A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Death Valley National Park vs. Las Vegas for Food, Resorts, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Death Valley National Park or Las Vegas?

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 Las Vegas can help you decide which place is right for you.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a vast, dramatic, and striking national park. You'll find world class beauty in Death Valley National Park as well. It's also known for hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a entertaining, sexy, and glamourous entertainment capital. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Las Vegas travel costs.

Death Valley National Park and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Las Vegas than Death Valley National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Las Vegas is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Death Valley National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Las Vegas is more touristy than Death Valley National Park and is known for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. Also, Las Vegas is famous for The Strip. Death Valley National Park is well known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is Death Valley National Park different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Las Vegas is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Las Vegas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.

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 Death Valley National Park or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Las Vegas is renowned for its shows and theatre. However, Death Valley National Park is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Las Vegas is world-class. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Death Valley National Park is not a theatre destination.

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

Las Vegas is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Las Vegas has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Death Valley National Park or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

Las Vegas is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Death Valley National Park or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Las Vegas is renowned for its music scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a live music destination.

In Las Vegas you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Death Valley National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Death Valley National Park or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas is renowned for its resorts. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Las Vegas is a perfect choice. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. 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.

Is Death Valley National Park or Las Vegas Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

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.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Death Valley National Park or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Las Vegas is a world class destination for shoppers. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

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 Las Vegas More Beautiful?

Death Valley National Park is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Death Valley National Park or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Death Valley National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

Death Valley National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Death Valley National Park or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Las Vegas is renowned for couples. Also, Death Valley National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Las Vegas has plenty to offer. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

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.

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

Death Valley National Park is very popular for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.

Death Valley National Park is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.

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

Las Vegas is a moderate entertainment capital for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Death Valley National Park or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Las Vegas is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable entertainment capital. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

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

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

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

How long in Death Valley National Park or Las Vegas?

Both Death Valley National Park and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Death Valley National Park. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Death Valley National Park, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas than Death Valley 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 Las Vegas.

One day in Death Valley National Park or Las Vegas?

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.

Each neighborhood in Las Vegas has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Las Vegas?

You'll find around the striking 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.

Each neighborhood in Las Vegas has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Las Vegas?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the striking 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.

Each neighborhood in Las Vegas has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This entertainment capital offers something for everyone.

A week in Death Valley National Park or Las Vegas?

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.

Each neighborhood in Las Vegas has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this entertainment capital makes for a great vacation. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas Expensive?.