A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Everglades National Park vs. Columbia River Gorge for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Everglades National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Columbia River Gorge can help you decide which place is right for you.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a unique, natural, and wild national park. Everglades National Park is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking. See Everglades National Park travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful, scenic, and natural region. With stunning beauty, Columbia River Gorge attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Everglades National Park and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Everglades National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Columbia River Gorge than Everglades National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Everglades National Park is well known for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees. Columbia River Gorge is well known for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. Also, Columbia River Gorge is famous for Vista House at Crown Point.

How is Everglades National Park different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Everglades National Park
Columbia River Gorge

You'll find a number of respectable museums and attractions in both Columbia River Gorge and Everglades National Park.

While most people don't head to Everglades National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.

Columbia River Gorge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.


Is the Food Better in Everglades National Park or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Everglades National Park
Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a great region for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Columbia River Gorge has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Everglades National Park
Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge has a few options to choose from. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Everglades National Park
Columbia River Gorge

You'll find excellent hiking in both Everglades National Park and Columbia River Gorge.

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.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular spot for hiking. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.


Is the Shopping Better in Everglades National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Everglades National Park
Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is very good for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

Columbia River Gorge has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

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 Columbia River Gorge More Beautiful?

Everglades National Park
Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a great region for its scenery and beauty. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Columbia River Gorge attracts visitors from all around. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

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

Is Everglades National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Everglades National Park
Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a great region for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Columbia River Gorge. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Everglades National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.


Is Everglades National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Everglades National Park
Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a great region for couples. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

Columbia River Gorge is a great region if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Everglades National Park is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Everglades National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Everglades National Park
Columbia River Gorge

For backpackers, both Everglades National Park and Columbia River Gorge are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Everglades National Park. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Everglades National Park
Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

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 Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Everglades National Park
Columbia River Gorge

Everglades National Park is a moderate national park for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable national park. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Everglades National Park?

How long in Everglades National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Everglades National Park and Columbia River Gorge. In our opinion, Columbia River Gorge has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge than Everglades National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Columbia River Gorge, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge.


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

One day in Everglades National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Everglades National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With food and shopping around the scenic region of Columbia River Gorge, 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Everglades National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With shopping and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Columbia River Gorge, there's plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you have a weekend, this region 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Everglades National Park for five days. You'll find around the national park of Everglades National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful region of Columbia River Gorge. This region 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 Columbia River Gorge?

The adventure-filled destination of Everglades National Park offers . Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Columbia River Gorge 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, Columbia River Gorge 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
    Columbia River Gorge Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Everglades National Park $169
    Columbia River Gorge $212

The average daily cost (per person) in Everglades National Park is $169, while the average daily cost in Columbia River Gorge is $212. 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 Columbia River Gorge in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Everglades National Park $80
    Columbia River Gorge $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Everglades National Park $160
    Columbia River Gorge $178
Compare Hotels in Everglades National Park and Columbia River Gorge

Looking for a hotel in Everglades National Park or Columbia River Gorge? 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 Columbia River Gorge


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Everglades National Park $56
    Columbia River Gorge $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Everglades National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Prices for flights to both Columbia River Gorge 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
    Columbia River Gorge $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Everglades National Park $28
    Columbia River Gorge $20

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Everglades National Park $7.86
    Columbia River Gorge $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Everglades National Park and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Everglades National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Everglades National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Everglades National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Everglades National Park is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the summer temperatures in Everglades National Park in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Everglades National Park. In the summer, Everglades National Park often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia River Gorge. Everglades National Park gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in July than Columbia River Gorge. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C) 
    Columbia River Gorge 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Everglades National Park and Columbia River Gorge. Many travelers come to Everglades National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Everglades National Park is generally much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 78°F (26°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In Everglades National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. Everglades National Park usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during autumn. Everglades National Park gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Everglades National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Everglades National Park.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C) 
    Columbia River Gorge 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Everglades National Park as well as Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors come to Everglades National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Columbia River Gorge can be very cold during winter. Everglades National Park is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the winter. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Everglades National Park this time of the year. In the winter, Everglades National Park often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Everglades National Park gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Columbia River Gorge. Everglades National Park usually gets less rain in January than Columbia River Gorge. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C) 
    Columbia River Gorge 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Everglades National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Everglades National Park for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Everglades National Park is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the spring temperatures in Everglades National Park in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia River Gorge. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during spring. Everglades National Park gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Everglades National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Everglades National Park is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C) 
    Columbia River Gorge 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Columbia River Gorge
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)


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