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

Should you visit New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

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

Should I visit New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 laid back, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See New Bern travel costs.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a overlooked, underrated, and vast park. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking. See Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park travel costs.

New Bern and Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Bern. Although New Bern and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park are both popular with visitors, New Bern has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New Bern is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. New Bern is more touristy than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and is known for being the birthplace of Pepsi. It is also home to the Tryon Palace. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is popular for its alpine lakes, hydrothermal activity, and unique volcanoes.

How is New Bern different from Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

New Bern
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

New Bern is a town with good options for its sights and museums. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its museums and history.

New Bern is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visit the Loomis Museum to learn about the park history and see historic photos of the park. The building was constructed in 1972 and is worth a stopover.


Is the Food Better in New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Bern
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

New Bern is a town with good options for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its restaurants.

New Bern offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. You'll find restaurants and shops at three locations within the park. Options are much more limited during the winter months, but you will find places to eat on the south side of the park in Mineral, Mill Creek, and Chester. On the north side, the closest towns are Shingletown and Old Station.

Is New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Nightlife?

New Bern
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

New Bern is a moderate town for nightlife. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for nightlife and partying.

Most people don't head to New Bern specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing and campfire chats are the best ways to enjoy evening in the park.

Is New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Hiking?

New Bern
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is well known for its hiking experiences. However, New Bern is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There are more than 150 miles of hiking trails in the park. Many pass by the park's hydrothermal areas, but there are also trails that follow the edge of the alpine lakes or go through flower-filled meadows. Bumpass Hell Trail is one of the most notable hikes, but visitors also enjoy Lassen Peak Trail, Cinder Cone Trail, and Manzanita Lake Loop.

New Bern is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

New Bern
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

New Bern is a town with good options for shopping. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its shopping opportunities.

New Bern is a great destination for shopping. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

If you're looking to go shopping, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park has some nice offerings. There are stores and gift shops near the visitor centers.

Is New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park More Beautiful?

New Bern
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Beautiful lakes and mountains, without the large crowds of the more well-known parks, make this a great natural destination.

New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Families?

New Bern
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. While many of the hikes in the park are challenging for kids, there are still some great options for those with little legs. Manzanita Lake Trail is less than two miles and makes a great introductory hike. Bumpass Hell Trail is three miles, and it's a highlight of any trip to the park.

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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Couples?

New Bern
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

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

Couples visit Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The setting makes a romantic backdrop for those who enjoy hiking and outdoor adventures. You can go kayaking or river rafting during the day and then enjoy stargazing at night.

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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New Bern
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is well known for backpackers. However, New Bern is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There is a large backcountry area which offers a unique hiking and camping experience. You'll need to purchase permits before your trip.

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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New Bern
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Neither New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Public transit is quite limited in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There is no public transportation in the park.


Is New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park a more walkable city?

New Bern
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

New Bern is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its high level of walkability.

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

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large, so to efficiently access the different hiking trails you'll need to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is New Bern Worth Visiting? and Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Bern and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park than in New Bern. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for New Bern, and 2-3 days is enough time in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

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


  • How many days in New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Bern 1-2 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 2-3

One day in New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Even though New Bern is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The beautiful park of Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

New Bern, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. New Bern is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

New Bern is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

New Bern is a popular choice for travelers. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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, Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    New Bern $169
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $148

The average daily cost (per person) in New Bern is $169, while the average daily cost in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is $148. 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Bern $76
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Bern $152
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $124
Compare Hotels in New Bern and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Looking for a hotel in New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $56

Is it cheaper to fly into New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Prices for flights to both Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $52

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Bern $26
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Bern $30
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $19


When comparing the travel costs between New Bern and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, we can see that New Bern is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Many visitors come to New Bern in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

New Bern is around the same temperature as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

New Bern gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Bern usually receives more rain than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Bern 80°F (27°C) 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 83°F (29°C)

Should I visit New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Most visitors come to New Bern for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, New Bern is around the same temperature as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Bern in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park averages at about 66°F (19°C).

New Bern usually gets more rain in October than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 1.5 inches (37 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Bern 65°F (18°C) 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 66°F (19°C)

Should I visit New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Winter?

Both Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to New Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park this time of year.

In January, New Bern is generally cooler than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 44°F (7°C), and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (9°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. It's quite rainy in New Bern. In January, New Bern usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Bern 44°F (7°C) 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 47°F (9°C)

Should I visit New Bern or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Spring?

Both Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and New Bern during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm are the main draw to New Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for the natural beauty.

New Bern is around the same temperature as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 62°F (16°C) in April, and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

New Bern usually gets more rain in April than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 1.4 inches (35 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Bern 62°F (16°C) 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 60°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and New Bern

New Bern Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 60°F (16°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 69°F (21°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 76°F (25°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 78°F (25°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (169 mm) 83°F (29°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 7.6 inches (192 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 76°F (25°C) 0.6 inches (16 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 66°F (19°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (88 mm)