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

Should you visit Baltimore or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Joshua Tree National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Baltimore 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.

Baltimore and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Joshua Tree National Park are both popular with visitors, Baltimore has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Baltimore is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Joshua Tree National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Baltimore is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also home to the National Aquarium. Joshua Tree National Park is popular for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

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

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

Baltimore is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Baltimore. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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.

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

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

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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 Baltimore or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

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

Baltimore has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 Baltimore or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Joshua Tree National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

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

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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 Baltimore or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Baltimore is not a destination known for its 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.

Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Baltimore or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Baltimore or Joshua Tree National Park.

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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 Baltimore or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Baltimore or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Baltimore 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

Baltimore is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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

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

Baltimore is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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 Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Baltimore or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Baltimore 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 Baltimore, and 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

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

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

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

One day in Baltimore or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant city of Baltimore. 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 Baltimore or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Baltimore. 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 fascinating 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 Baltimore or Joshua Tree National Park?

Baltimore is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 Baltimore or Joshua Tree National Park?

Baltimore 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

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