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

Should you visit Charlotte 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 Charlotte and Joshua Tree National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a evolving, up-and-coming, and growing 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 Charlotte travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a unique, fascinating, and adventurous national park. With stunning beauty, Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Charlotte and Joshua Tree 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 students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • 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
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 Charlotte or Joshua Tree National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Charlotte. Although Charlotte and Joshua Tree National Park are popular destinations, Charlotte has more sights and attractions for tourists. Charlotte is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Joshua Tree National Park is more touristy than Charlotte and is known for its unique vegetation and large boulders. Charlotte is famous for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. It is also well known for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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

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

Charlotte
Joshua Tree National Park

Charlotte is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlotte. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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 Charlotte or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charlotte
Joshua Tree National Park

Charlotte is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Charlotte is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

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 Charlotte or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Charlotte
Joshua Tree National Park

Charlotte is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Charlotte. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

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 Charlotte or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Charlotte
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is terrific for hiking. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a hiking destination.


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

Charlotte
Joshua Tree National Park

Charlotte is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Charlotte has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

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 Charlotte or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

Charlotte
Joshua Tree National Park

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

With stunning beauty, Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors from all around. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

Charlotte is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Charlotte or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Charlotte
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Charlotte is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.


Is Charlotte or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Charlotte
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is great for couples. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Joshua Tree National Park is a great national park 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.

Charlotte is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

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

Charlotte
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlotte is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Joshua Tree National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Charlotte is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a backpacker destination, there are some cheaper motels that budget travelers can stay at.

Is Charlotte or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Students?

Charlotte
Joshua Tree National Park

Charlotte is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Charlotte. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.


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

Charlotte
Joshua Tree National Park

Charlotte is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Charlotte has some public transit options. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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

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

Charlotte
Joshua Tree National Park

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

Charlotte is a somewhat walkable city. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

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

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

How long in Charlotte or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Charlotte 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, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlotte, and 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Charlotte or Joshua Tree National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Charlotte 1-3 
    Joshua Tree National Park 2-4

One day in Charlotte or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the growing city of Charlotte. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Charlotte or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

Charlotte 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 adventurous 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 Charlotte or Joshua Tree National Park?

Charlotte 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.


Which place is cheaper, Joshua Tree National Park or Charlotte?

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

  • Charlotte Prices
    USA Prices
    Joshua Tree National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Charlotte $225
    Joshua Tree National Park $177

The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $225, while the average daily cost in Joshua Tree National Park is $177. 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 Charlotte and Joshua Tree National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlotte $118
    Joshua Tree National Park $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlotte $236
    Joshua Tree National Park $174
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Joshua Tree National Park

Looking for a hotel in Charlotte or Joshua Tree 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 Charlotte


Hotels in Joshua Tree 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: Charlotte Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlotte $33
    Joshua Tree National Park $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Joshua Tree National Park?

Prices for flights to both Joshua Tree National Park and Charlotte 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
    Charlotte $80
    Joshua Tree National Park $60
Typical Food Prices in Charlotte

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charlotte $43
    Joshua Tree National Park $27

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.

  • Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours: $24

Tours and Activities in Joshua Tree National Park

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

  • From San Diego: Joshua Tree National Park Private Tour: $949
  • Rappelling Experience: $255

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charlotte $20
    Joshua Tree National Park $4.93


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charlotte and Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Charlotte 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 Charlotte would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Charlotte 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 Charlotte Expensive? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.