A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Bryce Canyon National Park for Backpackers, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a notable, colonial, and historic city. Saint Augustine is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a spectacular, other-worldly, and breathtaking park. The famous beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking. See Bryce Canyon National Park travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Bryce Canyon National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less charming
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • 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 nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Bryce Canyon National Park are popular destinations, Saint Augustine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Augustine is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Bryce Canyon National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bryce Canyon National Park is more touristy than Saint Augustine and is popular for its striking hoodoos and grand natural amphitheaters. Saint Augustine is famous for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also well known for the Colonial Quarter.

How is Saint Augustine different from Bryce Canyon National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Saint Augustine
Bryce Canyon National Park

Saint Augustine is a great city for its historical sights. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Saint Augustine specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

Bryce Canyon National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. While information is available at the visitor center, there are no real museums within the park.


Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Bryce Canyon National Park

Saint Augustine is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Saint Augustine has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Bryce Canyon National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a couple of restaurants within the park. Just outside the park there are a number of options as well, including large buffets that cater to large tour groups and the tourist crowds. It's best to arrive early for these buffets.

Is Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Bryce Canyon National Park

Saint Augustine is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

People don't go to Bryce Canyon National Park for the nightlife. There's no full service bar in town, so plan ahead if you want to have drinks.

Is Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Resorts?

Saint Augustine
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a park with a few options for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Bryce Canyon National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There's a lodge within the park and the hotels outside the park are mostly operated by Ruby's Inn and Bryce Canyon Resort.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Bryce Canyon National Park

Saint Augustine is a great city for the beach. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not a beach destination.

Saint Augustine is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Bryce Canyon National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Bryce Canyon National Park

Saint Augustine is very popular for its old town. However, Bryce Canyon National Park does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine has a world-famous historical area. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Bryce Canyon National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Hiking?

Saint Augustine
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Bryce Canyon National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hiking through the iconic hoodoos is a truly magical experience. There are shorter hikes such as the Mossy Cave Trail or the Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail. There are also more intense hikes and even a number of backcountry trails that will let you experience the park on a more personal level.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Saint Augustine
Bryce Canyon National Park

Saint Augustine is a great city for its shopping opportunities. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Saint Augustine is well-known for its shopping. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Bryce Canyon National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops and markets where you can pick up necessities. There are also a couple of gift shops.

Is Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is very popular for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the main draws. This park is one of the most uniquely beautiful, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the colors glow and the hoodoos have a magical quality.

Saint Augustine is a beautiful place to visit, too. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Bryce Canyon National Park

Saint Augustine and Bryce Canyon National Park are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bryce Canyon National Park is very family-friendly. The kids will be as mesmerized as the adults with this spectacular park. There are great hikes for the whole family as well as horseback riding and ranger programs. For the best horseback riding experience, it's best to book your ride within the park. There are also private vendors that offer options outside the park.


Is Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Bryce Canyon National Park

Saint Augustine and Bryce Canyon National Park are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The spectacular sunset views make this a truly romantic destination. The colors and setting are surreal and the hikes are spectacular. Couples will find a range of accommodation options that include large resort hotels just outside the park and camping within the park.

Is Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Augustine
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is very popular for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. For most visitors, this park is a short stop, but for those who want to experience it in depth, there are many backcountry hikes that let you enjoy a very different side to the park. You'll need a permit, but the backcountry lets you enjoy a peaceful solitude that you won't find in the more touristy areas.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

Is Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Augustine
Bryce Canyon National Park

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Bryce Canyon National Park.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

Public transit is mostly limited in Bryce Canyon National Park. The Bryce Canyon Shuttle travels to the most popular overlooks. It doesn't operate during the winter months.


Is Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Bryce Canyon National Park

Saint Augustine is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable city. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

Bryce Canyon National Park is generally not very walkable. Most of the trails require a car to access. If you're staying outside the park, you'll also want a private vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Bryce Canyon National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bryce Canyon National Park or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In either Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bryce Canyon National Park than Saint Augustine because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bryce Canyon National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Bryce Canyon 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 Saint Augustine.


  • How many days in Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Bryce Canyon National Park 2-5

One day in Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In Saint Augustine, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this colonial destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The spectacular destination of Bryce Canyon National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In Saint Augustine, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

The park of Bryce Canyon National Park offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Saint Augustine. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This park offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Saint Augustine. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bryce Canyon National Park or Saint Augustine?

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

  • Saint Augustine Prices
    USA Prices
    Bryce Canyon National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Augustine $195
    Bryce Canyon National Park $159

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $195, while the average daily cost in Bryce Canyon National Park is $159. 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 Saint Augustine and Bryce Canyon National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Bryce Canyon National Park $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Bryce Canyon National Park $134
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Bryce Canyon National Park

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon 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 Saint Augustine


Hotels in Bryce Canyon 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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices and Bryce Canyon National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Bryce Canyon National Park $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Prices for flights to both Bryce Canyon National Park and Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine $85
    Bryce Canyon National Park $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Augustine.

  • Cooking Class/Dinner W/ Celebrity French Chef OR Private Chef Ser: $115
  • St. Augustine Historical FOOD Tour on Electric Cart with Pick Up : $129
  • Feast of Saint Augustine Historical Walking Food Tour: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Bryce Canyon National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

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

  • St. Augustine Ghost Tour on Premium Golf Cart with PiCk Up : $39
  • 1 Hour Historical Tour of Saint Augustine Florida & FREE Parking: $36
  • 1 Hour Private Historical Tour of Saint Augustine, Florida : $250
  • : Step back in time with pastime private historical tours: $38
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $15
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Nights of Lights by Water in St. Augustine FL: $38
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Sunset Water Tour in St. Augustine: $40
  • Airboat Adventure in Saint Augustine with a Guide: $80
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Blood On The Cobblestones True Crime Tour of St Augustine: $35
  • Booze and Boos Haunted St. Augustine Ghost Walking Tour: $34
  • Bourbon and Whiskey History Tour in St Augustine : $209

Tours and Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bryce Canyon National Park.

  • Bryce Canyon National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Bryce Canyon National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Scenic Tour of Bryce Canyon: $69
  • Ruby's Horseback Adventures Utah 1.5 Hour Ride: $90
  • Horseback Riding Experience through Red Canyon with a Guide: $105
  • Bryce Canyon E-bike Tour : $115
  • Hiking Experience in Bryce Canyon National Park: $120
  • Ruby's Horseback Adventures Utah Half Day Ride: $125
  • Zebra Slot Canyon Hiking Tour in Escalante: $139
  • Peekaboo, Spooky and Dry Fork Slot Canyon Tour: $139
  • Bryce Canyon Private Tour: $149
  • Half Day Canyoneering Tour in Egypt Slot Canyon: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Augustine $25
    Bryce Canyon National Park $6.78

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • The Original Haunted Pub Tour: $27
  • Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine : $49
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63
  • Mobile Wine Tasting and Food Pairing Tour St. Augustine: $129


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

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