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

Should you visit New Orleans or Joshua Tree 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 New Orleans and Joshua Tree 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.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a energetic, fun-filled, and festive city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, nightlife, and live music. See New Orleans 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.

New Orleans and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in New Orleans than Joshua Tree National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. New Orleans is better known for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Joshua Tree National Park is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Joshua Tree National Park and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

The French Quarter

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Orleans or Joshua Tree National Park?

Joshua Tree National Park is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Joshua Tree National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in New Orleans or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Many restaurants in New Orleans have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

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 New Orleans or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

New Orleans is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

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 New Orleans or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Music?

New Orleans is renowned for its music scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a live music destination.

New Orleans has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a live music destination.

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

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

New Orleans is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

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

Is New Orleans or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Around Joshua Tree National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Joshua Tree National Park?

New Orleans is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

New Orleans has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

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 New Orleans or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

Joshua Tree National Park is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Joshua Tree National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New Orleans or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Joshua Tree National Park is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is New Orleans or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Joshua Tree National Park is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Joshua Tree National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Is New Orleans or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

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

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is New Orleans or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Students?

New Orleans is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

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

Is New Orleans or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

New Orleans is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable city. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable city. You need a car to truly explore the park.

For even more information, also check out Is New Orleans Worth Visiting? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in New Orleans or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New Orleans 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 New Orleans.

One day in New Orleans or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the energetic city of New Orleans. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the unique national park of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in New Orleans or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of New Orleans. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the adventurous destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in New Orleans or Joshua Tree National Park?

New Orleans is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

The adventurous national park of Joshua Tree National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in New Orleans or Joshua Tree National Park?

New Orleans is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Joshua Tree National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

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