A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Redwood National Park vs. Vernon for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Redwood National Park or Vernon?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Redwood National Park and Vernon. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a monumental, grand, and impressive park. You'll find world class beauty in Redwood National Park as well. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking. See Redwood National Park travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a quiet, peaceful, and relaxing town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food. See Vernon travel costs.

Redwood National Park and Vernon: Pros and Cons

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 museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Redwood National Park or Vernon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vernon. Although Redwood National Park and Vernon are popular destinations, Vernon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vernon is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Redwood National Park attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Redwood National Park is more touristy than Vernon and is known for being the home of the world's tallest trees. Vernon is famous for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails. It is also well known for Davison Orchards Country Village.

How is Redwood National Park different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Redwood National Park or Vernon?

Redwood National Park
Vernon

Vernon is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Vernon. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. 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.


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

Redwood National Park
Vernon

Vernon 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 Vernon area. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

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 Redwood National Park or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Redwood National Park
Vernon

Vernon is a town with a few options for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Vernon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

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

Is Redwood National Park or Vernon Better for Beaches?

Redwood National Park
Vernon

Redwood National Park is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Vernon is not a beach destination.

Redwood National Park has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Vernon is not a beach destination.


Is Redwood National Park or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Redwood National Park
Vernon

Redwood National Park is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Redwood National Park or Vernon?

Redwood National Park
Vernon

Vernon is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Vernon to go shopping. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown 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 Redwood National Park or Vernon More Beautiful?

Redwood National Park
Vernon

Redwood National Park is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Redwood National Park or Vernon Better for Families?

Redwood National Park
Vernon

Redwood National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Redwood National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Vernon is a family-friendly park. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Redwood National Park or Vernon Better for Couples?

Redwood National Park
Vernon

Redwood National Park is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Redwood National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

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

Redwood National Park
Vernon

Redwood National Park is terrific for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Redwood National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. 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.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.


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

Redwood National Park
Vernon

Vernon is a 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 Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Redwood National Park or Vernon a more walkable city?

Redwood National Park
Vernon

Vernon is a town with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Vernon is generally not very walkable. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Redwood National Park?

How long in Redwood National Park or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Redwood National Park and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Redwood National Park than in Vernon. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Redwood National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

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


  • How many days in Redwood National Park or Vernon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Redwood National Park 3-5 
    Vernon 1-3

One day in Redwood National Park or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Redwood National Park. 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.

In Vernon, you'll find shopping and museums. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vernon, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Redwood National Park or Vernon?

Redwood National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vernon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Redwood National Park or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Redwood National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vernon is a fun place to experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Redwood National Park or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the monumental destination of Redwood National Park. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the peaceful destination of Vernon. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vernon or Redwood National Park?

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

  • Redwood National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Vernon Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Redwood National Park $135
    Vernon $49

The average daily cost (per person) in Redwood National Park is $135, while the average daily cost in Vernon is $49. 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 Redwood National Park and Vernon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Redwood National Park $44
    Vernon $4.81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Redwood National Park $88
    Vernon $9.62
Compare Hotels in Redwood National Park and Vernon

Looking for a hotel in Redwood National Park or Vernon? 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 Redwood National Park


Hotels in Vernon


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: Vernon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Redwood National Park $53
    Vernon -

Is it cheaper to fly into Redwood National Park or Vernon?

Prices for flights to both Vernon and Redwood National Park 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
    Redwood National Park $56
    Vernon $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Redwood National Park $33
    Vernon -

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Redwood National Park $11
    Vernon $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Redwood National Park and Vernon, we can see that Redwood National Park is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Redwood National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Redwood National Park than you might in Vernon.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Redwood National Park Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Redwood National Park or Vernon?

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 Redwood National Park or Vernon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Redwood National Park and Vernon. Many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Redwood National Park is much colder than Vernon in the summer. The daily temperature in Redwood National Park averages around 57°F (14°C) in July, and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Redwood National Park usually receives less rain than Vernon. Redwood National Park gets 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C) 
    Vernon 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Redwood National Park as well as Vernon. Most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Vernon because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Redwood National Park is a little warmer than Vernon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Redwood National Park in October average around 55°F (13°C), and Vernon averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Redwood National Park usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Redwood National Park gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C) 
    Vernon 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Redwood National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vernon this time of year.

It's quite cold in Vernon in the winter. In January, Redwood National Park is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Redwood National Park average around 48°F (9°C), and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

It's quite rainy in Redwood National Park. In January, Redwood National Park usually receives more rain than Vernon. Redwood National Park gets 6 inches (152 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C) 
    Vernon -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Redwood National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

Redwood National Park is cooler than Vernon in the spring. The daily temperature in Redwood National Park averages around 50°F (10°C) in April, and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Redwood National Park usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Redwood National Park gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C) 
    Vernon 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Vernon and Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park Vernon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)


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