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

Should you visit Joshua Tree National Park or Las Vegas?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Joshua Tree National Park and Las Vegas can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a fascinating, adventurous, and unique national park. Joshua Tree National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a entertaining, sexy, and glamourous entertainment capital. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See Las Vegas travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Las Vegas than Joshua Tree National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Las Vegas is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Joshua Tree National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Las Vegas is more touristy than Joshua Tree National Park and is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. Also, Las Vegas is famous for The Strip. Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Joshua Tree National Park different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon 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 Joshua Tree National Park or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Las Vegas is renowned for its shows and theatre. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Las Vegas that are not to be missed. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a theatre destination.

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

Las Vegas is renowned for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Las Vegas have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

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 Joshua Tree National Park or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Las Vegas is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

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 Joshua Tree National Park or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Las Vegas is renowned for its music scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a live music destination.

Las Vegas has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Las Vegas is a world class resort vacation destination. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Las Vegas Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas 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.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Joshua Tree National Park or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to Las Vegas specifically to go shopping. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

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 Joshua Tree National Park or Las Vegas More Beautiful?

Joshua Tree National Park is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Joshua Tree National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Joshua Tree National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Las Vegas is renowned for couples. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Las Vegas is a great entertainment capital for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

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.

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

Joshua Tree National Park is very popular for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.

Joshua Tree National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.

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

Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

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

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Las Vegas is a entertainment capital with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable entertainment capital. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

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

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

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

How long in Joshua Tree National Park or Las Vegas?

Both Joshua Tree National Park and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Joshua Tree National Park. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Joshua Tree National Park, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas.

One day in Joshua Tree National Park or Las Vegas?

You'll find around the national park of Joshua Tree National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Las Vegas is a colorful entertainment capital where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

A weekend in Joshua Tree National Park or Las Vegas?

You'll find around the adventurous destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Las Vegas is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

Five days in Joshua Tree National Park or Las Vegas?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the fascinating national park of Joshua Tree National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Las Vegas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this entertainment capital makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

A week in Joshua Tree National Park or Las Vegas?

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Las Vegas is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Joshua Tree National Park and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Las Vegas 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 Joshua Tree National Park Expensive? and Is Las Vegas Expensive?.