A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Miami or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a bustling, high energy, and glamorous beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food. See Miami travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a fascinating, adventurous, and unique national park. Joshua Tree National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Miami and Joshua Tree 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
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Miami or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Miami than Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Miami is more touristy than Joshua Tree National Park and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Miami 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 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Miami
Joshua Tree National Park

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

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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Miami or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Miami
Joshua Tree National Park

Miami is renowned for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Miami have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

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 Miami or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Miami
Joshua Tree National Park

Miami is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options 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.

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 Miami or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Music?

Miami
Joshua Tree National Park

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

Miami has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Miami or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Miami
Joshua Tree National Park

Miami is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Miami is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Miami or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Miami
Joshua Tree National Park

Miami is renowned for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Miami is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Miami or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Miami
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Joshua Tree National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

Miami is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Joshua Tree National Park?

Miami
Joshua Tree National Park

Miami is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to Miami specifically to go shopping. 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.

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 Miami or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

Miami
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Miami is not a destination known for its 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.

Miami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Miami or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Miami
Joshua Tree National Park

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Miami or Joshua Tree 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, Joshua Tree National Park is very family-friendly. 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.


Is Miami or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Miami
Joshua Tree National Park

Both Miami and Joshua Tree National Park are superb 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a great beach city if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Miami or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Students?

Miami
Joshua Tree National Park

Miami is a beach city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.


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

Miami
Joshua Tree National Park

Miami is a beach city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

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

Is Miami or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Miami
Joshua Tree National Park

Miami is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Miami?

How long in Miami or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Miami 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, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

Families should spend more time in Miami than Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 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 Miami.


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

One day in Miami or Joshua Tree National Park?

Miami is a glamorous beach city where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Joshua Tree National Park, many people enjoy the that this fascinating destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Miami is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Miami 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Miami 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.

You'll find around the adventurous destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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, Joshua Tree 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
    Joshua Tree National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Miami $258
    Joshua Tree National Park $177

The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $258, while the average daily cost in Joshua Tree National Park is $177. 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 Joshua Tree National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $154
    Joshua Tree National Park $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $308
    Joshua Tree National Park $174
Compare Hotels in Miami and Joshua Tree National Park

Looking for a hotel in Miami or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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
    Joshua Tree National Park $47
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:

  • VIP Transfer to Miami International Airport and Port of Miami: $118
  • Transfers from Miami Airport to any Miami and Miami Beach area: $145
  • Transfer from Miami Airport to Miami Hotel or Miami Port: $160
  • Transfer Service Miami Port to Miami Airport: $125
  • Transfer Service Miami Airport to Miami Port: $140
  • Private transfer from Miami hotel to Port of Miami: $160
  • Private Transfer to Miami Airport (MIA): $36
  • Private Transfer to Miami Airport (Departures): $85
  • Private Transfer in Miami area: $192
  • Private Transfer in Miami (MIA) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $69
  • Private Transfer from Miami Hotels to Miami International Airport: $94
  • Private Transfer from Miami Hotels to Miami International Airport: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Joshua Tree National Park?

Prices for flights to both Joshua Tree 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
    Joshua Tree National Park $60
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
    Joshua Tree National Park $27

Tours and Activities in Miami

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

  • "Top Miami ATV Adventure : $15
  • 30 Minute- Ocean Drive Segway Tour: $42
  • Bayside Marketplace Miami Full Day Shopping Experience : $100
  • South Beach Top Highlights Tour with Lincoln Rd and Espanola Way: $49
  • #1 Private Boat Tour and 1 Hour Free Jet Ski Rental in Miami: $349
  • 1 Hour Lady Buggy Art Tour Experience in Wynwood: $160
  • 1 hr Private Airboat Everglades Tour near Miami: $225
  • 1-Hour 4-Seater UTV Tours: $300
  • 1-Hour ATV Tours: $130
  • 1-Hour Private Miami Photoshoot Experience: $92
  • 2 hrs Miami Private Boat Tour with Cooler, Ice, Bluetooth Stereo: $65
  • 2-Hours Private Miami Boat Tour With Champagne : $189

Tours and Activities in Joshua Tree National Park

For Joshua Tree National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Rappelling Experience: $255
  • From San Diego: Joshua Tree National Park Private Tour: $949

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $22
    Joshua Tree National Park $4.93
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 Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Miami 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 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 Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.