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

Should you visit Everglades National Park or Galveston?

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 Galveston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a adventure-filled, unique, and natural national park. Everglades National Park is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Everglades National Park travel costs.

Galveston

Galveston is a coastal, historic, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Galveston travel costs.

Everglades National Park and Galveston: 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
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Galveston. Although Everglades National Park and Galveston are both popular with visitors, Galveston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Galveston is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Everglades National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Everglades National Park is popular for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees. Galveston is popular for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. It is also home to Pleasure Pier.

How is Everglades National Park different from Galveston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Everglades National Park
Galveston

Galveston is a great town for its historical sights. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Galveston specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts 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 Galveston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Everglades National Park
Galveston

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

Galveston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

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 Galveston Better for Nightlife?

Everglades National Park
Galveston

Galveston is a great town for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Galveston has something for everybody. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can 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 Galveston Better for Beaches?

Everglades National Park
Galveston

Galveston is very good for the beach. However, Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Galveston to enjoy the beach. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Everglades National Park or Galveston Better for its Old Town?

Everglades National Park
Galveston

Galveston is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Everglades National Park does not have a historic old town.

Galveston has an old town worth visiting. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Everglades National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Everglades National Park or Galveston Better for Hiking?

Everglades National Park
Galveston

Everglades National Park is great for hiking. However, Galveston is not a hiking destination.

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.

Galveston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Everglades National Park or Galveston?

Everglades National Park
Galveston

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

Galveston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

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 Galveston More Beautiful?

Everglades National Park
Galveston

Everglades National Park is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Galveston is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Galveston is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Everglades National Park or Galveston Better for Families?

Everglades National Park
Galveston

Galveston is a great town 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 Galveston. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

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 Galveston Better for Couples?

Everglades National Park
Galveston

Galveston is a great town for couples. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

Galveston is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

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 Galveston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Everglades National Park
Galveston

Everglades National Park is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Galveston is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many 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.

Galveston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The beaches are great, but most backpackers don't think to visit Galveston.

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

Everglades National Park
Galveston

Galveston 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 Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.

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 Galveston a more walkable city?

Everglades National Park
Galveston

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

Galveston is a somewhat walkable town. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.

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 Galveston Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Everglades National Park or Galveston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Everglades National Park and Galveston. In our opinion, Galveston has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Galveston than Everglades National Park. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Everglades National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Galveston.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Galveston 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 Galveston.


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

One day in Everglades National Park or Galveston?

You'll find around the national park of Everglades National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With food and shopping around the coastal town of Galveston, 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 Galveston?

You'll find around the adventure-filled destination of Everglades National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.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 museums around the historic destination of Galveston, there's plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Galveston?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the natural national park of Everglades National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic town of Galveston. This town 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 Galveston?

Everglades National Park is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Galveston 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, Galveston 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
    Galveston Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Everglades National Park $169
    Galveston $221

The average daily cost (per person) in Everglades National Park is $169, while the average daily cost in Galveston is $221. 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 Galveston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Everglades National Park $80
    Galveston $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Everglades National Park $160
    Galveston $162
Compare Hotels in Everglades National Park and Galveston

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


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: Galveston Hotel Prices.

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

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

Prices for flights to both Galveston 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
    Galveston $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Everglades National Park $28
    Galveston $15

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 Galveston

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.

  • Al's Ghost tour : a small group experience : $19
  • Authentic Galveston Ghost City Tour: $30
  • Baywatch Dolphin Tour : $28
  • Beer Tasting Experience with 4 Beer Flight: $10
  • Combo: "Dark of the Moon" Ghost Tour + Red Light District Tour: $29
  • Demo and Reno Galveston Reconstructed Private Tour: $85
  • Galveston Dark of the Moon Tour: $30
  • Galveston Gilded Age Architecture Tour: $85
  • Galveston Haunted Harbor Tour: 1-Hour Boat Ride at Night : $45
  • Galveston Historical Harbor Tours: $35
  • Galveston Island E-Bike Adventure Tour: $75
  • Galveston Island Ghost Tour: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Everglades National Park $7.86
    Galveston $37

Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston

Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl & Scandalous Red Light Tour: $20
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $20
  • Haunted Pub Crawl & Scandalous Red Light Tour in Galveston: $29
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl and Historical Tour near The Strand: $29
  • Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35


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



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

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 Galveston in the Summer?

Both Galveston and Everglades National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Everglades National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Galveston this time of year.

In July, Everglades National Park is generally around the same temperature as Galveston. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 82°F (28°C), and Galveston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Everglades National Park. In July, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Galveston. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C) 
    Galveston 84°F (29°C)

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

Both Galveston and Everglades National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Everglades National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Galveston for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Everglades National Park is a little warmer than Galveston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Galveston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in October than Galveston. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Everglades National Park.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C) 
    Galveston 71°F (22°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Everglades National Park and Galveston. Many travelers come to Everglades National Park for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Galveston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Everglades National Park is much warmer than Galveston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Everglades National Park in January average around 67°F (19°C), and Galveston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In January, Everglades National Park usually receives less rain than Galveston. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C) 
    Galveston 52°F (11°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Everglades National Park as well as Galveston. Many visitors come to Everglades National Park in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Galveston for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In April, Everglades National Park is generally a little warmer than Galveston. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 74°F (24°C), and Galveston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in April than Galveston. Everglades National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Everglades National Park is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C) 
    Galveston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Galveston and Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Galveston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)