A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guadalajara vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Backpackers, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Guadalajara or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Joshua Tree National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a vibrant, cultural, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Guadalajara travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a unique, fascinating, and adventurous national park. With stunning beauty, Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Guadalajara and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Guadalajara. Although Guadalajara and Joshua Tree National Park are popular destinations, Guadalajara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Guadalajara is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Joshua Tree National Park is more touristy than Guadalajara and is known for its unique vegetation and large boulders. Guadalajara is famous for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also well known for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Guadalajara is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Guadalajara. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.

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 Guadalajara or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Guadalajara is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Guadalajara has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

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 Guadalajara or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Guadalajara has a large number of nightlife venues. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

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 Guadalajara or Joshua Tree National Park Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Joshua Tree National Park does not have a historic old town.

Guadalajara is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

Joshua Tree National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Guadalajara or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing national park to visit for hiking. However, Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Joshua Tree National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

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

Guadalajara is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Guadalajara. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

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 Guadalajara or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors from all around. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

Guadalajara is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Guadalajara or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Joshua Tree National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Joshua Tree 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.

Guadalajara is not the most family-friendly destination. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.

Is Guadalajara or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Joshua Tree National Park is great for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Joshua Tree National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

Guadalajara is a nice destination for couples. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

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

Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Joshua Tree National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

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

Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

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

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

Guadalajara is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Guadalajara is a very walkable destination. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

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 Guadalajara Worth Visiting? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Guadalajara or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Guadalajara 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, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Guadalajara, and 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

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

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

One day in Guadalajara or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural city of Guadalajara. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the unique national park of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Guadalajara or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Guadalajara. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the unique destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Guadalajara or Joshua Tree National Park?

Guadalajara is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

The adventurous national park of Joshua Tree National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Guadalajara or Joshua Tree National Park?

Guadalajara 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.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Joshua Tree National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guadalajara and Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Joshua Tree National Park is more expensive. And not only is Guadalajara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guadalajara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guadalajara 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 Joshua Tree National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Joshua Tree National Park than you might in Guadalajara.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guadalajara Expensive? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.