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

Should you visit Joshua Tree National Park or Olympic National Park?

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 Olympic National Park 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 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.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a stunning, vast, and pristine park. With stunning beauty, Olympic National Park attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums. See Olympic National Park travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Olympic National Park. Although Joshua Tree National Park and Olympic National Park are both popular with visitors, Olympic National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Joshua Tree National Park is popular for its unique vegetation and large boulders. Olympic National Park is popular for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. It is also home to the Hoh Rain Forest.

How is Joshua Tree National Park different from Olympic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park?

Olympic National Park is a park 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 Olympic National Park. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.

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

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

Olympic National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Joshua Tree National Park or Olympic National Park offer decent nightlife.

Joshua Tree National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Olympic National Park. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

In Olympic National Park, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Both Joshua Tree National Park and Olympic National Park are destinations which offer terrific hiking.

Around Joshua Tree National Park visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Olympic National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hiking trails will take you through the diverse range of landscapes. There are mountain climbs, coastal trails, and routes that wander through old growth forests. You'll also find a mix of day hikes and backcountry wilderness hikes. Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls, and the High Divide are favorite hikes in the park, but there are countless others.

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

Olympic National Park is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Olympic National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

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 Olympic National Park More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of excellent scenery and beauty in both Joshua Tree National Park and Olympic National Park.

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.

Olympic National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The diversity of landscapes give the park a unique beauty. You can explore old growth rainforests, wander down pristine beaches, or take in the stunning mountain views.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Both Joshua Tree National Park and Olympic National Park are excellent to visit with kids.

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.

Olympic National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Both Joshua Tree National Park and Olympic National Park are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Couples visit Olympic National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

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

Joshua Tree National Park and Olympic National Park are both terrific destinations 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.

Olympic National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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

Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

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 Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Joshua Tree National Park or Olympic National Park are walkable places.

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

Olympic National Park is not a walkable national park. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

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

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

How long in Joshua Tree National Park or Olympic National Park?

In either Joshua Tree National Park or Olympic National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Olympic National Park than Joshua Tree National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Joshua Tree National Park, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park.

One day in Joshua Tree National Park or Olympic National Park?

In Joshua Tree National Park, you'll find . Hikers are also drawn to this area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the vast park of Olympic National Park. 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 Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Joshua Tree National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Olympic National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Most people visit for the hiking. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Joshua Tree National Park or Olympic National Park?

Joshua Tree National Park is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Olympic National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this park 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 Olympic National Park?

You'll find around the unique destination of Joshua Tree National Park. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Olympic National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Most people visit for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. 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 Olympic National Park, we can see that Joshua Tree National Park is more expensive. And not only is Olympic National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Olympic National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Olympic 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 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 Olympic 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 Olympic National Park Expensive?.