A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Greensboro vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Greensboro and Joshua Tree 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.

Greensboro

Greensboro is a welcoming, under-rated, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Greensboro travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a adventurous, unique, and fascinating national park. The beauty of Joshua Tree National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Greensboro and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Joshua Tree National Park. Although Greensboro and Joshua Tree National Park are both popular with visitors, Joshua Tree National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Joshua Tree National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Greensboro is known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Joshua Tree National Park is more touristy than Greensboro and is popular for its unique vegetation and large boulders. It is also home to Cholla Cactus Garden. Greensboro is popular for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Greensboro different from Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park?

Greensboro
Joshua Tree National Park

Greensboro is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Greensboro. The Greensboro Science Center is a highlight for families. Other interesting museums around town include the Elsewhere Modern Art Museum, the Greensboro History Museum, the International Civil Rights Center, and the Weatherspoon Art Museum.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.


Is the Food Better in Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Greensboro
Joshua Tree National Park

Greensboro is a decent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Greensboro may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find a good selection of restaurants around town with Mexican, southern, Italian, and Chinese all being popular options.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Greensboro
Joshua Tree National Park

Greensboro is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Greensboro. Head downtown for the most trendy bars, breweries, and nightclubs.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Greensboro
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Greensboro is not a hiking destination.

Joshua Tree National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

Greensboro is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park?

Greensboro
Joshua Tree National Park

Greensboro is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Greensboro has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are shopping centers and shopping malls around town as well as some interesting local boutiques.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

Greensboro
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Greensboro is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Joshua Tree National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

Greensboro is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Greensboro
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very kid-friendly national park. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

Greensboro offers lots of family activities. Kids will love visiting the Greensboro Science Center, which has hands-on science exhibits and a small zoo. Younger kids will also enjoy a visit to the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum. During the summer months the Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park is a great way to spend a day. Other times of the year, there are indoor play spaces and movie theaters around town.


Is Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Greensboro
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its romantic activities. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Joshua Tree National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

Greensboro is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The Carolina Theater makes a great date night activity. There is also a diverse selection of restaurants around town and a few parks for a daytime outing.

Is Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Greensboro
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Joshua Tree National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Greensboro is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of budget hotels nearby but no real hostels.

Is Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Students?

Greensboro
Joshua Tree National Park

Greensboro is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Greensboro. University of North Carolina at Greensboro attracts students to the city. There are also several smaller colleges in the area.

Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.


Is Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Greensboro
Joshua Tree National Park

Greensboro is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Greensboro. There are several bus routes around town, but you really can depend on them to get where you're going. A car is important for making the most of your trip.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Greensboro
Joshua Tree National Park

Greensboro is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Greensboro is generally not a very walkable city. Most areas aren't walkable, but for the most pedestrian-friendly sections head to College Hill, downtown, or Brice Street.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable city. You need a car to truly explore the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Greensboro Worth Visiting? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Greensboro, and 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Greensboro than Joshua Tree 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 Greensboro.


  • How many days in Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Greensboro 1-2 
    Joshua Tree National Park 2-4

One day in Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the friendly city of Greensboro. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

With around the unique national park of Joshua Tree National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Greensboro. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

With around the destination of Joshua Tree National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Five days in Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park?

Greensboro is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Joshua Tree National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park?

Greensboro is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Joshua Tree National Park or Greensboro?

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

  • Greensboro Prices
    USA Prices
    Joshua Tree National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Greensboro $197
    Joshua Tree National Park $177

The average daily cost (per person) in Greensboro is $197, while the average daily cost in Joshua Tree National Park is $177. 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 Greensboro and Joshua Tree National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greensboro $96
    Joshua Tree National Park $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greensboro $192
    Joshua Tree National Park $174
Compare Hotels in Greensboro and Joshua Tree National Park

Looking for a hotel in Greensboro or Joshua Tree 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.

Hotels in Greensboro


Hotels in Joshua Tree National Park


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: Greensboro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greensboro $24
    Joshua Tree National Park $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Greensboro or Joshua Tree National Park?

Prices for flights to both Joshua Tree National Park and Greensboro 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
    Greensboro $82
    Joshua Tree National Park $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greensboro $26
    Joshua Tree National Park $27

Tours and Activities in Joshua Tree National Park

For Joshua Tree National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Rappelling Experience: $255
  • From San Diego: Joshua Tree National Park Private Tour: $949

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greensboro $20
    Joshua Tree National Park $4.93


When comparing the travel costs between Greensboro and Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Greensboro 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 Greensboro Expensive? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.