Which place is cheaper, Shenandoah National Park or Fort Lauderdale?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Shenandoah National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Fort Lauderdale is a luxury, high energy, and scenic coastal city. With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.
Shenandoah National Park is a beautiful, scenic, and breathtaking national park. Shenandoah National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing and hiking. See Shenandoah National Park travel costs.
Visitors will usually find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Shenandoah National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Shenandoah National Park is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, and hiking. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Shenandoah National Park and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Shenandoah National Park is well known for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shenandoah National Park and Fort Lauderdale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for winter skiing. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a skiing destination.
Shenandoah National Park is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. You'll find skiing and snowboarding at nearby Massanutten Resort, which is near Harrisonburg, Virginia. It's a family-friendly setting with slopes that are classified as "easiest", "more difficult", and "most difficult".
Fort Lauderdale is not a skiing destination.
Shenandoah National Park is a national park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.
Shenandoah National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people spend their time outdoors enjoying the setting, there are museums in the area, as well as visitor centers that have exhibits and informative displays.
Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.
Fort Lauderdale is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Fort Lauderdale has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.
Shenandoah National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.
Fort Lauderdale is great for its evening party scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for nightlife.
Many people head to Fort Lauderdale for the nightlife scene. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.
Most people don't head to Shenandoah National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.
Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a resort destination.
Fort Lauderdale is a world class resort vacation destination. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.
Shenandoah National Park is not a resort destination.
Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Fort Lauderdale. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.
Shenandoah National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Fort Lauderdale is renowned for the beach. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.
Fort Lauderdale is considered to be a world-class beach destination. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.
Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.
Shenandoah National Park is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.
Shenandoah National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are more than 500 miles of trails in the park that pass through varied landscapes and take you to beautiful viewpoints. Visitors range from weekend visitors to long term hikers who come to experience the breathtaking beauty and serene setting.
Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.
Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for shopping.
Fort Lauderdale has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.
Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.
Fort Lauderdale and Shenandoah National Park both are comparable with their very good scenery and beauty.
Fort Lauderdale is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.
The beauty of Shenandoah National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Skyline drive passes by breathtaking views and wonderful lookout points. There are also miles of trails that let you explore the natural beauty of the area.
Both Fort Lauderdale and Shenandoah National Park are very good family-friendly destinations.
Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Shenandoah National Park is very family-friendly. There are tons of kid-friendly hikes to overlooks or waterfalls. Kids will love scrambling over the rocks or running through the forest. There are also plenty of campgrounds where families can hang out, toast marshmallows and enjoy some quality time together.
Fort Lauderdale is renowned for couples. Also, Shenandoah National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.
Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.
Shenandoah National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature will love a visit to the park. There are beautiful views and scenic spots that will make for a wonderful and romantic trip. Hiking, biking, and exploring will fill your time with adventure and fun.
Shenandoah National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.
Shenandoah National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers love the hiking trails and backcountry camping. Many people head to the park to escape into nature and enjoy some low key time in a serene setting.
Fort Lauderdale is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. You'll find few backpackers heading to the high end city.
Fort Lauderdale is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.
Public transit is mostly limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.
Public transit is limited or non-existant in Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.
Fort Lauderdale is great for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its walkability.
Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable destination. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.
Shenandoah National Park is not a walkable coastal city. While there are plenty of hiking trails, a car is a must to reach most trailheads.
For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Shenandoah National Park Worth Visiting?.
In either Fort Lauderdale or Shenandoah National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Shenandoah National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 3-5 days is enough time in Shenandoah National Park.
Families should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Shenandoah National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Fort Lauderdale, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Shenandoah National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the luxury coastal city of Fort Lauderdale, there's plenty to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
The beautiful destination of Shenandoah National Park offers skiing. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the spirited destination of Fort Lauderdale, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
The national park of Shenandoah National Park offers skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
With shopping and nightlife around the spirited coastal city of Fort Lauderdale, there's plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.
Shenandoah National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This national park offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.
Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Many people enjoy the skiing when visiting Shenandoah National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $218, while the average daily cost in Shenandoah National Park is $145. 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 Fort Lauderdale and Shenandoah National Park in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale or Shenandoah National Park? 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.
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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:
Prices for flights to both Shenandoah National Park and Fort Lauderdale 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Fort Lauderdale.
Here are a few actual costs in Fort Lauderdale for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fort Lauderdale and Shenandoah National Park, we can see that Fort Lauderdale is more expensive. And not only is Shenandoah National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shenandoah National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenandoah 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 Fort Lauderdale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fort Lauderdale than you might in Shenandoah National Park.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Shenandoah National Park Expensive?.
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.
Both Shenandoah National Park and Fort Lauderdale during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Fort Lauderdale is generally a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 83°F (28°C), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in July than Shenandoah National Park. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Shenandoah National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shenandoah National Park this time of year.
Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Shenandoah National Park. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Shenandoah National Park. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Shenandoah National Park. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Shenandoah National Park averages at about 32°F (-0°C).
Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in January than Shenandoah National Park. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Shenandoah National Park and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.
In April, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 75°F (24°C), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives around the same amount of rain as Shenandoah National Park. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
Fort Lauderdale | Shenandoah National Park | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 32°F (-0°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
Feb | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
Mar | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
Apr | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
May | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Aug | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
Sep | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Oct | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 3.3 inches (84 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) | 36°F (2°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |