
  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $135
  • Midnight Sun ATV Adventure 2.5 Hour Tour: $135
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $139
  • Wilds of Alaska Classic ATV Adventure: $153
  • Winter Side by Side ATV Tour: $160
  • Denali 4 Hour Hiking Adventure with Naturalist Guide: $160
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $163
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $163
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $178
  • Denali 5 Hour Hiking Tour with Naturalist Guide: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atlantic City $39
    Denali National Park $12


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

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



When is the best time to visit Atlantic City or Denali National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Denali National Park in the Summer?

Both Denali National Park and Atlantic City during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Denali National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Atlantic City is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlantic City in July average around 75°F (24°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 60°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually gets more rain in July than Denali National Park. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Atlantic City 75°F (24°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Denali National Park. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Denali National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Denali National Park can be very cold during autumn. In October, Atlantic City is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 56°F (13°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In October, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Denali National Park. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Atlantic City 56°F (13°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Denali National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Denali National Park. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. Atlantic City can be very cold during winter. Atlantic City is much warmer than Denali National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 11°F (-12°C).

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in January than Denali National Park. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Atlantic City 31°F (-0°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Denali National Park in the Spring?

Both Denali National Park and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the spring. In the spring, Atlantic City is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlantic City in April average around 51°F (10°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 34°F (1°C).

In April, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Atlantic City 51°F (10°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Atlantic City

Atlantic City Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 51°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 74°F (23°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 67°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)


Related Articles for Denali National Park