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

Should you visit Everglades National Park or Columbus?

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 Columbus 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 is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Everglades National Park travel costs.

Columbus

Columbus is a down-to-earth, authentic, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbus travel costs.

Everglades National Park and Columbus: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Everglades National Park than Columbus, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Everglades National Park is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Columbus is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Everglades National Park is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees. Also, Everglades National Park is famous for the Everglades Alligator Farm. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Everglades National Park different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbus 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 Columbus?

Everglades National Park
Columbus

Columbus 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 Columbus. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

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 Columbus? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Everglades National Park
Columbus

Dining out at restaurants in both Everglades National Park and Columbus can be an enjoyable experience.

Everglades National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Columbus offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Everglades National Park or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

Everglades National Park
Columbus

Columbus 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 Columbus has a few options to choose from. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

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 Columbus Better for Hiking?

Everglades National Park
Columbus

Everglades National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Everglades National Park. 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.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Everglades National Park or Columbus?

Everglades National Park
Columbus

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

Columbus has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

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 Columbus More Beautiful?

Everglades National Park
Columbus

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

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.

Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Everglades National Park or Columbus Better for Families?

Everglades National Park
Columbus

Columbus is a great city 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 Columbus. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

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 Columbus Better for Couples?

Everglades National Park
Columbus

Everglades National Park is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

Everglades National Park
Columbus

Everglades National Park is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Everglades National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Everglades National Park
Columbus

Columbus 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 Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

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 Columbus a more walkable city?

Everglades National Park
Columbus

Columbus is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its walkability.

Columbus is a somewhat walkable city. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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 Columbus Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Everglades National Park or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Everglades National Park or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Everglades National Park than Columbus because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Everglades National Park, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbus.

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


  • How many days in Everglades National Park or Columbus? Ideal Length of Stay
    Everglades National Park 2-3 
    Columbus 1-2

One day in Everglades National Park or Columbus?

The national park of Everglades National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With shopping and museums around the welcoming city of Columbus, 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.

A weekend in Everglades National Park or Columbus?

Everglades National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Everglades National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Columbus, 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.


Five days in Everglades National Park or Columbus?

Everglades National Park is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the friendly city of Columbus. 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.

A week in Everglades National Park or Columbus?

Everglades National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This national park offers something for everyone.

Columbus 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.


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, Columbus 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
    Columbus Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Everglades National Park $169
    Columbus $193

The average daily cost (per person) in Everglades National Park is $169, while the average daily cost in Columbus is $193. 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 Columbus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Everglades National Park $80
    Columbus $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Everglades National Park $160
    Columbus $144
Compare Hotels in Everglades National Park and Columbus

Looking for a hotel in Everglades National Park or Columbus? 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 Columbus


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: Columbus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Everglades National Park $56
    Columbus $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus

Also for Columbus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212
  • Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $106
  • Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $106
  • Columbus International Airport Private Transfer with Bus or Coach: $90

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

Prices for flights to both Columbus 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
    Columbus $85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Columbus

For Columbus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Short North Walking Food Tour : $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Everglades National Park $28
    Columbus $46

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 Columbus

For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Columbus Ohio Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $49
  • Experience a Scavenger Hunt in A German Village: $15
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Admission Ticket: $26
  • Shared Yoga and Coffee Experience On The Trolley Pub: $39
  • The Perfect Half Day Columbus Adventure: $59
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus by Crazy Dash: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Everglades National Park $7.86
    Columbus $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Columbus

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Columbus:

  • Columbus Ohio Bar Crawl: $15


When comparing the travel costs between Everglades National Park and Columbus, we can see that Columbus is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Columbus Expensive?.



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

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 Everglades National Park or Columbus in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Everglades National Park and Columbus. Most visitors come to Everglades National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Columbus because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Everglades National Park is a little warmer than Columbus. Typically, the summer temperatures in Everglades National Park in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Columbus averages at about 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbus 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 Columbus during summer. Everglades National Park gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Everglades National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Columbus. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C) 
    Columbus 77°F (25°C)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Everglades National Park as well as Columbus. The autumn months attract visitors to Everglades National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Columbus this time of year.

In October, Everglades National Park is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 78°F (26°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Everglades National Park this time of the year. In the autumn, Everglades National Park often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Everglades National Park gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun.

Everglades National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in October than Columbus. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Everglades National Park is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C) 
    Columbus 57°F (14°C)

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

Both Columbus and Everglades National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Everglades National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbus. Everglades National Park is much warmer than Columbus in the winter. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during winter. Everglades National Park gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Everglades National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbus. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C) 
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C)

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

Both Columbus and Everglades National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Everglades National Park for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Everglades National Park is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the spring temperatures in Everglades National Park in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Columbus averages at about 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Everglades National Park. In the spring, Everglades National Park often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Everglades National Park gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun.

Everglades National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Columbus. Everglades National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C) 
    Columbus 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Columbus and Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Columbus
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)