A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Louis vs. Denali National Park for Attractions, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Louis or Denali National Park?

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 Saint Louis and Denali National Park. 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.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a unexpected, fascinating, and under rated city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Saint Louis travel costs.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a spectacular, epic, and vast park. The famous beauty of Denali National Park is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking. See Denali National Park travel costs.

Saint Louis and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • 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
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Denali National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Louis. Although Saint Louis and Denali National Park are popular destinations, Saint Louis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Louis is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Denali National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Denali National Park is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife. Saint Louis is famous for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. It is also well known for the Gateway Arch.

How is Saint Louis different from Denali National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Louis or Denali National Park?

Saint Louis
Denali National Park

Saint Louis is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Denali National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Saint Louis are world-renowned. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.


Is the Food Better in Saint Louis or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Louis
Denali National Park

Saint Louis is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Saint Louis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

Denali National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is Saint Louis or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Denali National Park

Saint Louis is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Louis has a few options to choose from. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is Saint Louis or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Saint Louis
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a good destination for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Denali National Park has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Louis or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Saint Louis
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Denali National Park offers some nice hiking trails. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Denali National Park?

Saint Louis
Denali National Park

Saint Louis is a great city for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Saint Louis is well-known for its shopping. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Denali National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.

Is Saint Louis or Denali National Park More Beautiful?

Saint Louis
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is an amazing park to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Denali National Park is one of the main draws. Home to the highest peak in North America, the park is famous for its dramatic beauty and rugged landscapes.

Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Saint Louis or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Denali National Park

Saint Louis is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Louis is very family-friendly. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

Denali National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.

Is Saint Louis or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is well known for romance. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Denali National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

Saint Louis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

Is Saint Louis or Denali National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Louis
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Denali National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

Saint Louis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of affordable motels around town but no real hostels.


Is Saint Louis or Denali National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Louis
Denali National Park

Saint Louis is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Denali National Park is not known for its public transit.

Public transit in Saint Louis can get you to some places easily. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.

Is Saint Louis or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Denali National Park

Saint Louis is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

Denali National Park is not a walkable city. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Louis Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Denali National Park?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Louis than Denali 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 Louis.


  • How many days in Saint Louis or Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in Saint Louis or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Saint Louis. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Louis has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the rugged park of Denali National Park. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Saint Louis or Denali National Park?

Saint Louis is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the spectacular destination of Denali National Park. This park offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Louis or Denali National Park?

Many people visit Saint Louis for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Saint Louis. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The epic park of Denali National Park offers . Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Saint Louis or Denali National Park?

The unexpected destination of Saint Louis offers nightlife and food. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Denali National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Saint Louis?

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

  • Saint Louis Prices
    USA Prices
    Denali National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Louis $224
    Denali National Park $260

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Louis is $224, while the average daily cost in Denali National Park is $260. 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 Louis and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Denali 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 Louis


Hotels in Denali 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 Louis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Denali National Park $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Louis

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:

  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $142
  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $125
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Saint Louis 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 Louis $93
    Denali National Park $98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Louis

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

  • Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show - St. Louis, MO: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Louis $46
    Denali National Park $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint