A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Juneau vs. Redwood National Park for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Juneau or Redwood National Park?

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

Should I visit Juneau or Redwood National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Juneau

Juneau is a historic, scenic, and breathtaking city. The famous beauty of Juneau is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food. See Juneau travel costs.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a impressive, monumental, and grand park. You'll find world class beauty in Redwood National Park as well. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking. See Redwood National Park travel costs.

Juneau and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Juneau or Redwood National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Juneau. Although Juneau and Redwood National Park are both popular with visitors, Juneau has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Juneau is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Redwood National Park is known for its beaches. Juneau is popular for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. It is also home to the Mendenhall Glacier. Redwood National Park is popular for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

How is Juneau different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Juneau or Redwood National Park?

Juneau
Redwood National Park

Juneau is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Juneau. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.


Is the Food Better in Juneau or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Juneau
Redwood National Park

Juneau is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Juneau is an experience not to be missed. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Juneau or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Juneau
Redwood National Park

Juneau is a city with a few options for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Juneau is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Juneau or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Juneau
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a popular place for the beach. However, Juneau is not a beach destination.

Redwood National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Juneau is not a beach destination.


Is Juneau or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Juneau
Redwood National Park

If you're looking to go hiking, Juneau and Redwood National Park both have amazing trails.

People visit Juneau specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

Many people visit Redwood National Park specifically for its hiking. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Juneau or Redwood National Park?

Juneau
Redwood National Park

Juneau is well known for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Juneau. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Juneau or Redwood National Park More Beautiful?

Juneau
Redwood National Park

Juneau and Redwood National Park are somewhat similar when it comes to the amazing scenery.

You'll find world class beauty in Juneau as well. The landscape is filled with glaciers, mountains, and fjords, making it a dramatic and beautiful destination.

Redwood National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The majestic redwood trees will take your breath away. These ancient forests offer a truly unique experience and you'll feel small in comparison to their grand height.


Is Juneau or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Juneau
Redwood National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Juneau or Redwood National Park.

Juneau is a very kid-friendly city. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Redwood National Park. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

Is Juneau or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Juneau
Redwood National Park

Juneau is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Juneau is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

Redwood National Park is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

Is Juneau or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Juneau
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers. Also, Juneau is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Redwood National Park. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Juneau. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.


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

Juneau
Redwood National Park

Juneau is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Juneau or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Juneau
Redwood National Park

Juneau is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Juneau is a very walkable destination. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Redwood National Park or Juneau?

How long in Juneau or Redwood National Park?

In either Juneau or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Redwood National Park than Juneau because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Juneau, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Juneau than Redwood 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 Juneau.


  • How many days in Juneau or Redwood National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Juneau 2-3 
    Redwood National Park 3-5

One day in Juneau or Redwood National Park?

In Juneau, you'll find shopping and museums. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Redwood 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.


A weekend in Juneau or Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Juneau. 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 city. It offers something for everyone.

Redwood National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Juneau or Redwood National Park?

Juneau 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Redwood National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Juneau or Redwood National Park?

You'll find shopping and museums around the breathtaking destination of Juneau. 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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the impressive destination of Redwood National Park. This 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Redwood National Park or Juneau?

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

  • Juneau Prices
    USA Prices
    Redwood National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Juneau $196
    Redwood National Park $135

The average daily cost (per person) in Juneau is $196, while the average daily cost in Redwood National Park is $135. 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 Juneau and Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Juneau $88
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Juneau $176
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Juneau and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Juneau or Redwood 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 Juneau


Hotels in Redwood 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: Juneau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Juneau $38
    Redwood National Park $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Juneau or Redwood National Park?

Prices for flights to both Redwood National Park and Juneau 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
    Juneau $85
    Redwood National Park $56

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Juneau $17
    Redwood National Park $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Juneau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Juneau are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $25
  • Admission to Alaska State Museum
    $5.00
  • Glacier Gardens
    $22

Tours and Activities in Juneau

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Juneau are as follows:

  • City Highlights Bus Tour: $51
  • Juneau City Tour: $52
  • Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour: $79
  • Juneau Underground Gold Mine and Panning Experience: $89
  • Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure: $99
  • Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau: $123
  • From Whale Watching Cruise with Snacks: $123
  • Trails and Ale Tour and Tram Combo: $125
  • Tram, Trails and Ale Tour: $125
  • Juneau Highlights and Mendenhall Glacier Tour: $129
  • Alaska Native Tour with Tram Ride and Meal: $145
  • Historic Gold Panning Adventure & Salmon Bake: $145

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Juneau $16
    Redwood National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Juneau

Also in Juneau, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Craft Brews & Epic Views: Juneau's Brewery & Sightseeing Tour!: $159
  • Craft Beer and Brewery Tour with Scenic Stops: $159


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

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



When is the best time to visit Juneau or Redwood 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 Juneau or Redwood National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Juneau and Redwood National Park. Most visitors come to Juneau for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Redwood National Park because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Juneau is around the same temperature as Redwood National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Juneau in July average around 56°F (13°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Redwood National Park this time of the year. Juneau usually receives less sunshine than Redwood National Park during summer. Juneau gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 274 hours of full sun in the summer.

Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Juneau usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Juneau gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Juneau 56°F (13°C) 
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Juneau or Redwood National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Juneau as well as Redwood National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Juneau because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

In October, Juneau is generally much colder than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Juneau average around 42°F (6°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Juneau often gets less sunshine than Redwood National Park. Juneau gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 177 hours of full sun.

Juneau receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Juneau usually gets more rain in October than Redwood National Park. Juneau gets 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Juneau 42°F (6°C) 
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Juneau or Redwood National Park in the Winter?

Both Redwood National Park and Juneau are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Juneau this time of year.

It's quite cold in Juneau in the winter. Juneau is much colder than Redwood National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Juneau averages around 24°F (-4°C) in January, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Juneau usually receives less sunshine than Redwood National Park during winter. Juneau gets 87 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. It's quite rainy in Juneau. In January, Juneau usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Juneau gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Juneau 24°F (-4°C) 
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Juneau or Redwood National Park in the Spring?

Both Redwood National Park and Juneau during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Juneau for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Juneau. In the spring, Juneau is much colder than Redwood National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Juneau in April average around 40°F (4°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 50°F (10°C).

In Redwood National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Juneau often gets less sunshine than Redwood National Park. Juneau gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 254 hours of full sun.

Juneau usually gets less rain in April than Redwood National Park. Juneau gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Juneau 40°F (4°C) 
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Juneau

Juneau Redwood National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°F (-4°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Feb 28°F (-2°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 33°F (0°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Apr 40°F (4°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 47°F (8°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Jun 53°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Jul 56°F (13°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Aug 55°F (13°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Sep 49°F (10°C) 7 inches (179 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Oct 42°F (6°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 32°F (-0°C) 4.9 inches (123 mm) 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm)


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