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

Should you visit Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a lively, youthful, and fun city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville. Although Jacksonville and Joshua Tree National Park are popular destinations, Jacksonville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jacksonville is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, 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 Jacksonville and is known for its unique vegetation and large boulders. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also well known for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville 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 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. 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.

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

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

Jacksonville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

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 Jacksonville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

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

Jacksonville has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

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 Jacksonville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is a very popular place for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Jacksonville attract visitors from all over. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Jacksonville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

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

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. 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.

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 Jacksonville or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

Joshua Tree National Park is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jacksonville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Joshua Tree National Park is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. 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.

Is Jacksonville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

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

Joshua Tree National Park makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree 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 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.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Students?

Jacksonville 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 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Jacksonville has some public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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

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

Jacksonville is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

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

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

How long in Jacksonville or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

Couples should spend more time in Jacksonville than Joshua Tree 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 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 Jacksonville.

One day in Jacksonville or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant city of Jacksonville. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

In Joshua Tree National Park, many people enjoy the that this unique national park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Jacksonville. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Jacksonville or Joshua Tree National Park?

Jacksonville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find around the fascinating destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Jacksonville 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 to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

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

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