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

Should you visit Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a scenic, beautiful, and magnificent region. Pocono Mountains offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and skiing. See Pocono Mountains travel costs.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a dramatic, striking, and vast national park. You'll find world class beauty in Death Valley National Park as well. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Pocono Mountains and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pocono Mountains. Although Pocono Mountains and Death Valley National Park are both popular with visitors, Pocono Mountains has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pocono Mountains is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park is known for its impressive beauty. Pocono Mountains is popular for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. It is also home to Bushkill Falls. Death Valley National Park is popular for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

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

Is Pocono Mountains or Death Valley National Park Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Death Valley National Park is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Death Valley National Park is not a skiing destination.

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

Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

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 Pocono Mountains or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains area. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

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 Pocono Mountains or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Pocono Mountains is a moderate region for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

Most people don't head to Pocono Mountains specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

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 Pocono Mountains or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

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

Pocono Mountains has a few great resort options. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

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 Pocono Mountains or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Both Pocono Mountains and Death Valley National Park are destinations which offer superb hiking.

Pocono Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Pocono Mountains or Death Valley National Park?

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

Many visitors go to Pocono Mountains to go shopping. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

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 Pocono Mountains or Death Valley National Park More Beautiful?

Death Valley National Park is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Death Valley National Park as well. 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.

Pocono Mountains offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The mountains, valleys, lakes, and streams offer impressive beauty and a peaceful setting.

Is Pocono Mountains or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Both Pocono Mountains and Death Valley National Park are superb to visit with kids.

Pocono Mountains is a very kid-friendly region. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

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.

Is Pocono Mountains or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Both Pocono Mountains and Death Valley National Park are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

Death Valley National Park makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Pocono Mountains or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

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

Pocono Mountains is a moderate region 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 Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

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

Is Pocono Mountains or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

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

Pocono Mountains is generally not very walkable. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

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

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

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

How long in Pocono Mountains or Death Valley National Park?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.

One day in Pocono Mountains or Death Valley National Park?

In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the museums and skiing that this magnificent destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find around the dramatic destination of Death Valley National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Pocono Mountains or Death Valley National Park?

In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this destination offers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

You'll find around the dramatic national park of Death Valley National Park. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Pocono Mountains or Death Valley National Park?

In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This region offers something for everyone.

Death Valley National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Pocono Mountains or Death Valley National Park?

In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this region offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this region makes for a great vacation. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Death Valley National Park is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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