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

Should you visit New Bern or Denali National Park?

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

Should I visit New Bern or Denali National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

New Bern

New Bern is a quaint, charming, and laid back town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See New Bern travel costs.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a spectacular, epic, and vast park. The famous beauty of Denali National Park is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking. See Denali National Park travel costs.

New Bern and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • 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 walkable


Is there more to do in New Bern or Denali National Park?

Both Denali National Park and New Bern have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. New Bern is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Denali National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Denali National Park is more touristy than New Bern and is popular for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife. New Bern is famous for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

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

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

New Bern
Denali National Park

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

New Bern offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy 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 New Bern or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Bern
Denali National Park

New Bern is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

New Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

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 New Bern or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

New Bern
Denali National Park

New Bern is adequate for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

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 New Bern or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

New Bern
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a popular place for its resorts. However, New Bern is not a resort destination.

Denali National Park has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

New Bern is not a resort destination.


Is New Bern or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

New Bern
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, New Bern is not a hiking destination.

Denali National Park is a good destination for hiking. 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.

New Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Denali National Park?

New Bern
Denali National Park

New Bern is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

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 New Bern or Denali National Park More Beautiful?

New Bern
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Denali National Park is one of the main draws. Home to the highest peak in North America, the park is famous for its dramatic beauty and rugged landscapes.

New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is New Bern or Denali National Park Better for Families?

New Bern
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is New Bern or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

New Bern
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is well known for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Denali National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

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

New Bern
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, New Bern is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Denali National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

New Bern is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not popular with backpackers in part because it's a small town that most people breeze through on their way to the beach.


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

New Bern
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a park with a few options for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is New Bern or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

New Bern
Denali National Park

New Bern is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

New Bern is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

Denali National Park is not a walkable town. 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 New Bern Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either New Bern 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, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for New Bern, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Denali National Park than New Bern. 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 New Bern 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 New Bern or Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Bern 1-2 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in New Bern or Denali National Park?

New Bern is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that New Bern has to offer.

The beautiful park of Denali National Park offers . With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in New Bern or Denali National Park?

New Bern 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Denali National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this park makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Denali National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in New Bern or Denali National Park?

Many people visit New Bern for five days. New Bern is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Denali National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in New Bern or Denali National Park?

Because New Bern is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Denali National Park is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This park offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or New Bern?

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

  • New Bern Prices
    USA Prices
    Denali National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    New Bern $169
    Denali National Park $260

The average daily cost (per person) in New Bern is $169, 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 New Bern and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Bern $76
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Bern $152
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in New Bern and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in New Bern 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 New Bern


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: New Bern Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Bern $34
    Denali National Park $76

Is it cheaper to fly into New Bern or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and New Bern 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
    New Bern $70
    Denali National Park $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Bern $26
    Denali National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

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

  • Denali Husky Kennel & Brewpub Visit – Half-Day Experience: $130
  • Denali Naturalist Walking Tour: $132
  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $135
  • Midnight Sun ATV Adventure 2.5 Hour Tour: $135
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $139
  • Wilds of Alaska Classic ATV Adventure: $153
  • Winter Side by Side ATV Tour: $160
  • Denali 4 Hour Hiking Adventure with Naturalist Guide: $160
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $163
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $163
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $178
  • Denali 5 Hour Hiking Tour with Naturalist Guide: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Bern $30
    Denali National Park $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New Bern and Denali National Park, we can see that Denali National Park is more expensive. And not only is New Bern much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to New Bern would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in New Bern 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 New Bern.

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



When is the best time to visit New Bern or Denali National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit New Bern or Denali National Park in the Summer?

Both Denali National Park and New Bern during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Bern this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Denali National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, New Bern is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in New Bern in July average around 80°F (27°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 60°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Bern. New Bern usually gets more rain in July than Denali National Park. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Bern 80°F (27°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit New Bern or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and Denali National Park. Many travelers come to New Bern for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, many visitors come to Denali National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Denali National Park can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, New Bern is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 65°F (18°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In October, New Bern usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Bern 65°F (18°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit New Bern or Denali National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Denali National Park. Many visitors come to New Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Denali National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Denali National Park can be very cold during winter. New Bern is much warmer than Denali National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 44°F (7°C) in January, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 11°F (-12°C).

New Bern receives a lot of rain in the winter. New Bern usually gets more rain in January than Denali National Park. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Bern 44°F (7°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit New Bern or Denali National Park in the Spring?

Both Denali National Park and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New Bern for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. In the spring, New Bern is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in New Bern in April average around 62°F (16°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 34°F (1°C).

In April, New Bern usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and New Bern

New Bern Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 76°F (25°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (169 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 7.6 inches (192 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)