A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Las Vegas vs. Denali National Park for Food, Resorts, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Las Vegas or Denali 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 Las Vegas and Denali 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.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a sinful, fun-filled, and entertaining entertainment capital. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping. See Las Vegas travel costs.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a vast, rugged, and spectacular park. You'll find world class beauty in Denali National Park as well. It's also known for hiking. See Denali National Park travel costs.

Las Vegas and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Strip
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Las Vegas. Although Las Vegas and Denali National Park are popular destinations, Las Vegas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Las Vegas is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Denali National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Las Vegas is more touristy than Denali National Park and is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also well known for The Strip. Denali National Park is famous for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife.

How is Las Vegas different from Denali National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Las Vegas
Denali National Park

Las Vegas is a great entertainment capital for its historical sights. However, Denali National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Las Vegas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.


Is Las Vegas or Denali National Park Better for Theater?

Las Vegas
Denali National Park

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Denali National Park is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Las Vegas is world-class. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Denali National Park is not a theatre destination.

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

Las Vegas
Denali National Park

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Las Vegas has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Denali National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is Las Vegas or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas
Denali National Park

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

Las Vegas is a world class party destination. 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.

People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.


Is Las Vegas or Denali National Park Better for Music?

Las Vegas
Denali National Park

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Denali National Park is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Las Vegas. 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.

Denali National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Las Vegas or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas
Denali National Park

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Las Vegas is a perfect choice. 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.

Denali National Park has a few great resort options. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.

Is Las Vegas or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Las Vegas
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Denali National Park offers some nice hiking trails. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Las Vegas or Denali National Park?

Las Vegas
Denali National Park

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Las Vegas draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Denali National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.

Is Las Vegas or Denali National Park More Beautiful?

Las Vegas
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Denali National Park as well. Home to the highest peak in North America, the park is famous for its dramatic beauty and rugged landscapes.

Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Las Vegas or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Las Vegas
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

Denali National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.

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 Las Vegas or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Las Vegas
Denali National Park

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Las Vegas 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.

Denali National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

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

Las Vegas
Denali National Park

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

Denali National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

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

Las Vegas
Denali National Park

Both Las Vegas and Denali National Park offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally 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 mostly limited in Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.


Is Las Vegas or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Las Vegas
Denali National Park

Las Vegas is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

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

Denali National Park is not a walkable entertainment capital. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.

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

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

How long in Las Vegas or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Las Vegas or Denali National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Las Vegas due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Las Vegas, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.

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

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


  • How many days in Las Vegas or Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Las Vegas 2-7 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in Las Vegas or Denali National Park?

Las Vegas is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the park of Denali National Park. 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.

A weekend in Las Vegas or Denali National Park?

Las Vegas is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find around the vast destination of Denali National Park. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Las Vegas or Denali National Park?

Many people visit Las Vegas for five days. Las Vegas is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the spectacular park of Denali National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Las Vegas or Denali National Park?

Las Vegas is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Many people spend one week here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Las Vegas, one week is sufficent for most.

Denali National Park is a popular choice for travelers. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Las Vegas?

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

  • Las Vegas Prices
    USA Prices
    Denali National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Las Vegas $369
    Denali National Park $260

The average daily cost (per person) in Las Vegas is $369, while the average daily cost in Denali National Park is $260. 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 Las Vegas and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Las Vegas $158
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Las Vegas $316
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Las Vegas and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Las Vegas or Denali 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 Las Vegas


Hotels in Denali 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: Las Vegas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Las Vegas $53
    Denali National Park $76
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • 24 Hr Bus Pass
    $15
  • 24 hrs Deuce Bus
    $7.00
  • Taxi from Airport to the Strip
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:

