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

Should you visit Durham or Redwood 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 Redwood 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Durham travel costs.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a monumental, grand, and impressive park. You'll find world class beauty in Redwood National Park as well. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking. See Redwood National Park travel costs.

Durham and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Redwood National Park. Although Durham and Redwood National Park are popular destinations, Redwood National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Redwood National Park is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Durham attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Redwood National Park is more touristy than Durham and is known for being the home of the world's tallest trees. It is also well known for Stout Grove. Durham is famous for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Durham 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 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 Redwood National Park?

Durham is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

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 Durham or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Durham 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 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.

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 Durham or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Durham is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Durham has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

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

Is Durham or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Redwood National Park is very good for the beach. However, Durham is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Redwood National Park to enjoy the beach. 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.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is Durham or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Redwood National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Redwood National Park?

Durham is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known 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 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 Durham or Redwood National Park More Beautiful?

Redwood National Park is an amazing 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 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.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durham or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Redwood 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.

Redwood National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Redwood 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.

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

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 Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Redwood National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. 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.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Students?

Durham is well known for students. However, Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

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

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

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

Is Durham or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Durham is a city with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

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

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

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

How long in Durham or Redwood National Park?

In either Durham or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Redwood National Park than Durham because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Durham, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

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

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

One day in Durham or Redwood National Park?

In Durham, you'll find shopping and museums. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Durham, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Redwood 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 Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Durham. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

Redwood National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Durham or Redwood National Park?

Durham is a fun place to experience. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Redwood National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Durham or Redwood National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the student-filled destination of Durham. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the impressive destination of Redwood National Park. This 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 Redwood National Park, we can see that Durham 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 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 Redwood 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 Redwood National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Durham 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 Durham or Redwood National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Redwood National Park. Many visitors come to Durham in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Durham is much warmer than Redwood National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, 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 Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. Durham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park during summer. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 274 hours of full sun in the summer.

Durham gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Durham usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Durham as well as Redwood National Park. Most visitors come to Durham for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Redwood National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Durham is a little warmer than Redwood National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durham in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 55°F (13°C).

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

Durham usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Redwood National Park. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Redwood National Park and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Durham because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Durham can be very cold. In January, Durham is generally much colder than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 40°F (5°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Durham usually receives more sunshine than Redwood National Park during winter. Durham gets 162 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. In January, Durham usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Redwood National Park and Durham during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Redwood National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Durham is much warmer than Redwood National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, 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 Durham. In the spring, Durham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 254 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Redwood National Park. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Durham