A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Panama City vs. Redwood National Park for Families, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Panama City or Redwood 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 Redwood 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 live music, food, and beaches. See Panama City travel costs.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a impressive, monumental, and grand park. The famous beauty of Redwood National Park is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking. See Redwood National Park travel costs.

Panama City and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less charming
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • 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 popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Redwood 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 Redwood National Park is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Redwood National Park and is known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also home to Pier Park. Redwood National Park is popular for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

How is Panama City different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Redwood 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 Redwood National Park?

Panama City
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Redwood National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Panama City
Redwood National Park

Panama City is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Panama City or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Panama City
Redwood National Park

Panama City is well known for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Panama City is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Panama City or Redwood National Park Better for Music?

Panama City
Redwood National Park

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

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Redwood National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Panama City or Redwood National Park Better for Resorts?

Panama City
Redwood National Park

Panama City is a good destination for its resorts. However, Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

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.

Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Panama City
Redwood National Park

Panama City is well known for the beach. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Many people visit Panama City for it's beautiful 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.

Redwood National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Is Panama City or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Panama City
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is an amazing park to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Redwood National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Redwood National Park?

Panama City
Redwood National Park

Panama City is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known 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 Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Panama City or Redwood National Park More Beautiful?

Panama City
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is an amazing 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 Redwood National Park is one of the main draws. The majestic redwood trees will take your breath away. These ancient forests offer a truly unique experience and you'll feel small in comparison to their grand height.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Panama City
Redwood National Park

Panama City is an amazing beach town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Panama City is very family-friendly. 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.

Redwood National Park is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.


Is Panama City or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Panama City
Redwood National Park

Panama City and Redwood National Park are both great 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.

Redwood National Park is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

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

Panama City
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is an amazing 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 Redwood National Park. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Redwood National Park Better for Students?

Panama City
Redwood National Park

Panama City is well known for students. However, Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

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

Redwood National Park is not popular with students.


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

Panama City
Redwood National Park

Panama City is a beach town with a few options for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known 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 Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Panama City or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Panama City
Redwood National Park

Neither Panama City or Redwood 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.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable beach town. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

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

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

How long in Panama City or Redwood National Park?

In either Panama City or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than Redwood National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

Families should spend more time in Panama City than Redwood 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 Redwood 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 Redwood 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.


  • How many days in Panama City or Redwood National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Panama City 3-7 
    Redwood National Park 3-5

One day in Panama City or Redwood National Park?

In Panama City, you'll find food and shopping. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the monumental park of Redwood 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 Panama City or Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Panama City. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the monumental destination of Redwood National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This park offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Panama City or Redwood National Park?

Panama City is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the monumental park of Redwood National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Panama City or Redwood National Park?

In Panama City, you'll find live music and food. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Redwood 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 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.


Which place is cheaper, Redwood National Park or Panama City?

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

  • Panama City Prices
    USA Prices
    Redwood National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Panama City $272
    Redwood National Park $135

The average daily cost (per person) in Panama City is $272, while the average daily cost in Redwood National Park is $135. 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 Panama City and Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Panama City $128
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Panama City $256
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Panama City or Redwood 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 Panama City


Hotels in Redwood 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: Panama City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Panama City $48
    Redwood National Park $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Panama City or Redwood National Park?

Prices for flights to both Redwood National Park and Panama City 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
    Panama City $115
    Redwood National Park $56

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Panama City $19
    Redwood National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Panama City

Here are a few actual costs in Panama City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay: $29
  • Panama City Beach Dolphin Sightseeing Sail: $35
  • Panama City Beach: Ripley's Believe It or Not! Combo Ticket: $37
  • Panama City Beach: Dolphin Sightseeing Trip by Catamaran: $38
  • Sunset Cruise with Good Jibez Only in Panama City Beach: $40
  • Shell Island Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour in Panama City Beach: $40
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $40
  • Panama City Beach: 90 Minute Sunset Tiki Boat Tour: $44
  • 90 Minute Sunset Tiki Boat Tour: $45
  • Panama City Beach: Shell Island Catamaran Snorkeling Tour: $49
  • Footloose Catamaran Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Tour: $50
  • Original CRUISIN TIKIS 90 min Cruise - Grand Lagoon : $54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Panama City $56
    Redwood National Park $11


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



When is the best time to visit Panama City or Redwood 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 Panama City or Redwood National Park in the Summer?

Both Redwood National Park and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Panama City is much warmer than Redwood National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Panama City in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Redwood National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park during summer. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 274 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Panama City. In July, Panama City usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Panama City 82°F (28°C) 
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Panama City or Redwood National Park in the Autumn?

Both Redwood National Park and Panama City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Panama City in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Panama City is generally much warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 71°F (22°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the autumn, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Redwood National Park. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 177 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in October than Redwood National Park. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Panama City 71°F (22°C) 
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Panama City or Redwood National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Redwood National Park. Most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Panama City is a little warmer than Redwood National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Redwood National Park during winter. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

Redwood National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Panama City usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Panama City 52°F (11°C) 
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Panama City or Redwood National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Redwood National Park. The spring months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

In the spring, Panama City is much warmer than Redwood National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Panama City in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 50°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In the spring, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Redwood National Park. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 254 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Redwood National Park. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Panama City 68°F (20°C) 
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Panama City

Panama City Redwood National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 61°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.3 inches (184 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.5 inches (192 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm)