A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Duck vs. Redwood National Park for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Duck or Redwood National Park?

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

Should I visit Duck or Redwood 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.

Duck

Duck is a laid-back, traditional, and compact beach town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, Duck attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and food. See Duck travel costs.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a grand, impressive, and monumental park. You'll find world class beauty in Redwood National Park as well. It's also known for beaches and hiking. See Redwood National Park travel costs.

Duck and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Duck or Redwood National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Duck than Redwood National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Duck is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Redwood National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Duck is well known for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Also, Duck is famous for the wide sandy beach. Redwood National Park is well known for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

How is Duck different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Duck or Redwood National Park?

Duck
Redwood National Park

Neither Duck or Redwood National Park offer quality museums and landmarks.

Duck offers a few options for museum-goers. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.


Is the Food Better in Duck or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Duck
Redwood National Park

Duck is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Duck area. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Duck or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Duck
Redwood National Park

Duck is a beach town with a few options for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Duck is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Duck or Redwood National Park Better for Resorts?

Duck
Redwood National Park

Duck is a good destination for its resorts. However, Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

Duck has a few great resort options. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Duck or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Duck
Redwood National Park

Duck is an amazing beach town to visit for the beach. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Duck offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Redwood National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Is Duck or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Duck
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is renowned for the nearby hiking options. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Redwood National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

Many people include a hike when visiting Duck. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Redwood National Park?

Duck
Redwood National Park

Duck is well known for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.


Is Duck or Redwood National Park More Beautiful?

Duck
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Redwood National Park as well. The majestic redwood trees will take your breath away. These ancient forests offer a truly unique experience and you'll feel small in comparison to their grand height.

The beauty of Duck is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Beautiful sandy beaches and family-friendly parks offer a beautiful and relaxed beach vacation.

Is Duck or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Duck
Redwood National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Duck or Redwood National Park.

Duck is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Redwood National Park is very family-friendly. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

Is Duck or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Duck
Redwood National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Duck and Redwood National Park make for a superb place to visit.

Duck is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

Redwood National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.


Is Duck or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Duck
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is renowned for backpackers. However, Duck is not a good beach town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Redwood National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Duck is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's an upscale town with many beach houses available for rent, and very little in the form of budget accommodation.

Is Duck or Redwood National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Duck
Redwood National Park

Duck is a beach town with a few options for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Duck or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Duck
Redwood National Park

Duck is an amazing beach town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Getting around Duck on foot is easy. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable beach town. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.


For even more information, also check out Is Duck Worth Visiting? and Is Redwood National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Redwood National Park or Duck?

How long in Duck or Redwood National Park?

In either Duck or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Duck than Redwood National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Duck, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Duck than Redwood 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 Duck.


  • How many days in Duck or Redwood National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Duck 5-7 
    Redwood National Park 3-5

One day in Duck or Redwood National Park?

Even though Duck is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Redwood National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Duck or Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Duck. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

Redwood National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Duck or Redwood National Park?

Duck is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the monumental destination of Redwood National Park. This park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.


A week in Duck or Redwood National Park?

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

The monumental park of Redwood National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Redwood National Park or Duck?

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

  • Duck Prices
    USA Prices
    Redwood National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Duck $221
    Redwood National Park $135

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck is $221, while the average daily cost in Redwood National Park is $135. 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 Duck and Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck $107
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck $214
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Duck and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Duck or Redwood 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 Duck


Hotels in Redwood 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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Duck $66
    Redwood National Park $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck or Redwood National Park?

Prices for flights to both Redwood National Park and Duck 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
    Duck $78
    Redwood National Park $56

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Duck $13
    Redwood National Park $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Duck $45
    Redwood National Park $11


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

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



When is the best time to visit Duck or Redwood National Park?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Duck or Redwood National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck and Redwood National Park. Most visitors come to Duck for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Redwood National Park because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Duck is generally much warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 78°F (26°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Redwood National Park this time of the year. In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park during summer. Duck gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 274 hours of full sun in the summer.

Duck gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Duck usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Duck gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck 78°F (26°C) 
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Duck or Redwood National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Duck as well as Redwood National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Duck because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

Duck is a little warmer than Redwood National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck this time of the year. In the autumn, Duck often gets more sunshine than Redwood National Park. Duck gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 177 hours of full sun.

Duck usually gets more rain in October than Redwood National Park. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck 62°F (16°C) 
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Duck or Redwood National Park in the Winter?

Both Redwood National Park and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Duck this time of year.

It's quite cold in Duck in the winter. In the winter, Duck is much colder than Redwood National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Duck in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Duck usually receives more sunshine than Redwood National Park during winter. Duck gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. It's quite rainy in Duck. In January, Duck usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck 41°F (5°C) 
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Duck or Redwood National Park in the Spring?

Both Redwood National Park and Duck during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Duck for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Duck is generally a little warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 59°F (15°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In Redwood National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Duck. In the spring, Duck often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park. Duck gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 254 hours of full sun.

Duck usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Redwood National Park. Duck gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck 59°F (15°C) 
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Duck

Duck Redwood National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm)