A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Memphis vs. Shenandoah National Park for Backpackers, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Memphis or Shenandoah National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Shenandoah National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Memphis

Memphis is a laid-back, soulful, and creative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Memphis travel costs.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a scenic, breathtaking, and serene national park. With stunning beauty, Shenandoah National Park attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the skiing and hiking. See Shenandoah National Park travel costs.

Memphis and Shenandoah National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or Shenandoah National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Memphis. Although Memphis and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations, Memphis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Memphis is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Shenandoah National Park attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Shenandoah National Park is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also well known for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Memphis different from Shenandoah National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Memphis or Shenandoah National Park Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Memphis is not a skiing destination.

Head to Shenandoah National Park for some great skiing and other winter activities. You'll find skiing and snowboarding at nearby Massanutten Resort, which is near Harrisonburg, Virginia. It's a family-friendly setting with slopes that are classified as "easiest", "more difficult", and "most difficult".

Memphis is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Memphis or Shenandoah National Park?

Memphis is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Memphis. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

Shenandoah National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people spend their time outdoors enjoying the setting, there are museums in the area, as well as visitor centers that have exhibits and informative displays.

Is the Food Better in Memphis or Shenandoah National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Memphis is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Memphis has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

Shenandoah National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

Is Memphis or Shenandoah National Park Better for Nightlife?

Memphis is great for its evening party scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Memphis for the nightlife scene. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

Most people don't head to Shenandoah National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.

Is Memphis or Shenandoah National Park Better for Music?

Memphis is renowned for its music scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a live music destination.

Memphis has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Shenandoah National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Memphis or Shenandoah National Park Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah National Park is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Shenandoah National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are more than 500 miles of trails in the park that pass through varied landscapes and take you to beautiful viewpoints. Visitors range from weekend visitors to long term hikers who come to experience the breathtaking beauty and serene setting.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Shenandoah National Park?

If you're looking to go shopping, Memphis and Shenandoah National Park both offer plenty of reasonable spots.

Memphis has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.

Is Memphis or Shenandoah National Park More Beautiful?

Shenandoah National Park is a great national park for its scenery and beauty. However, Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Shenandoah National Park attracts visitors from all around. Skyline drive passes by breathtaking views and wonderful lookout points. There are also miles of trails that let you explore the natural beauty of the area.

Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Memphis or Shenandoah National Park Better for Families?

Shenandoah National Park is a great national park for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Shenandoah National Park. There are tons of kid-friendly hikes to overlooks or waterfalls. Kids will love scrambling over the rocks or running through the forest. There are also plenty of campgrounds where families can hang out, toast marshmallows and enjoy some quality time together.

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Memphis or Shenandoah National Park Better for Couples?

Shenandoah National Park is a great national park for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Shenandoah National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature will love a visit to the park. There are beautiful views and scenic spots that will make for a wonderful and romantic trip. Hiking, biking, and exploring will fill your time with adventure and fun.

Memphis is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

Is Memphis or Shenandoah National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shenandoah National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Shenandoah National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers love the hiking trails and backcountry camping. Many people head to the park to escape into nature and enjoy some low key time in a serene setting.

Memphis is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Is Memphis or Shenandoah National Park Better for Students?

Memphis is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Shenandoah National Park is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Shenandoah National Park is not popular with students.

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

Memphis is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

Is Memphis or Shenandoah National Park a more walkable city?

Memphis is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its walkability.

Memphis is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

Shenandoah National Park is not a walkable city. While there are plenty of hiking trails, a car is a must to reach most trailheads.

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

Should I spend more time in Shenandoah National Park or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Shenandoah National Park?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Memphis than Shenandoah 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 Memphis.

One day in Memphis or Shenandoah National Park?

With live music and food around the laid-back city of Memphis, there's plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Shenandoah National Park, you'll find skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Memphis or Shenandoah National Park?

With food and museums around the creative destination of Memphis, there's plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Shenandoah National Park, you'll find skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Memphis or Shenandoah National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the creative city of Memphis. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Shenandoah National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shenandoah National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Memphis or Shenandoah National Park?

Memphis is a great place to explore. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shenandoah National Park. Many people enjoy the skiing when visiting Shenandoah National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Memphis or Shenandoah 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 Memphis or Shenandoah National Park in the Summer?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Memphis is a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 83°F (29°C) in July, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In July, Memphis usually receives less rain than Shenandoah National Park. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Memphis or Shenandoah National Park in the Autumn?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Memphis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Memphis is a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Memphis in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Shenandoah National Park averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Memphis usually gets less rain in October than Shenandoah National Park. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Shenandoah National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Shenandoah National Park. Many visitors come to Memphis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Shenandoah National Park can be very cold during winter. Memphis can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Memphis is generally much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 40°F (5°C), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 32°F (-0°C).

In January, Memphis usually receives less rain than Shenandoah National Park. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Memphis or Shenandoah National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Shenandoah National Park. Most visitors come to Memphis for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the natural beauty.

Memphis is a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Memphis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Shenandoah National Park. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Shenandoah National Park and Memphis