A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Panama City vs. Death Valley National Park for Families, Couples, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Panama City or Death Valley National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Death Valley National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Panama City

Panama City is a cosmopolitan, fun-filled, and active beach town. Panama City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Panama City travel costs.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a dramatic, striking, and vast national park. The famous beauty of Death Valley National Park is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Panama City and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Death Valley National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Death Valley National Park are both popular with visitors, Panama City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Panama City is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Death Valley National Park and is known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also home to Pier Park. Death Valley National Park is popular for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is Panama City different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Death Valley National Park and Panama City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Panama City or Death Valley National Park?

Death Valley National Park is a national park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Death Valley National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Panama City or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Panama City is very good for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Panama City area. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Panama City or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

Panama City offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Panama City or Death Valley National Park Better for Music?

Panama City is very good for its music scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Death Valley National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Panama City is very good for its resorts. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its luxury resorts.

Panama City has a few great resort options. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Is Panama City or Death Valley National Park Better for Beaches?

Panama City is a well-known place for the beach. However, Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Panama City is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Panama City or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Panama City is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Death Valley National Park. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Death Valley National Park?

Panama City is very good for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Many visitors go to Panama City to go shopping. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Panama City or Death Valley National Park More Beautiful?

Death Valley National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Death Valley National Park is one of the main draws. The striking desert setting offers stunning beauty and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is at its most beautiful when the sun is low during sunrise and sunset.

Panama City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With beautiful sand and blue water, Panama City is a beautiful spot for people who enjoy city beaches.

Is Panama City or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Panama City is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Death Valley National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Panama City is one of the most popular family destinations. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Death Valley National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Is Panama City or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Panama City and Death Valley National Park are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Panama City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

Death Valley National Park is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

Is Panama City or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers. However, Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Death Valley National Park. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Death Valley National Park Better for Students?

Panama City is a well-known place for students. However, Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

Panama City is very popular with students. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

Is Panama City or Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Panama City is a moderate beach town for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Panama City or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Panama City or Death Valley National Park are walkable places.

Panama City is not a walkable beach town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable beach town. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Panama City Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Panama City or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Panama City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Panama City than Death Valley 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 Panama City.

One day in Panama City or Death Valley National Park?

In Panama City, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this active destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the vast national park of Death Valley National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Panama City or Death Valley National Park?

In Panama City, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this destination offers. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the vast destination of Death Valley 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 Panama City or Death Valley National Park?

In Panama City, many people enjoy the live music and food that this fun-filled destination offers. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This beach town offers something for everyone.

The vast national park of Death Valley 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 Panama City or Death Valley National Park?

In Panama City, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beach town offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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