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

Should you visit Nashville or Denali National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nashville and Denali National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nashville

Nashville is a southern, country music lovers, and eclectic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Nashville travel costs.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a rugged, spectacular, and epic park. Denali National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Denali National Park travel costs.

Nashville and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • 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


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nashville. Although Nashville and Denali National Park are popular destinations, Nashville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nashville is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Denali National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Denali National Park is more touristy than Nashville and is known for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife. Nashville is famous for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also well known for The Grand Ole Opry.

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

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

Nashville
Denali National Park

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

Nashville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.

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 Nashville or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nashville
Denali National Park

Nashville is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Nashville has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

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 Nashville or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Nashville
Denali National Park

Nashville is a great city for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Nashville has something for everybody. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

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 Nashville or Denali National Park Better for Music?

Nashville
Denali National Park

Nashville is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Denali National Park is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Nashville. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Denali National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Nashville or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Nashville
Denali National Park

If luxury resorts are your style, both Nashville and Denali National Park have nice options.

Nashville has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

With a selection of resorts, Denali National Park makes a nice vacation spot. 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 Nashville or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Nashville
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a park with good options for its hiking trails. However, Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Denali National Park. 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.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Denali National Park?

Nashville
Denali National Park

Shoppers can find a variety of reasonable stores in both Nashville and Denali National Park.

Nashville is a good destination for shopping. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

If you're looking to go shopping, Denali National Park has some nice offerings. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.


Is Nashville or Denali National Park More Beautiful?

Nashville
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Nashville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Denali National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Home to the highest peak in North America, the park is famous for its dramatic beauty and rugged landscapes.

Nashville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nashville or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Nashville
Denali National Park

Both Nashville and Denali National Park are nice to visit with kids.

Nashville is a family-friendly city. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Denali National Park. 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 Nashville or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Nashville
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a very popular place for romance. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Denali National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.


Is Nashville or Denali National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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).

Plenty of backpackers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

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

Nashville
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Nashville or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Nashville
Denali National Park

Neither Nashville or Denali National Park are walkable places.

Nashville is not a very walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

Denali National Park is not a walkable city. 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 Nashville Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Nashville or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Nashville or Denali National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Denali National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nashville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Denali National Park than Nashville 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 Denali National Park.


  • How many days in Nashville or Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nashville 2-3 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in Nashville or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Nashville. 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 Nashville or Denali National Park?

Nashville is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find around the epic 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 Nashville or Denali National Park?

Many people visit Nashville for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Nashville. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the vast 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 Nashville or Denali National Park?

The country music lovers destination of Nashville offers nightlife and live music. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the live music, 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Nashville?

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

  • Nashville Prices
    USA Prices
    Denali National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nashville $202
    Denali National Park $260

The average daily cost (per person) in Nashville is $202, 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 Nashville and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nashville $99
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nashville $198
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Nashville and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Nashville 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 Nashville


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: Nashville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nashville $21
    Denali National Park $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

Also for Nashville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Best Nashville Limo Service, and BNA Airport Round trip transfers: $250
  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $200
  • Private Round Trip Transfer Nashville Airport BNA to Nashville: $200
  • Transfer from John C Tune Airport-JWN: $150
  • Nashville Airport (BNA) to Nashville Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
  • One way Private Transfer from International Airport to Nashville : $97
  • Private Luxe Transfer: $90
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $90
  • Private Departure Transfer from Downtown Nashville to Nashville Airport (BNA): $84
  • Nashville Airport (BNA) to Nashville accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Airport to Downtown Private Transfer: $70
  • Airport Transfer Mini Van (Sienna Or Odyssey Or Similar): $65

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

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Nashville 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
    Nashville $72
    Denali National Park $98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

For Nashville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Wine Bar in Nashville: $75
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Nashville: $75
  • East Nashville Walking Food Tour with 5+ Tastings: $96
  • The Gulch Walking & Tasting Food Tour: $98
  • Food Tour with 5+ Tastings of Local Delicacies: $99
  • East Nashville Sidewalk Food Tour : $99
  • Secret Food Tour Nashville - 12South: $104
  • General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville: $112
  • East Nashville Food Tour: Flavors & Stories of the East Side: $145
  • East Nashville Guided Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Dishing on Downtown: Nashville Food Tour: $145
  • Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Food Tour: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nashville $27
    Denali National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Nashville

For Nashville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Nashville Sightseeing Walking Tour: $30
  • Franklin Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with Live Narration: $39
  • Helicopter Tour Downtown Nashville TN (approx. 30 min): $190
  • 3 Hour Back Country Can-Am Experience: $269
  • 4 Hour Back Country Can-Am Experience: $299
  • 4 Hour Can-Am Experience to Hampshire Wineries: $299
  • 90-Minute Monster Truck Joyride City Tour of Nashville: $53
  • Adventureworks Ziplines at Nashville West: $61
  • African American History Walking Tour [Franklin, TN] : $197
  • All Inclusive Nashville Pub Adventure: $68
  • Beer, BBQ, and Bourbon Tour: Nashville Bus Tour: $200
  • Belmont Mansion General Admission Ticket in Nashville: $18

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
    Nashville $15
    Denali National Park $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween Pub Crawl: $25
  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Firecracker Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville Ghosts: Adults-Only Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Journey to Jubilee Guided Tour at Belle Meade with Wine Tasting: $29
  • Nashville Live Music Bar Crawl with Local Venues & Drink Specials: $30
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting: $33
  • Nashville's Haunted Spirits Murder & True Crime Ghostly Pub Crawl: $35


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

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



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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Denali National Park. Many visitors come to Nashville in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Denali National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Nashville is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nashville in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 60°F (15°C).

In July, Nashville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Denali National Park. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nashville 81°F (27°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Denali National Park. Most visitors come to Nashville for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. In October, Nashville is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 62°F (17°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Nashville usually gets less rain in October than Denali National Park. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nashville 62°F (17°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

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

Both Denali National Park and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Nashville because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the winter. The weather in Nashville can be very cold. Nashville is much warmer than Denali National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 38°F (4°C) in January, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 11°F (-12°C).

In January, Nashville usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nashville 38°F (4°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

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

Both Denali National Park and Nashville during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Nashville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Denali National Park for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Denali National Park. In the spring, Nashville is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nashville in April average around 62°F (16°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 34°F (1°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually gets more rain in April than Denali National Park. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nashville 62°F (16°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Nashville

Nashville Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)