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

Should you visit Durham or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Durham travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a unique, fascinating, and adventurous national park. With stunning beauty, Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Durham and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Joshua Tree National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Durham. Although Durham and Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Joshua Tree National Park is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its unique vegetation and large boulders. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Durham is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Durham. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Is the Food Better in Durham or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Durham is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Durham is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Durham or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Durham is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Durham or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing national park to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Joshua Tree National Park specifically for its hiking. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Joshua Tree National Park?

Durham is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Durham has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Durham or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

Joshua Tree National Park is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors from all around. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durham or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Joshua Tree 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the 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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Joshua Tree 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Joshua Tree National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Students?

Durham is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Durham. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

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

Durham is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Durham or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Durham is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable city. You need a car to truly explore the park.

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

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Durham?

How long in Durham or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Durham or Joshua Tree National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Durham than Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the sports oriented city of Durham. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Durham. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Durham is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Joshua Tree National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Durham is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the unique destination of Joshua Tree 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 comparing the travel costs between Durham and Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Durham is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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