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

Should you visit Pocono Mountains or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 beautiful, magnificent, and relaxing region. Pocono Mountains offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the skiing, food, and hiking. See Pocono Mountains travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a adventurous, unique, and fascinating national park. The beauty of Joshua Tree National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Pocono Mountains and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pocono Mountains or Joshua Tree National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pocono Mountains. Although Pocono Mountains and Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Pocono Mountains is popular for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. It is also home to Bushkill Falls. Joshua Tree National Park is popular for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Pocono Mountains different from Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Joshua Tree National Park and Pocono Mountains. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Pocono Mountains or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pocono Mountains or Joshua Tree National Park?

Pocono Mountains is a region with good options for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Is the Food Better in Pocono Mountains or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pocono Mountains is a region with good options for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Pocono Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Pocono Mountains or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Pocono Mountains is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Pocono Mountains or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Pocono Mountains is a region with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Pocono Mountains or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Joshua Tree National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Pocono Mountains. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Pocono Mountains or Joshua Tree National Park?

Pocono Mountains is a region with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Pocono Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Pocono Mountains or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

Joshua Tree National Park is notable 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.

The beauty of Joshua Tree National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Both Pocono Mountains and Joshua Tree National Park are great 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 Joshua Tree National Park. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

Is Pocono Mountains or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Both Pocono Mountains and Joshua Tree National Park are great 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.

Joshua Tree National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

Is Pocono Mountains or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pocono Mountains is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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 limited or non-existant in Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Pocono Mountains or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Pocono Mountains is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable region. You need a car to truly explore the park.

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

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Pocono Mountains?

How long in Pocono Mountains or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Pocono Mountains or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

Families should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic region of Pocono Mountains. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find around the unique destination of Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the destination of Pocono Mountains. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find around the unique national park of Joshua Tree 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. Most people head to the area for the hiking. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Pocono Mountains is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this region makes for a great vacation. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Pocono Mountains is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Joshua Tree 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 head to the area 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 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 Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Pocono Mountains is more expensive. And not only is Joshua Tree National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Joshua Tree National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.