A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Martha's Vineyard vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Hiking, Couples, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree 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 Martha's Vineyard and Joshua Tree 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.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a coastal, peaceful, and affluent island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

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. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Martha's Vineyard and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard. Although Martha's Vineyard and Joshua Tree National Park are popular destinations, Martha's Vineyard has more sights and attractions for tourists. Martha's Vineyard is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors for its hiking. Martha's Vineyard is famous for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. It is also well known for the Aquinnah Cliffs. Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Martha's Vineyard different from Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park?

You'll find a number of reasonable museums and attractions in both Joshua Tree National Park and Martha's Vineyard.

While most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard 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 the Food Better in Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Martha's Vineyard has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Martha's Vineyard is a world class resort vacation destination. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Martha's Vineyard attract visitors from all over. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing national park to visit for hiking. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Is the Shopping Better in Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park?

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Martha's Vineyard. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of very good scenery and beauty in both Martha's Vineyard and Joshua Tree National Park.

With stunning beauty, Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors from all around. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural 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.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Joshua Tree National Park is a great national park for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard is renowned for couples. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Martha's Vineyard is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known 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.

Martha's Vineyard is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Budget options are limited, making this an inconvenient destination for backpackers.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

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

Is Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Martha's Vineyard is a island with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Martha's Vineyard is a somewhat walkable island. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Martha's Vineyard?

How long in Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Martha's Vineyard, and 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard.

One day in Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park?

Even though Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

With around the destination of Joshua Tree National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park?

Martha's Vineyard is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

With around the adventurous national park of Joshua Tree National Park, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park?

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the unique destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Martha's Vineyard or Joshua Tree National Park?

Martha's Vineyard 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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