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

Should you visit Nantucket or Denali 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 Nantucket and Denali National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a upscale, charming, and serene island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of Nantucket is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Nantucket travel costs.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a epic, vast, and rugged park. Many visitors also come to Denali National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Denali National Park travel costs.

Nantucket and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • 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
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nantucket or Denali National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantucket. Although Nantucket and Denali National Park are popular destinations, Nantucket has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nantucket is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Denali National Park attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Nantucket is famous for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also well known for Great Point Lighthouse. Denali National Park is famous for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife.

How is Nantucket 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 Nantucket. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Nantucket
Denali National Park

Nantucket is very good for its historical sights. However, Denali National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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 the Food Better in Nantucket or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantucket
Denali National Park

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

Nantucket has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket
Denali National Park

Nantucket is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities Nantucket has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

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 Nantucket or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Nantucket
Denali National Park

Nantucket is a great island for its luxury resorts. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Nantucket. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

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 Nantucket or Denali National Park Better for Beaches?

Nantucket
Denali National Park

Nantucket is a great island for the beach. However, Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

Nantucket is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Nantucket or Denali National Park Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket
Denali National Park

Nantucket is a great island for its old town. However, Denali National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Denali National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Nantucket
Denali National Park

Nantucket is a great island for hiking. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Nantucket for the hiking trails. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Denali National Park has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Denali National Park?

Nantucket
Denali National Park

Nantucket is a great island for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Nantucket is well-known for its shopping. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket or Denali National Park More Beautiful?

Nantucket
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Denali National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Home to the highest peak in North America, the park is famous for its dramatic beauty and rugged landscapes.

The beauty of Nantucket is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

Is Nantucket or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Nantucket
Denali National Park

Nantucket is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nantucket is very family-friendly. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

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.


Is Nantucket or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Nantucket
Denali National Park

Nantucket 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, Nantucket has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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 Nantucket or Denali National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nantucket
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantucket is not known for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Denali National Park. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

Nantucket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's known for its upscale atmosphere that isn't particularly accommodating for backpackers.

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

Nantucket
Denali National Park

Nantucket is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Denali National Park is not known for its public transit.

While Nantucket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Public transit is generally 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 Nantucket or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Nantucket
Denali National Park

Nantucket is a great island for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

Nantucket is a very walkable island. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

Denali National Park is not a walkable island. 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 Nantucket Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Nantucket or Denali National Park. In our opinion, Nantucket has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nantucket than Denali National Park. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantucket 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 Nantucket.


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

One day in Nantucket or Denali National Park?

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Nantucket or Denali National Park?

Nantucket 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find around the spectacular 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 Nantucket or Denali National Park?

Many people visit Nantucket for five days. Nantucket is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the rugged 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 Nantucket or Denali National Park?

Because Nantucket is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Nantucket?

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

  • Nantucket Prices
    USA Prices
    Denali National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nantucket $409
    Denali National Park $260

The average daily cost (per person) in Nantucket is $409, 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 Nantucket and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantucket $237
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantucket $474
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Nantucket and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Nantucket 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 Nantucket


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: Nantucket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantucket $47
    Denali National Park $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Nantucket or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $141
    Denali National Park $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nantucket $34
    Denali National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Nantucket

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nantucket.

  • Beyond the Cobblestones Self Guided Audio Tour of Nantucket: $9.99
  • Beyond the Cobblestones Self Guided Walking Tour of Nantucket: $9.99
  • Discover Nantucket Self-Guided Biking or Driving Tour: $13
  • Historical Tour of Nantucket: $57
  • Nantucket Coast to Coast Self-Guided Biking or Driving Tour: $13
  • Downtown Walking Tour: $120
  • Guided Bike Tour: $160
  • Guided Scenic Island Driving Tour: $160
  • Historical Landmarks Sightseeing Bus Tour: $53

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

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

  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $135
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $139
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $209
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in the Alaska Range - Denali Area: $199
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $163
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $163
  • Denali 4 Hour Hiking Adventure with Naturalist Guide: $160
  • Denali 5 Hour Hiking Tour with Naturalist Guide: $182
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $178
  • Denali Husky Kennel & Brewpub Visit – Half-Day Experience: $130
  • Denali Naturalist Walking Tour: $132
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $190

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nantucket $35
    Denali National Park $12


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



When is the best time to visit Nantucket or Denali 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 Nantucket or Denali National Park in the Summer?

Both Denali National Park and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

In the summer, Nantucket is a little warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nantucket in July average around 68°F (20°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 60°F (15°C).

In July, Nantucket usually receives around the same amount of rain as Denali National Park. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

Both Denali National Park and Nantucket during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Denali National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Denali National Park. In October, Nantucket is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 53°F (12°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. Nantucket usually gets more rain in October than Denali National Park. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Denali National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Denali National Park. Many travelers come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Denali National Park in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Denali National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Nantucket. Nantucket is much warmer than Denali National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 11°F (-12°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Denali National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Denali National Park. Many visitors come to Nantucket in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Denali National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Denali National Park can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Nantucket is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nantucket in April average around 45°F (7°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 34°F (1°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nantucket usually gets more rain in April than Denali National Park. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Nantucket

Nantucket Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)


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