A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chapel Hill vs. Sequoia National Park for Backpackers, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park?

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

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a collegiate, southern, and student-oriented town. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Chapel Hill travel costs.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is a impressive, magical, and breathtaking national park. The famous beauty of Sequoia National Park is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Sequoia National Park travel costs.

Chapel Hill and Sequoia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
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 the General Sherman tree
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sequoia National Park than Chapel Hill, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sequoia National Park is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Chapel Hill is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Sequoia National Park is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is popular for its spectacularly large sequoia trees and its dramatic beauty. Also, Sequoia National Park is famous for the General Sherman tree. Chapel Hill is well known for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

How is Chapel Hill different from Sequoia National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park?

Chapel Hill
Sequoia National Park

Chapel Hill is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Chapel Hill. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

Sequoia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The visitor centers have informational exhibits and there's also The Giant Forest Museum.


Is the Food Better in Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chapel Hill
Sequoia National Park

Chapel Hill is a town with good options for its restaurants. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chapel Hill. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Sequoia National Park. There are restaurants, cafes, and markets in the park where you can pick up food. Some options are only open seasonally so check in advance to make sure you understand the options.

Is Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Chapel Hill
Sequoia National Park

Chapel Hill is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Chapel Hill has a large number of nightlife venues. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Sequoia National Park. Nightlife is limited to stargazing and campfire chats.

Is Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park Better for Resorts?

Chapel Hill
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is a national park with a few options for its resorts. However, Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Sequoia National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. Wuksachi Lodge is the signature hotel option in the park.

Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.


Is Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park Better for Hiking?

Chapel Hill
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

People visit Sequoia National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hiking options range from day hiking to overnight backpacking. The hikes can be easy and accessible or more challenging, but whatever your style, you're sure to be amazed by this spectacular setting. The trails wander through high reaching trees or along steep canyons. Some of the most popular trails include Big Trees Trail, Crescent Meadow Loop Trail, Congress Trail, Tokopah Falls Trail, Hazelwood Nature Trail, Alta Peak Trail, and the High Sierra Trail to Bearpaw Meadow.

Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park?

Chapel Hill
Sequoia National Park

Chapel Hill is a town with good options for shopping. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chapel Hill. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sequoia National Park has some nice offerings. There are markets within the park.

Is Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park More Beautiful?

Chapel Hill
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Chapel Hill is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Sequoia National Park is one of the main draws. The spectacular trees tower over you and the setting is simply magical. There are world class hikes and settings that will leave you in awe.

Chapel Hill is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park Better for Families?

Chapel Hill
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Sequoia National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy driving through the tunnel log and gazing up at the impressive trees. It feels like a fairytale world where even adults can run around and embrace their inner child. There are also plenty of kid-friendly hikes.

Chapel Hill offers lots of family activities. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

Is Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park Better for Couples?

Chapel Hill
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is well known for couples. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Sequoia National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, hiking, exploring, and camping will embrace the opportunity to visit the spectacular national park. There are beautiful romantic hikes and sunset views that will take your breath away.

Chapel Hill is a nice destination for couples. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

Is Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chapel Hill
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is very popular for backpackers. However, Chapel Hill is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sequoia National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Backpacking through the park will let you experience places that most visitors don't make it to. This is the best way to truly enjoy the nature, serenity, and beauty of the park.

Chapel Hill is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a young population thanks to the university, but there's little else to attract backpackers.


Is Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park Better for Students?

Chapel Hill
Sequoia National Park

Chapel Hill is an amazing town to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sequoia National Park is not popular with students.

Chapel Hill is a very popular town for students. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

Sequoia National Park is not popular with students.

Is Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chapel Hill
Sequoia National Park

Chapel Hill is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Chapel Hill has some public transit options. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Public transit is generally limited in Sequoia National Park. There is a shuttle service, but it's limited to the summer months and other peak travel times.

Is Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park a more walkable city?

Chapel Hill
Sequoia National Park

Chapel Hill is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Chapel Hill is somewhat walkable. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

Sequoia National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are countless hiking trails, you'll need a car to efficiently get around the park.


For even more information, also check out Is Chapel Hill Worth Visiting? and Is Sequoia National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sequoia National Park or Chapel Hill?

How long in Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park?

Both Chapel Hill and Sequoia National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sequoia National Park than in Chapel Hill. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chapel Hill, and 2-7 days is enough time in Sequoia National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chapel Hill than Sequoia 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 Chapel Hill.


  • How many days in Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chapel Hill 1-3 
    Sequoia National Park 2-7

One day in Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park?

In Chapel Hill, you'll find shopping and museums. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chapel Hill, one day is sufficent for most.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the magical national park of Sequoia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chapel Hill. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the surreal destination of Sequoia National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park?

Chapel Hill is a fun place to experience. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the magical national park of Sequoia National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the collegiate destination of Chapel Hill. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Sequoia National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this national park.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sequoia National Park or Chapel Hill?

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

  • Chapel Hill Prices
    USA Prices
    Sequoia National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Chapel Hill $200
    Sequoia National Park $152

The average daily cost (per person) in Chapel Hill is $200, while the average daily cost in Sequoia National Park is $152. 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 Chapel Hill and Sequoia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chapel Hill $95
    Sequoia National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chapel Hill $190
    Sequoia National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Chapel Hill and Sequoia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Chapel Hill or Sequoia 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 Chapel Hill


Hotels in Sequoia 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: Chapel Hill Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chapel Hill $34
    Sequoia National Park $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Chapel Hill or Sequoia National Park?

Prices for flights to both Sequoia National Park and Chapel Hill 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
    Chapel Hill $84
    Sequoia National Park $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chapel Hill $17
    Sequoia National Park $31

Tours and Activities in Sequoia National Park

For Sequoia National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Kings Canyon National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Sequoia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon Audio Tour Self Guide National Park Tour: $20
  • Sequoia National Park Small-Group Tour from Wuksachi Lodge: $283
  • Sequoia National Park Small Group Tour from Three Rivers.: $289
  • Sequoia National Park Adventure from Tulare: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chapel Hill $40
    Sequoia National Park $7.84


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

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