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

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

Nantucket

Nantucket is a serene, peaceful, and upscale island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Nantucket attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Nantucket 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. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Nantucket and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • 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
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • 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 Nantucket or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Joshua Tree National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Joshua Tree National Park is more popular for its hiking. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse. Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Nantucket 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 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Nantucket
Joshua Tree National Park

Nantucket is a island with good options for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Nantucket. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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 Nantucket or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantucket
Joshua Tree National Park

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

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

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 Nantucket or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket
Joshua Tree National Park

Nantucket is a island with good options for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Nantucket. 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.

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 Nantucket or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Nantucket
Joshua Tree National Park

Nantucket is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

In Nantucket, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Nantucket or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Nantucket
Joshua Tree National Park

Nantucket is a very popular place for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Nantucket attract visitors from all over. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Nantucket or Joshua Tree National Park Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket
Joshua Tree National Park

Nantucket is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Joshua Tree National Park does not have a historic old town.

Nantucket is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Nantucket
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is renowned for hiking. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Nantucket is a popular spot for hiking. 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.


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

Nantucket
Joshua Tree National Park

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. 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.

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 Nantucket or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

Nantucket
Joshua Tree National Park

Nantucket and Joshua Tree National Park both are comparable with their superb scenery and beauty.

Nantucket is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

The beauty of Joshua Tree National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

Is Nantucket or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Nantucket
Joshua Tree National Park

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Nantucket or Joshua Tree National Park.

Nantucket is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very kid-friendly island. 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 Nantucket or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Nantucket
Joshua Tree National Park

Nantucket is renowned for couples. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Nantucket is a great island for couples, as it 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.

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 Nantucket or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nantucket
Joshua Tree National Park

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

Many backpackers frequent Joshua Tree National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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

Nantucket
Joshua Tree National Park

Nantucket is a island 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.

Nantucket has some public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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


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

Nantucket
Joshua Tree National Park

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

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

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 Nantucket Worth Visiting? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Nantucket or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Nantucket or Joshua Tree National Park. In our opinion, Nantucket has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nantucket than Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 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 Nantucket.


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

One day in Nantucket or Joshua Tree National Park?

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

You'll find around the national park of Joshua Tree National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Most people visit for the food. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find around the fascinating destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Nantucket or Joshua Tree National Park?

Nantucket 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 fascinating national park of Joshua Tree National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nantucket or Joshua Tree National Park?

Nantucket is a popular choice for travelers. Most people visit for the food. 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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, Joshua Tree 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
    Joshua Tree National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nantucket $409
    Joshua Tree National Park $177

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



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantucket $237
    Joshua Tree National Park $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantucket $474
    Joshua Tree National Park $174
Compare Hotels in Nantucket and Joshua Tree National Park

Looking for a hotel in Nantucket 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 Nantucket


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: Nantucket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantucket $47
    Joshua Tree National Park $47

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

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nantucket $34
    Joshua Tree National Park $27

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 Joshua Tree National Park

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nantucket $35
    Joshua Tree National Park $4.93


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nantucket and Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Nantucket 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 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 Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.


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