  • From Private Transfer to Zion National Park: $2,592
  • Los Angeles: Private Transfer to/from Las Vegas: $1,600
  • West Grand Canyon Helicopter Ticket with Transfer: $549
  • Las Vegas Airport: Party Bus 1-Way Transfer: $329
  • Las Vegas McCarran Airport (LAS): Transfer to Las Vegas: $261
  • Outdoor Shooting Experience with Transfer and Lunch in Las Vegas: $250
  • RoundTrip Private Transfer Las Vegas by Luxury SUV Cadillac Escalade up to 5 pax: $235
  • Arrival Private Transfer Las Vegas by Luxury SUV or LIMO with 1 hour disposal : $231
  • Las Vegas Airport LAS Round-Trip Private Transfer in SUV: $220
  • From Nellis Dunes ATV Tour with Shuttle Transfer: $200
  • Las Vegas Airport (LAS) to Lake Las Vegas - Round-Trip Transfer: $190
  • Las Vegas Airport (LAS) to Lake Las Vegas - Round-Trip Transfer: $188

Is it cheaper to fly into Las Vegas or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Las Vegas 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
    Las Vegas $139
    Denali National Park $98
Typical Food Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $5.00
  • Deep Fried Twinkie
    $1.07
  • Chocolate Dip Banana
    $1.07
  • Gelato
    $5.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Las Vegas.

  • Manila Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $44
  • Cowboy Christmas Show & Dinner at Firelight Barn in Henderson NV: $49
  • "Blockbuster Beats" show & dinner at the Firelight Barn: $49
  • "Rockin' Through Time" show & dinner at Firelight Barn: $49
  • "31 String Showdown" show & dinner at Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
  • Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $65
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience : $65
  • Manila Food Tour Experience with Local Guide: $70
  • Makati Street Food tour Experience : $73
  • 2 Hour Italian Pasta Cooking Class in Las Vegas: $75
  • 2-Hour Italian Pasta Cooking Class: $75
  • Chocolate Making Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Las Vegas $78
    Denali National Park $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas

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


  • Wedding Chapel
    $139
  • Atomic Testing Museum (two people)
    $12
  • Gondola Ride (4 person)
    $64
  • Monorail Ride
    $5.00
  • NY NY Rollercoaster
    $14
  • Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass
    $26

Tours and Activities in Las Vegas

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

  • 1 Hour Private Las Vegas Party Bus Tour: $225
  • All Day GoCar Ultimate Las Vegas Day Tour: $164
  • Ghost Town(Eldorado Canyon) with Gold Mine Tour: $159
  • Lake Mead Private Tour by Boat: $285
  • Manila Guided: Tondo Manila, Binondo and Intramuros Tour: $45
  • Nellis Desert Exploration Jeep Tour Off Road You Drive We Guide: $283
  • Small Group Hoover Dam: From Above, On Top and Below Tour: $100
  • 1 Day Small Group Tour of Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend : $289
  • 1-Day Grand Canyon Tour from Stargazing & Sunrise: $450
  • 1.5-Hour Express Bike Tour in Intramuros (tour using a bamboo bicycle!): $22
  • 1.5-Hour Guided Raft Tour at the Base of the Hoover Dam: $69
  • 100 Island: Pangasinan Island Hopping Tour: $73

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.

  • Denali Husky Kennel & Brewpub Visit – Half-Day Experience: $130
  • Denali Naturalist Walking Tour: $132
  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $135
  • Midnight Sun ATV Adventure 2.5 Hour Tour: $135
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $139
  • Wilds of Alaska Classic ATV Adventure: $153
  • Winter Side by Side ATV Tour: $160
  • Denali 4 Hour Hiking Adventure with Naturalist Guide: $160
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $163
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $163
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $178
  • Denali 5 Hour Hiking Tour with Naturalist Guide: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Las Vegas $55
    Denali National Park $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:

  • Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $35
  • Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $35
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
  • Happy Hour Bar Crawl! Las Vegas Strip Walking Tour: $39
  • Bars Unknown: The Las Vegas Strip Bar Crawl: $49
  • Las Vegas Bar Crawl by Party Bus with Free Drinks: $49
  • Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $49
  • Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $49
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
  • Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $53
  • Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Mixed Drinks: $59
  • Vegas Country Bar Crawl: Party Bus & Drinks Included: $59


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

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