A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Phoenix vs. Death Valley National Park for Backpackers, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Phoenix or Death Valley 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 Phoenix and Death Valley 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.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a laid back, sprawling, and desert city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Phoenix travel costs.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. Many visitors also come to Death Valley National Park because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Phoenix and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Phoenix. Although Phoenix and Death Valley National Park are popular destinations, Phoenix has more sights and attractions for tourists. Phoenix is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Death Valley National Park is more touristy than Phoenix and is popular for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather. It is also well known for Desert Botanical Garden.

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

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

Phoenix is very good for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Phoenix. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

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

Phoenix 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 Phoenix area. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

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 Phoenix or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Phoenix is very good for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

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 Phoenix or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Death Valley National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. 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.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Is Phoenix or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park is a great national park for hiking. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Death Valley National Park for the hiking trails. 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.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Is the Shopping Better in Phoenix or Death Valley National Park?

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

Many visitors go to Phoenix to go shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

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 Phoenix or Death Valley National Park More Beautiful?

Death Valley National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Phoenix is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Death Valley National Park because of it's amazing beauty. 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.

Phoenix is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Phoenix or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Death Valley National Park is a great national park for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Death Valley National Park. 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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Phoenix or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Death Valley National Park is a great national park for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Death Valley National Park is a great national park 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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

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

Death Valley National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Death Valley National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

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

Phoenix is a moderate city 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 Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

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

Is Phoenix or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Phoenix is a moderate city for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

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

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

How long in Phoenix or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Phoenix or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Death Valley National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Phoenix, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Phoenix 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 Phoenix.

One day in Phoenix or Death Valley National Park?

In Phoenix, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this desert destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Death Valley National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Phoenix or Death Valley National Park?

In Phoenix, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

In Death Valley National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Death Valley National Park has to offer.

Five days in Phoenix or Death Valley National Park?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Phoenix. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

Death Valley National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Phoenix or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Phoenix. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Death Valley National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Death Valley National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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