A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Death Valley National Park vs. Fairbanks for Backpackers, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks?

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 Death Valley National Park and Fairbanks can help you decide which place is right for you.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. Death Valley National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a outdoorsy, remote, and Arctic city. You'll find world class beauty in Fairbanks as well. Other popular activities here include museums, hiking, and shopping. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Death Valley National Park and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fairbanks. Although Death Valley National Park and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Fairbanks has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fairbanks is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its resorts. Death Valley National Park is more touristy than Fairbanks and is popular for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Fairbanks is famous for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. It is also well known for The Northern Lights.

How is Death Valley National Park different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Death Valley National Park is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Fairbanks for snow skiing. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Death Valley National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is very good for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Fairbanks. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Is the Food Better in Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at reasonable restaurants in both Death Valley National Park and Fairbanks.

Death Valley National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Neither Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks offer decent nightlife.

People don't go to Death Valley National Park for the nightlife. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Fairbanks doesn't offer many options. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Death Valley National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

You'll find great hiking in both Death Valley National Park and Fairbanks.

Death Valley National Park is a popular spot for hiking. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Fairbanks. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is very good for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Many visitors go to Fairbanks to go shopping. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of world-class scenery and beauty in both Death Valley National Park and Fairbanks.

You'll find world class beauty in Death Valley National Park as well. The striking desert setting offers stunning beauty and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is at its most beautiful when the sun is low during sunrise and sunset.

Fairbanks is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city offers access to Alaska's interior, as well as the Arctic. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife is abundant. Fairbanks is also the best place in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. They are best seen between the months of August and April.

Is Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Death Valley National Park. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fairbanks. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Death Valley National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

Is Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Death Valley National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Fairbanks. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

Is Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Public transit is quite limited in Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Neither Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks are walkable places.

Death Valley National Park is not a walkable national park. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

Fairbanks is not a very walkable national park. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Death Valley National Park?

How long in Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks. In our opinion, Death Valley National Park has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Death Valley National Park than Fairbanks. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Death Valley National Park than Fairbanks 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 Death Valley National Park.

One day in Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks?

You'll find around the national park of Death Valley 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.

In Fairbanks, many people enjoy the museums and shopping that this outdoorsy destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks?

You'll find around the vast destination of Death Valley 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.

In Fairbanks, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Five days in Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the dramatic national park of Death Valley National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Fairbanks. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

A week in Death Valley National Park or Fairbanks?

Death Valley 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful city of Fairbanks. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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