A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Everglades National Park vs. Chattanooga for Hiking, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Everglades National Park or Chattanooga?

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 Everglades National Park and Chattanooga can help you decide which place is right for you.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a pristine, adventure-filled, and unique national park. Everglades National Park offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Everglades National Park travel costs.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a bustling, outdoorsy, and thriving city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Chattanooga travel costs.

Everglades National Park and Chattanooga: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Everglades National Park or Chattanooga?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chattanooga. Although Everglades National Park and Chattanooga are popular destinations, Chattanooga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chattanooga is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Everglades National Park attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Everglades National Park is more touristy than Chattanooga and is popular for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees. Chattanooga is famous for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas. It is also well known for Rock City.

How is Everglades National Park different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Everglades National Park or Chattanooga?

Everglades National Park
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is very good for its historical sights. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Chattanooga. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

Everglades National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.


Is the Food Better in Everglades National Park or Chattanooga? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Everglades National Park
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Chattanooga is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is Everglades National Park or Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

Everglades National Park
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is very good for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Chattanooga has a few options to choose from. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

People don't go to Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

Everglades National Park
Chattanooga

You'll find great hiking in both Everglades National Park and Chattanooga.

Many visitors go to Everglades National Park for the hiking trails. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

Chattanooga is a popular spot for hiking. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.


Is the Shopping Better in Everglades National Park or Chattanooga?

Everglades National Park
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is very good for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

Chattanooga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Chattanooga More Beautiful?

Everglades National Park
Chattanooga

Everglades National Park is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Chattanooga is not a destination known for its beauty.

Everglades National Park offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The natural beauty is impressive and it's easy to see why this is a highlight for many visitors to southern Florida.

Chattanooga is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Everglades National Park or Chattanooga Better for Families?

Everglades National Park
Chattanooga

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Everglades National Park or Chattanooga.

Everglades National Park offers lots of family activities. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.

Chattanooga is a family-friendly place to visit. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.


Is Everglades National Park or Chattanooga Better for Couples?

Everglades National Park
Chattanooga

Both Everglades National Park and Chattanooga are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Everglades National Park is a good national park for couples to visit. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

Chattanooga is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

Is Everglades National Park or Chattanooga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Everglades National Park
Chattanooga

Everglades National Park is a great destination for backpackers. However, Chattanooga is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Everglades National Park is a very popular national park for backpackers and budget travelers. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

Chattanooga is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's proximity to the mountains and diverse outdoor activities make this an under-rated destination for many backpackers.

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

Everglades National Park
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its public transit.

Chattanooga offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.


Is Everglades National Park or Chattanooga a more walkable city?

Everglades National Park
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its walkability.

Chattanooga is a very walkable destination. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

Everglades National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Chattanooga or Everglades National Park?

How long in Everglades National Park or Chattanooga?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Everglades National Park and Chattanooga. In our opinion, Chattanooga has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Chattanooga than Everglades National Park. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chattanooga than Everglades 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 Chattanooga.


  • How many days in Everglades National Park or Chattanooga? Ideal Length of Stay
    Everglades National Park 2-3 
    Chattanooga 2-3

One day in Everglades National Park or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the wild national park of Everglades National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With food and shopping around the thriving city of Chattanooga, there's plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Everglades National Park or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the wild destination of Everglades National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With shopping and museums around the bustling destination of Chattanooga, there's plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.


Five days in Everglades National Park or Chattanooga?

The natural national park of Everglades National Park offers . 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the thriving city of Chattanooga. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Everglades National Park or Chattanooga?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Everglades National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Chattanooga is a great place to explore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Chattanooga or Everglades National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Everglades National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Chattanooga Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Everglades National Park $169
    Chattanooga $225

The average daily cost (per person) in Everglades National Park is $169, while the average daily cost in Chattanooga is $225. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Everglades National Park and Chattanooga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Everglades National Park $80
    Chattanooga $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Everglades National Park $160
    Chattanooga $184
Compare Hotels in Everglades National Park and Chattanooga

Looking for a hotel in Everglades National Park or Chattanooga? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Everglades National Park


Hotels in Chattanooga


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Chattanooga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Everglades National Park $56
    Chattanooga $35

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chattanooga

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chattanooga:


  • Chattanooga Zoo (for 2)
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chattanooga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chattanooga:

  • Private One Way Transfer from/to Chattanooga Airport and Hotels: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Everglades National Park or Chattanooga?

Prices for flights to both Chattanooga and Everglades National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Everglades National Park $54
    Chattanooga $103

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chattanooga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chattanooga.

  • Historic Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga: $99
  • Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour: $119
  • ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $119
  • ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $119
  • Southside Food Tour with Lunch: $129
  • Downtown Food Tour with 3-4 Tastings: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Everglades National Park $28
    Chattanooga $52

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Everglades National Park.

  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $52

Tours and Activities in Chattanooga

Here are a few actual costs in Chattanooga for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bridge to Fun a Chattanooga Rydable Experience : $69
  • Bridge to Fun: A Chattanooga 1 Hour Rydable Experience: $69
  • Chattanooga "C-Block Prison Break" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $38
  • Chattanooga "Locker Room Lockdown: Mascot Rescue" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $40
  • Chattanooga "Secret Agent" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $40
  • Chattanooga "The Inheritance Mystery Room" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $38
  • Chattanooga "Vaccine: Search For The Zombie Cure" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $38
  • Chattanooga Blues to Bridges Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Chattanooga Crypts and Chills Ghost Tour: $32
  • Chattanooga Crypts and Chills Ghost Tour: $24
  • Chattanooga’s Rydables Tour from Trains to Bridges: $89
  • A Spooky and Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Everglades National Park $7.86
    Chattanooga $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Chattanooga

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chattanooga:

  • Distillery Tour at Gate 11: $18
  • Chattanooga Wine Tasting with Art Sightseeing Tour: $180


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Everglades National Park and Chattanooga, we can see that Chattanooga is more expensive. And not only is Everglades National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Everglades National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Everglades 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 Chattanooga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chattanooga than you might in Everglades National Park.

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



When is the best time to visit Everglades National Park or Chattanooga?

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 Everglades National Park or Chattanooga in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Everglades National Park as well as Chattanooga. Most visitors come to Everglades National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Chattanooga because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Everglades National Park is around the same temperature as Chattanooga in the summer. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Everglades National Park this time of the year. In the summer, Everglades National Park often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Everglades National Park gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Everglades National Park receives a lot of rain in the summer. Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in July than Chattanooga. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C) 
    Chattanooga 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

Both Chattanooga and Everglades National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Everglades National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chattanooga this time of year.

In the autumn, Everglades National Park is much warmer than Chattanooga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Everglades National Park in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during autumn. Everglades National Park gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Everglades National Park. In October, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Chattanooga. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Everglades National Park is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C) 
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Chattanooga in the Winter?

Both Chattanooga and Everglades National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Everglades National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chattanooga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chattanooga. In January, Everglades National Park is generally much warmer than Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 67°F (19°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

It's quite sunny in Everglades National Park. In the winter, Everglades National Park often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Everglades National Park gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Everglades National Park usually gets less rain in January than Chattanooga. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C) 
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Chattanooga in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Everglades National Park and Chattanooga. Many travelers come to Everglades National Park for the natural beauty.

Everglades National Park is a little warmer than Chattanooga in the spring. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In Everglades National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. Everglades National Park usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during spring. Everglades National Park gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Everglades National Park usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Everglades National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C) 
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Chattanooga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)