A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Berkeley vs. Denali National Park for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Berkeley or Denali National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berkeley or Denali National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a progressive, diverse, and quirky city. Berkeley is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Berkeley travel costs.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a vast, rugged, and spectacular park. You'll find world class beauty in Denali National Park as well. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Denali National Park travel costs.

Berkeley and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less charming
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • 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 food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Berkeley or Denali National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Berkeley. Although Berkeley and Denali National Park are both popular with visitors, Berkeley has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Berkeley is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Denali National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Berkeley is popular for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. It is also home to University of California Botanical Garden. Denali National Park is popular for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife.

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

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

Berkeley
Denali National Park

Berkeley is a great city for its historical sights. However, Denali National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Berkeley specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.

Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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 Berkeley or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Berkeley
Denali National Park

Berkeley is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Berkeley has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

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 Berkeley or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Berkeley
Denali National Park

Berkeley is a great city for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Berkeley has something for everybody. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

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 Berkeley or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Berkeley
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Berkeley is not a resort destination.

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.

Berkeley is not a resort destination.


Is Berkeley or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Berkeley
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Denali National Park has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Berkeley or Denali National Park?

Berkeley
Denali National Park

Berkeley is a great city for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Berkeley is well-known for its shopping. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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 Berkeley or Denali National Park More Beautiful?

Berkeley
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Denali National Park as well. Home to the highest peak in North America, the park is famous for its dramatic beauty and rugged landscapes.

Berkeley is a gorgeous place to visit. It has a nice campus and a unique setting that mixes an urban environment with a bayside location.


Is Berkeley or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Berkeley
Denali National Park

Berkeley and Denali National Park are both good destinations for the whole family.

Berkeley is a family-friendly place to visit. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.

Denali National Park is a family-friendly city. 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.

Is Berkeley or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Berkeley
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is notable for couples. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Denali National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

Berkeley is a nice destination for couples. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

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

Berkeley
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is renowned for backpackers. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Berkeley is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.


Is Berkeley or Denali National Park Better for Students?

Berkeley
Denali National Park

Berkeley is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Denali National Park is not popular with students.

Berkeley is very popular with students. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

Denali National Park is not popular with students.

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

Berkeley
Denali National Park

Berkeley is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Denali National Park is not known for its public transit.

Berkeley has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

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 Berkeley or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Berkeley
Denali National Park

Berkeley is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

Berkeley is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

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 Berkeley Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or Berkeley?

How long in Berkeley or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Berkeley 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, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Berkeley, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.

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

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


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

One day in Berkeley or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Berkeley. 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.

The beautiful park of Denali National Park offers . With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Berkeley or Denali National Park?

Berkeley is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

Denali National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this park makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Denali National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Berkeley or Denali National Park?

Many people visit Berkeley for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Berkeley. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Denali National Park is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Berkeley or Denali National Park?

The quirky destination of Berkeley offers nightlife and food. 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.

Denali National Park is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This park offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Berkeley?

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

  • Berkeley Prices
    USA Prices
    Denali National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Berkeley $217
    Denali National Park $260

The average daily cost (per person) in Berkeley is $217, 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 Berkeley and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Berkeley $131
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berkeley $262
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Berkeley and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Berkeley 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 Berkeley


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: Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Berkeley $30
    Denali National Park $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97

Is it cheaper to fly into Berkeley or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Berkeley 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
    Berkeley $63
    Denali National Park $98
Typical Food Prices in Berkeley

Some typical examples of dining costs in Berkeley are as follows:


  • Chocolates at Sweet Dreams
    $4.46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berkeley

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Berkeley.

  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $137
  • Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Berkeley $30
    Denali National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Berkeley

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Berkeley are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $100
  • Experience Create your own jewelry workshop for beginners: $95
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $126
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20

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
    Berkeley $13
    Denali National Park $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Berkeley

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

  • Guided Wine Tasting at Berkeley Wineries with Local Sommelière : $175
  • Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Berkeley and Denali National Park, we can see that Denali National Park is more expensive. And not only is Berkeley much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Berkeley would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Berkeley 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 Berkeley.

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



When is the best time to visit Berkeley 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 Berkeley or Denali National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Berkeley as well as Denali National Park. Most visitors come to Berkeley for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Berkeley is generally a little warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Berkeley average around 63°F (17°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

Berkeley usually gets less rain in July than Denali National Park. Berkeley gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Berkeley or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

Both Denali National Park and Berkeley are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the autumn. Berkeley is much warmer than Denali National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Berkeley averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In October, Berkeley usually receives less rain than Denali National Park. Berkeley gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Berkeley or Denali National Park in the Winter?

Both Denali National Park and Berkeley during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Denali National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Denali National Park. In the winter, Berkeley is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Berkeley in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 11°F (-12°C).

Berkeley usually gets more rain in January than Denali National Park. Berkeley gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit Berkeley or Denali National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkeley and Denali National Park. Many travelers come to Berkeley for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Denali National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Denali National Park can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Berkeley is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Berkeley average around 58°F (14°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

In April, Berkeley usually receives less rain than Denali National Park. Berkeley gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Berkeley

Berkeley Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)