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

Should you visit Durham or Death Valley 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 Durham and Death Valley National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Durham travel costs.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. You'll find world class beauty in Death Valley National Park as well. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Durham and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Durham. Although Durham and Death Valley National Park are popular destinations, Durham has more sights and attractions for tourists. Durham is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Death Valley National Park is more touristy than Durham and is known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Durham is famous for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team. It is also well known for the Duke University Chapel.

How is Durham different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Durham 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 Durham specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

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 Durham or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Durham is very good for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Durham area. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

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 Durham or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Durham is very good for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

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 Durham or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park is a moderate national park for its resorts. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Durham or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

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

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

Many visitors go to Durham to go shopping. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

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 Durham or Death Valley National Park More Beautiful?

Death Valley National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durham or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Death Valley National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Death Valley National Park is known to be 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.

Durham is a family-friendly city. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Durham or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Death Valley National Park is a well-known place for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

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

Death Valley National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers. However, Durham is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Durham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The student population means there are a number of parties and bars around town, but most backpackers overlook this city.

Is Durham or Death Valley National Park Better for Students?

Durham is a well-known place for students. However, Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

Durham is very popular with students. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

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

Durham is a moderate city 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 Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

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

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

Durham is a moderate city for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Durham is generally not very walkable. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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

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

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

How long in Durham or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Durham or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Death Valley National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Durham, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

Families should spend more time in Death Valley National Park than Durham. 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.

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

One day in Durham or Death Valley National Park?

In Durham, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this sports oriented destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Death Valley National Park. 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 Durham or Death Valley National Park?

In Durham, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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.

Death Valley National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Durham or Death Valley National Park?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Durham. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Death Valley National Park. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Durham or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Durham. 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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the dramatic destination of Death Valley National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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