A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jacksonville vs. Denali National Park for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Jacksonville or Denali 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 Jacksonville and Denali 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a vibrant, under-rated, and lively city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Jacksonville travel costs.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a rugged, spectacular, and epic park. Denali National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Denali National Park travel costs.

Jacksonville and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Denali National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jacksonville. Although Jacksonville and Denali National Park are both popular with visitors, Jacksonville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Jacksonville is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Denali National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Denali National Park is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife. Jacksonville is popular for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also home to Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Denali National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jacksonville or Denali National Park?

Jacksonville
Denali National Park

Jacksonville is a great city for its historical sights. However, Denali National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Jacksonville specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.


Is the Food Better in Jacksonville or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville
Denali National Park

Jacksonville is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Jacksonville has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

Denali National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is Jacksonville or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville
Denali National Park

Jacksonville is a great city for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Jacksonville has something for everybody. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is Jacksonville or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Jacksonville
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Denali National Park has a few great resort options. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.


Is Jacksonville or Denali National Park Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville
Denali National Park

Jacksonville is a great city for the beach. However, Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

Jacksonville is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Jacksonville or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Jacksonville
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Denali National Park offers some nice hiking trails. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Denali National Park?

Jacksonville
Denali National Park

Jacksonville is a great city for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Jacksonville is well-known for its shopping. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Denali National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.


Is Jacksonville or Denali National Park More Beautiful?

Jacksonville
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Jacksonville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Denali National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Home to the highest peak in North America, the park is famous for its dramatic beauty and rugged landscapes.

Jacksonville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jacksonville or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Jacksonville
Denali National Park

Both Jacksonville and Denali National Park are good family-friendly destinations.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Denali National Park. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.

Is Jacksonville or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Jacksonville
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Denali National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.


Is Jacksonville or Denali National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Denali National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Is Jacksonville or Denali National Park Better for Students?

Jacksonville
Denali National Park

Jacksonville is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Denali National Park is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Denali National Park is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville
Denali National Park

Jacksonville is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Denali National Park is not known for its public transit.

While Jacksonville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Public transit is generally limited in Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.


Is Jacksonville or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Jacksonville
Denali National Park

Jacksonville is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

Denali National Park is not a walkable city. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Jacksonville or Denali National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Denali National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than Denali 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 Jacksonville.


  • How many days in Jacksonville or Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jacksonville 2-3 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in Jacksonville or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Jacksonville. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Denali National Park, many people enjoy the that this rugged park offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Denali National Park?

Jacksonville is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Denali National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Jacksonville or Denali National Park?

Many people visit Jacksonville for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Jacksonville. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the vast destination of Denali National Park. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Denali National Park?

The fun destination of Jacksonville offers nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Denali National Park is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Jacksonville?

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

  • Jacksonville Prices
    USA Prices
    Denali National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jacksonville $289
    Denali National Park $260

The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $289, while the average daily cost in Denali National Park is $260. 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 Jacksonville and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jacksonville $92
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jacksonville $184
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville or Denali 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 Jacksonville


Hotels in Denali 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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jacksonville $53
    Denali National Park $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

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

  • Private Transfer Jacksonville Airport to Downtown Savannah Hotels: $300
  • Jacksonville Airport Limo Transfer to Hammock Beach Golf Resort: $275
  • Car Transfer Jacksonville Airport to The Cloister at Sea Island: $199
  • Jacksonville Airport to Casa Monica Resort and Spa Transfer: $189
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $168
  • Jacksonville to Carnival Cruise Port Jacksonville - Departure Private Transfer: $159
  • Luxury Car Transfer JAX Airport to Margaritaville Beach Hotel: $155
  • Luxury Car Transfer Jacksonville Airport to Ponte Vedra Resorts: $145
  • Jacksonville Airport Private Lux Car Transfer to Downtown Hotels: $139
  • Private Transfer JAX Airport to Ritz Carlton Amelia Island: $135
  • Private Transfer Jacksonville Airport to Carnival Cruise Port: $135
  • Jacksonville Airport JAX to Jacksonville Arrival Private Transfer: $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Jacksonville 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
    Jacksonville $166
    Denali National Park $98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville

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

  • 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $20
  • San Marco Food Tour Culinary Journey in Jacksonville: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jacksonville $20
    Denali National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

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

  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $8.00
  • 90 Minute Self-Guided Arcimoto FUV Adventure: $145
  • All-Inclusive Progressive Culinary & History Experience: $125
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • Amelia Island Floating Tiki Boat Cruise with BYOB Option: $75
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $65
  • Architecture and History Tour in San Marco: $96
  • Avondale Brunch Tour (Jacksonville): $135
  • Big Talbot Island Self Guided Tour with Smart Helmets: $115
  • Bike Ride Through Ponte Vedra Beach Private Tour Florida: $27
  • CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach: $145
  • Daytona Beach: 3 Hour Coastal Discovery Boat Cruise: $150

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.

  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $135
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $139
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $209
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in the Alaska Range - Denali Area: $199
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $163
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $163
  • Denali 4 Hour Hiking Adventure with Naturalist Guide: $160
  • Denali 5 Hour Hiking Tour with Naturalist Guide: $182
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $178
  • Denali Husky Kennel & Brewpub Visit – Half-Day Experience: $130
  • Denali Naturalist Walking Tour: $132
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $190

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $20
    Denali National Park $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:

  • All-Inclusive Sips & Ships: Downtown Pub Crawl: $75
  • Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135


When comparing the travel costs between Jacksonville and Denali National Park, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Denali National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Jacksonville or Denali National Park?

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 Jacksonville or Denali National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Denali National Park. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Denali National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 82°F (28°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jacksonville 82°F (28°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Denali National Park. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Denali National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Denali National Park can be very cold during autumn. Jacksonville is much warmer than Denali National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Jacksonville usually gets less rain in October than Denali National Park. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Denali National Park in the Winter?

Both Denali National Park and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.


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