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

Should you visit Panama City or Sequoia 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 Sequoia 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 fun-filled, active, and cosmopolitan beach town. Panama City is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food. See Panama City travel costs.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is a impressive, magical, and breathtaking national park. The famous beauty of Sequoia National Park is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Sequoia National Park travel costs.

Panama City and Sequoia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less charming
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the General Sherman tree
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sequoia National Park. Although Panama City and Sequoia National Park are popular destinations, Sequoia National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sequoia National Park is very popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Panama City attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Panama City is famous for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Sequoia National Park is famous for its spectacularly large sequoia trees and its dramatic beauty. It is also well known for the General Sherman tree.

How is Panama City different from Sequoia National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Panama City
Sequoia National Park

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

Sequoia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The visitor centers have informational exhibits and there's also The Giant Forest Museum.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Panama City
Sequoia National Park

Panama City is a beach town with good options for its restaurants. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Panama City. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Sequoia National Park. There are restaurants, cafes, and markets in the park where you can pick up food. Some options are only open seasonally so check in advance to make sure you understand the options.

Is Panama City or Sequoia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Panama City
Sequoia National Park

Panama City is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Panama City has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Sequoia National Park. Nightlife is limited to stargazing and campfire chats.

Is Panama City or Sequoia National Park Better for Music?

Panama City
Sequoia National Park

Panama City is a beach town with good options for live music. However, Sequoia National Park is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Sequoia National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Panama City or Sequoia National Park Better for Resorts?

Panama City
Sequoia National Park

Panama City is a beach town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Panama City has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Sequoia National Park offers a few options. Wuksachi Lodge is the signature hotel option in the park.

Is Panama City or Sequoia National Park Better for Beaches?

Panama City
Sequoia National Park

Panama City is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Sequoia National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Panama City attract visitors from all over. 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.

Sequoia National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Panama City or Sequoia National Park Better for Hiking?

Panama City
Sequoia National Park

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

Known for its hiking, Sequoia National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hiking options range from day hiking to overnight backpacking. The hikes can be easy and accessible or more challenging, but whatever your style, you're sure to be amazed by this spectacular setting. The trails wander through high reaching trees or along steep canyons. Some of the most popular trails include Big Trees Trail, Crescent Meadow Loop Trail, Congress Trail, Tokopah Falls Trail, Hazelwood Nature Trail, Alta Peak Trail, and the High Sierra Trail to Bearpaw Meadow.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.


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

Panama City
Sequoia National Park

Panama City is a beach town with good options for shopping. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Panama City. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sequoia National Park has some nice offerings. There are markets within the park.

Is Panama City or Sequoia National Park More Beautiful?

Panama City
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia 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 Sequoia National Park is one of the main draws. The spectacular trees tower over you and the setting is simply magical. There are world class hikes and settings that will leave you in awe.

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 Sequoia National Park Better for Families?

Panama City
Sequoia National Park

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

Panama City is an extremely popular beach town to visit for families. 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.

Sequoia National Park is a very kid-friendly beach town. Kids will enjoy driving through the tunnel log and gazing up at the impressive trees. It feels like a fairytale world where even adults can run around and embrace their inner child. There are also plenty of kid-friendly hikes.


Is Panama City or Sequoia National Park Better for Couples?

Panama City
Sequoia National Park

Panama City and Sequoia National Park are both high quality 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.

Sequoia National Park is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, hiking, exploring, and camping will embrace the opportunity to visit the spectacular national park. There are beautiful romantic hikes and sunset views that will take your breath away.

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

Panama City
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia 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 Sequoia National Park. Backpacking through the park will let you experience places that most visitors don't make it to. This is the best way to truly enjoy the nature, serenity, and beauty of the park.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Sequoia National Park Better for Students?

Panama City
Sequoia National Park

Panama City is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sequoia National Park is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Sequoia National Park is not popular with students.


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

Panama City
Sequoia National Park

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Panama City and Sequoia National Park.

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 mostly limited in Sequoia National Park. There is a shuttle service, but it's limited to the summer months and other peak travel times.

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

Panama City
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is a national park with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Sequoia National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are countless hiking trails, you'll need a car to efficiently get around the park.

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

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

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

How long in Panama City or Sequoia National Park?

Both Panama City and Sequoia National Park have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Panama City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Panama City than Sequoia National Park. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 2-7 days is enough time in Sequoia National Park.

Families should spend more time in Panama City than Sequoia 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 Sequoia 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 Sequoia National Park than Panama City 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 Sequoia National Park.


  • How many days in Panama City or Sequoia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Panama City 3-7 
    Sequoia National Park 2-7

One day in Panama City or Sequoia 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 surreal national park of Sequoia 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 Sequoia 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 magical destination of Sequoia 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 Sequoia 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 magical national park of Sequoia 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 Sequoia 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Sequoia National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this national park.


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, Sequoia 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
    Sequoia National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Panama City $272
    Sequoia National Park $152

The average daily cost (per person) in Panama City is $272, while the average daily cost in Sequoia National Park is $152. 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 Sequoia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Panama City $128
    Sequoia National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Panama City $256
    Sequoia National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Sequoia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Panama City or Sequoia 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 Sequoia 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
    Sequoia National Park $56

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

Prices for flights to both Sequoia 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
    Sequoia National Park $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Panama City $19
    Sequoia National Park $31

Tours and Activities in Panama City

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

  • Big Kahuna Sunset Dolphin Cruise Experience: $55
  • 2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour Shell Island: $70
  • 2 Hour Shell Island Jet Ski Dolphin Tour: $149
  • 2 Hours Shell Island Jet Ski Tour: $159
  • 3 Hour Tiki Boat Adventure: $55
  • 90 Minute Sunset Tiki Boat Tour: $45
  • Adventure Tour to Shell Island on the Privateer Catamaran: $65
  • Cruisin Tikis Shell Island Big Kahuna Beach and Snorkel Cruise: $70
  • Cypress Springs Eco Adventure: $130
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $40
  • Footloose Catamaran Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Tour: $50
  • Original CRUISIN TIKIS 3 Hour Cruise, Snorkel, Swim/float Sandbar: $80

Tours and Activities in Sequoia National Park

For Sequoia National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Kings Canyon National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Sequoia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon Audio Tour Self Guide National Park Tour: $20
  • Sequoia National Park Small-Group Tour from Wuksachi Lodge: $283
  • Sequoia National Park Small Group Tour from Three Rivers.: $289
  • Sequoia National Park Adventure from Tulare: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Panama City $56
    Sequoia National Park $7.84


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