A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Death Valley National Park for Food, Resorts, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Miami or Death Valley National Park?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Miami and Death Valley National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a exciting, diverse, and bustling beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Miami travel costs.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a vast, dramatic, and striking national park. The famous beauty of Death Valley National Park is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Miami and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Miami or Death Valley National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Miami than Death Valley National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Miami is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Death Valley National Park is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Miami is more touristy than Death Valley National Park and is known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Death Valley National Park is well known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is Miami different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Miami or Death Valley National Park?

Miami
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a national park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Death Valley National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Miami or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Miami
Death Valley National Park

Miami is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Miami or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Miami
Death Valley National Park

Miami is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

Miami is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Miami or Death Valley National Park Better for Music?

Miami
Death Valley National Park

Miami is renowned for its music scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a live music destination.

In Miami you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Death Valley National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Miami or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Miami
Death Valley National Park

Miami is renowned for its resorts. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Miami is a perfect choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Is Miami or Death Valley National Park Better for Beaches?

Miami
Death Valley National Park

Miami is renowned for the beach. However, Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Miami is a very popular vacation destination. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Miami or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Miami
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Death Valley National Park. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Miami is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Death Valley National Park?

Miami
Death Valley National Park

Miami is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Miami is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Miami or Death Valley National Park More Beautiful?

Miami
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Miami is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Death Valley National Park is one of the main draws. The striking desert setting offers stunning beauty and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is at its most beautiful when the sun is low during sunrise and sunset.

Miami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Miami or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Miami
Death Valley National Park

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Miami or Death Valley National Park.

Miami is a very family-friendly place to visit. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Death Valley National Park is very family-friendly. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.


Is Miami or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Miami
Death Valley National Park

Both Miami and Death Valley National Park are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Miami frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Death Valley National Park is a great beach city if you're traveling as a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

Is Miami or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Death Valley National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

It's common for backpackers to visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is Miami or Death Valley National Park Better for Students?

Miami
Death Valley National Park

Miami is very good for students. However, Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

Miami is a good beach city to visit for students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.


Is Miami or Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Miami
Death Valley National Park

Miami is very good for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Miami has a few public transit options. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Miami or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Miami
Death Valley National Park

Miami is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Miami is a very walkable destination. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable beach city. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Miami Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Miami?

How long in Miami or Death Valley National Park?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Miami than Death Valley 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 Miami.


  • How many days in Miami or Death Valley National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Miami 7 
    Death Valley National Park 2-4

One day in Miami or Death Valley National Park?

Each neighborhood in Miami has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Death Valley National Park, many people enjoy the that this striking destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Miami or Death Valley National Park?

Each neighborhood in Miami has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Death Valley National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Miami or Death Valley National Park?

Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Miami. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This beach city offers something for everyone.

Death Valley National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Death Valley National Park. 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.

A week in Miami or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beach city of Miami. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the dramatic destination of Death Valley National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Death Valley National Park or Miami?

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

  • Miami Prices
    USA Prices
    Death Valley National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Miami $258
    Death Valley National Park $101

The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $258, while the average daily cost in Death Valley National Park is $101. 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 Miami and Death Valley National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $154
    Death Valley National Park $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $308
    Death Valley National Park $74
Compare Hotels in Miami and Death Valley National Park

Looking for a hotel in Miami or Death Valley 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 Miami


Hotels in Death Valley 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: Miami Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $38
    Death Valley National Park $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:


  • Car Rental for a Day
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:

  • MIA Airport One-Way Private Transfer to Miami Port: $22
  • MIA Airport Private Transfer to Miami or Miami Beach: $22
  • Miami Private Transfers: Airport, Cruise, Point-to-Point.: $33
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Hotel or Port of Miami: $35
  • Private Transfer to Miami Airport (MIA): $36
  • Private Transfer From Miami Airport (MIA): $36
  • Privat Transfer from Miami Airport (MIA) to Cruise Port of Miami: $37
  • Private Airport Transfer to/from Airport & Hotel: $39
  • Miami MIA Airport to Fort Lauderdale | Hollywood Private Transfer: $39
  • From Everglades Wildlife Show, Airboat & Bus Transfer: $40
  • MIA Airport RoundTrip Transfer to Miami City/Beach: $44
  • Everglades Alligator Airboat Tour with Bus transfer from Miami: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Death Valley National Park?

Prices for flights to both Death Valley National Park and Miami 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
    Miami $72
    Death Valley National Park $35
Typical Food Prices in Miami

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:


  • Lunch with Drinks (for 2)
    $45
  • David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami

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

  • Historical Walking Food Tour in Calle 8 : $50
  • Wynwood Street Art, Culture, Donuts & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Little Havana Ultimate Food Tour : $67
  • The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $67
  • Little Havana Street Food Tour with Enthusiastic Guide: $69
  • South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • A Taste of South Beach Food Tour: $75
  • Miami Mosaic Signature Food Tour: $75
  • Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $91
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
  • Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100
  • Ukrainian cooking class in Miami: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Miami $31
    Death Valley National Park $36

Tours and Activities in Miami

Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bus & Boat Ultimate Sightseeing Combo Tour: $6.16
  • Little Havana Smartphone guided Audio App Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Private and Exclusive Jet Car Experience: $8.25
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Miami by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Tubing Ride Experience: $11
  • Jet Ski Miami : Experience the Ultimate Water Fun !: $11
  • Miami Sunset and Skyline Cruise: $11
  • MIA Moonlit ATV Adventure:ParkAdmission,ATVRentalFee Not Included: $12
  • Miami Biscayne Bay: Sunset Boat Cruise & Millionaire Homes: $12
  • Wynwood Walls Skip-the-Line Ticket: $13
  • Miami Skyline Millionaire Cruise & Bus Tour 5 stops & Coffee: $14
  • Miami ATV & Buggy Adventure- 5 Star Rated: $15

Tours and Activities in Death Valley National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Death Valley National Park are as follows:

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Death Valley National Park: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $22
    Death Valley National Park $8.57
Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Miami

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:

  • Miami Florida Bar Crawl: $15
  • #1 Miami Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $19
  • Guided Pub Crawl Miami and Club Entry Wynwood: $21
  • Miami Bar Crawl: $29
  • Guided Bar Crawl with Drinks Discounts and Club Entry: $29
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Miami Bachelorette Bar Crawl: $40
  • Pedal Pub Art District Party Bike Pub Crawl: $41
  • Ultimate South Beach Bar Crawl in Miami: $59
  • Small-Group Brewery Golf Cart Tour of Wynwood with a Local Guide: $59
  • Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
  • Wynwood Bar Crawl: $100


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

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