A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlottesville vs. Bryce Canyon National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon 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 Charlottesville and Bryce Canyon 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.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a proud, traditional, and young university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Charlottesville is a beautiful place to visit, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and nightlife. See Charlottesville travel costs.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a other-worldly, breathtaking, and spectacular park. Many visitors also come to Bryce Canyon National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking. See Bryce Canyon National Park travel costs.

Charlottesville and Bryce Canyon National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less charming
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • 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 nightlife


Is there more to do in Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Both Bryce Canyon National Park and Charlottesville have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Charlottesville is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Bryce Canyon National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Bryce Canyon National Park is more touristy than Charlottesville and is known for its striking hoodoos and grand natural amphitheaters. Charlottesville is well known for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Charlottesville different from Bryce Canyon National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Charlottesville
Bryce Canyon National Park

Charlottesville is very good for its historical sights. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Charlottesville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

Bryce Canyon National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. While information is available at the visitor center, there are no real museums within the park.


Is the Food Better in Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charlottesville
Bryce Canyon National Park

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Charlottesville and Bryce Canyon National Park.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Charlottesville. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Bryce Canyon National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a couple of restaurants within the park. Just outside the park there are a number of options as well, including large buffets that cater to large tour groups and the tourist crowds. It's best to arrive early for these buffets.

Is Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Nightlife?

Charlottesville
Bryce Canyon National Park

Charlottesville is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities Charlottesville has a few options to choose from. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

People don't go to Bryce Canyon National Park for the nightlife. There's no full service bar in town, so plan ahead if you want to have drinks.

Is Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Resorts?

Charlottesville
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Bryce Canyon National Park offers a few options. There's a lodge within the park and the hotels outside the park are mostly operated by Ruby's Inn and Bryce Canyon Resort.

Charlottesville is not a resort destination.


Is Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville
Bryce Canyon National Park

Charlottesville is very good for its old town. However, Bryce Canyon National Park does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Charlottesville. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Bryce Canyon National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Hiking?

Charlottesville
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is terrific for hiking. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for the nearby hiking options.

Bryce Canyon National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hiking through the iconic hoodoos is a truly magical experience. There are shorter hikes such as the Mossy Cave Trail or the Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail. There are also more intense hikes and even a number of backcountry trails that will let you experience the park on a more personal level.

Charlottesville is a good destination for hiking. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Charlottesville
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Bryce Canyon National Park has some nice offerings. There are shops and markets where you can pick up necessities. There are also a couple of gift shops.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park More Beautiful?

Charlottesville
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Bryce Canyon National Park because of it's amazing beauty. This park is one of the most uniquely beautiful, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the colors glow and the hoodoos have a magical quality.

Charlottesville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Surrounded by the Shenandoah Mountains, this is a beautiful town and home to the beautiful University of Virginia.

Is Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Families?

Charlottesville
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a great park for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bryce Canyon National Park is very family-friendly. The kids will be as mesmerized as the adults with this spectacular park. There are great hikes for the whole family as well as horseback riding and ranger programs. For the best horseback riding experience, it's best to book your ride within the park. There are also private vendors that offer options outside the park.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Couples?

Charlottesville
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a great park for its romantic activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for couples.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. The spectacular sunset views make this a truly romantic destination. The colors and setting are surreal and the hikes are spectacular. Couples will find a range of accommodation options that include large resort hotels just outside the park and camping within the park.

Charlottesville is a good university town for couples to visit. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.


Is Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Charlottesville
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlottesville is not known for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Bryce Canyon National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. For most visitors, this park is a short stop, but for those who want to experience it in depth, there are many backcountry hikes that let you enjoy a very different side to the park. You'll need a permit, but the backcountry lets you enjoy a peaceful solitude that you won't find in the more touristy areas.

Charlottesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is camping an hiking in the area that is a good option for backpackers.

Is Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Students?

