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

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

Durham

Durham is a student-filled, sports oriented, and diverse city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Durham travel costs.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a stunning, world-renowned, and breathtaking park. You'll find world class beauty in Zion National Park as well. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Zion National Park travel costs.

Durham and Zion National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zion National Park than Durham, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zion National Park is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Durham is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Zion National Park is more touristy than Durham and is known for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing. Also, Zion National Park is famous for Angels Landing. Durham is well known for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Durham different from Zion National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Durham can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Zion National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.

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

Durham is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Durham offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Zion National Park. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

Is Durham or Zion National Park Better for Nightlife?

Durham is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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 Zion National Park Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

Is Durham or Zion National Park Better for Resorts?

Zion National Park is a moderate park for its resorts. However, Durham is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Zion National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Durham or Zion National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Zion National Park specifically for its hiking. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Zion National Park?

Durham is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Durham is a great destination for shopping. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Is Durham or Zion National Park More Beautiful?

Zion 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 Zion National Park as well. This park will have you feeling as if you're in a painting. There are spectacular views and a stunning natural beauty that will take your breath away.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durham or Zion National Park Better for Families?

Zion 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.

Zion National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

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 Zion National Park Better for Couples?

Zion 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.

Zion National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

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 Zion National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Zion National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

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 Zion National Park Better for Students?

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

Durham is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Zion National Park is not popular with students.

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

Zion National Park is very good for its public transit. However, Durham is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Zion National Park has a few public transit options. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

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

Is Durham or Zion National Park a more walkable city?

Durham is a city with a few options for its walkability. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Zion National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

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

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

How long in Durham or Zion National Park?

Both Durham and Zion National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zion National Park than in Durham. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Durham, and 3-7 days is enough time in Zion National Park.

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

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

One day in Durham or Zion National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the student-filled destination of Durham. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

Durham is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Durham. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Durham has to offer.

Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Durham. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days 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.

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

Durham is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Zion National Park. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Zion National Park, we can see that Durham is more expensive. And not only is Zion National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zion National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zion 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 Zion 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 Zion National Park Expensive?.