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

Should you visit Durham or Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Durham travel costs.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a breathtaking, serene, and beautiful national park. With stunning beauty, Shenandoah National Park attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include skiing and hiking. See Shenandoah National Park travel costs.

Durham and Shenandoah National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shenandoah National Park. Although Durham and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations, Shenandoah National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Shenandoah National Park is very popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Durham attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Shenandoah National Park is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. It is also well known for Skyline Drive. 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 Shenandoah National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Durham or Shenandoah National Park Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is very good for snow skiing. However, Durham is not a skiing destination.

Head to Shenandoah National Park for some great skiing and other winter activities. You'll find skiing and snowboarding at nearby Massanutten Resort, which is near Harrisonburg, Virginia. It's a family-friendly setting with slopes that are classified as "easiest", "more difficult", and "most difficult".

Durham is not a skiing destination.

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

Durham is great for its historical sights. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Shenandoah National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people spend their time outdoors enjoying the setting, there are museums in the area, as well as visitor centers that have exhibits and informative displays.

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

Durham is a city with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Shenandoah National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

Is Durham or Shenandoah National Park Better for Nightlife?

Durham is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Durham has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Shenandoah National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.

Is Durham or Shenandoah National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Shenandoah National Park specifically for its hiking. There are more than 500 miles of trails in the park that pass through varied landscapes and take you to beautiful viewpoints. Visitors range from weekend visitors to long term hikers who come to experience the breathtaking beauty and serene setting.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Shenandoah National Park?

Durham is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.

Is Durham or Shenandoah National Park More Beautiful?

Shenandoah 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, Shenandoah National Park attracts visitors from all around. Skyline drive passes by breathtaking views and wonderful lookout points. There are also miles of trails that let you explore the natural beauty of the area.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durham or Shenandoah National Park Better for Families?

Shenandoah 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.

Shenandoah National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are tons of kid-friendly hikes to overlooks or waterfalls. Kids will love scrambling over the rocks or running through the forest. There are also plenty of campgrounds where families can hang out, toast marshmallows and enjoy some quality time together.

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 Shenandoah National Park Better for Couples?

Shenandoah 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature will love a visit to the park. There are beautiful views and scenic spots that will make for a wonderful and romantic trip. Hiking, biking, and exploring will fill your time with adventure and fun.

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 Shenandoah National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Shenandoah National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Backpackers love the hiking trails and backcountry camping. Many people head to the park to escape into nature and enjoy some low key time in a serene setting.

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 Shenandoah National Park Better for Students?

Durham is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Shenandoah 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.

Shenandoah National Park is not popular with students.

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

Durham is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination 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 Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

Is Durham or Shenandoah National Park a more walkable city?

Durham is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination 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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a walkable city. While there are plenty of hiking trails, a car is a must to reach most trailheads.

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

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

How long in Durham or Shenandoah National Park?

In either Durham or Shenandoah National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park.

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

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

With food and shopping around the sports oriented city of Durham, there's plenty to do. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing when visiting the destination of Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park?

With shopping and museums around the student-filled destination of Durham, there's plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the sports oriented city of Durham. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park?

Durham is a great place to explore. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the skiing when visiting the scenic destination of Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park, we can see that Durham is more expensive. And not only is Shenandoah National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shenandoah National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Durham or Shenandoah National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Durham or Shenandoah National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Durham as well as Shenandoah National Park. Many travelers come to Durham for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Durham is around the same temperature as Shenandoah National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Durham receives a lot of rain in the summer. Durham usually gets more rain in July than Shenandoah National Park. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Shenandoah National Park and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Durham in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Durham is a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durham in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Shenandoah National Park averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In October, Durham usually receives less rain than Shenandoah National Park. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Shenandoah National Park and Durham during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Shenandoah National Park can be very cold. Durham can be very cold during winter. In January, Durham is generally much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 40°F (5°C), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 32°F (-0°C).

Durham usually gets more rain in January than Shenandoah National Park. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Shenandoah National Park. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Shenandoah National Park this time of year.

Durham is a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In April, Durham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Shenandoah National Park. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Shenandoah National Park and Durham