Charlottesville
Bryce Canyon National Park

Charlottesville is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Charlottesville. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Bryce Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

Is Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Charlottesville
Bryce Canyon National Park

Charlottesville and Bryce Canyon National Park both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Public transit is generally limited in Bryce Canyon National Park. The Bryce Canyon Shuttle travels to the most popular overlooks. It doesn't operate during the winter months.


Is Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park a more walkable city?

Charlottesville
Bryce Canyon National Park

Charlottesville and Bryce Canyon National Park are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Charlottesville is generally not a very walkable university town. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

Bryce Canyon National Park is generally not very walkable. Most of the trails require a car to access. If you're staying outside the park, you'll also want a private vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Charlottesville Worth Visiting? and Is Bryce Canyon National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bryce Canyon National Park or Charlottesville?

How long in Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In either Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bryce Canyon National Park than Charlottesville because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlottesville, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bryce Canyon National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bryce Canyon National Park than Charlottesville 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 Bryce Canyon National Park.


  • How many days in Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Charlottesville 2-3 
    Bryce Canyon National Park 2-5

One day in Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Charlottesville might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The other-worldly destination of Bryce Canyon National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Even though Charlottesville is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

The park of Bryce Canyon National Park offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Since Charlottesville is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This university town offers something for everyone.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This park offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Charlottesville is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bryce Canyon National Park or Charlottesville?

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

  • Charlottesville Prices
    USA Prices
    Bryce Canyon National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Charlottesville $185
    Bryce Canyon National Park $159

The average daily cost (per person) in Charlottesville is $185, while the average daily cost in Bryce Canyon National Park is $159. 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 Charlottesville and Bryce Canyon National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlottesville $80
    Bryce Canyon National Park $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlottesville $160
    Bryce Canyon National Park $134
Compare Hotels in Charlottesville and Bryce Canyon National Park

Looking for a hotel in Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon 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 Charlottesville


Hotels in Bryce Canyon 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: Charlottesville Hotel Prices and Bryce Canyon National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlottesville $53
    Bryce Canyon National Park $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlottesville

Also for Charlottesville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotteville Airport (CHO): $50
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlottesville Airport (CHO): $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Charlottesville or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Prices for flights to both Bryce Canyon National Park and Charlottesville 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
    Charlottesville $73
    Bryce Canyon National Park $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charlottesville

For Charlottesville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Dairy Market Food Tour: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charlottesville $18
    Bryce Canyon National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Charlottesville

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

  • Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours: $32
  • Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours: $24
  • Charlottesville Historic Downtown APP/GPS Smartphone Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Charlottesville Scavenger Hunt Experience: $15
  • Small Group Washington DC to Thomas Jefferson Monticello Day Tour: $180
  • Wine and Culinary Delight Private Tour: $248

Tours and Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park

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

  • Ruby's Horseback Adventures Utah 1.5 Hour Ride: $90
  • 8 Hours Cosmic Ashtray Experience in Escalante: $299
  • Bryce Canyon E-bike Tour : $115
  • Bryce Canyon National Park 15-Minute Helicopter Tour: $165
  • Bryce Canyon National Park 30-Minute Helicopter Tour: $299
  • Bryce Canyon National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Bryce Canyon National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Bryce Canyon Photography Tours: $289
  • Bryce Canyon Private Tour: $149
  • Half Day Canyoneering Tour in Egypt Slot Canyon: $159
  • Hiking Experience in Bryce Canyon National Park: $120
  • Horseback Riding Experience through Red Canyon with a Guide: $105

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charlottesville $53
    Bryce Canyon National Park $6.78

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlottesville

Also in Charlottesville, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Family Wine Tour: $85
  • Private Wine Tours (Minimum 3 & Maximum 6 ) Pickup Maximum 30 Mi : $95
  • 5 Hour Historic Thomas Jefferson Wine Tour: $248
  • Private Charlottesville Area Wine Tour: $248


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

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


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