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

Should you visit Joshua Tree National Park or Vernon?

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 Vernon 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 unique, fascinating, and adventurous national park. With stunning beauty, Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a quiet, peaceful, and relaxing town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Vernon travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park and Vernon: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vernon. Although Joshua Tree National Park and Vernon are popular destinations, Vernon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vernon is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Joshua Tree National Park is more touristy than Vernon and is popular for its unique vegetation and large boulders. Vernon is famous for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails. It is also well known for Davison Orchards Country Village.

How is Joshua Tree National Park different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vernon 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 Vernon?

Vernon is a town 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 Vernon. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

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 Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vernon is a town with good options for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Vernon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

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 Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Vernon is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

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 Vernon Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

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

Vernon is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Vernon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

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 Vernon More Beautiful?

Joshua Tree National Park is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Vernon Better for Families?

Joshua Tree National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Joshua Tree National Park is known to be 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.

Vernon is a family-friendly national park. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Vernon Better for Couples?

Joshua Tree National Park is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

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

Joshua Tree National Park is terrific for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

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

Vernon 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 Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on 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 Vernon a more walkable city?

Vernon is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable town. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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 Vernon Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Joshua Tree National Park or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Joshua Tree National Park and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park than in Vernon. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Joshua Tree National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

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

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

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

One day in Joshua Tree National Park or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the peaceful town of Vernon. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Joshua Tree National Park or Vernon?

Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Vernon. 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. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Joshua Tree National Park or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Joshua Tree National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vernon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

A week in Joshua Tree National Park or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the unique destination of Joshua Tree National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Vernon 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.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Joshua Tree National Park and Vernon, we can see that Joshua Tree National Park is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Vernon.

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 Vernon Expensive?.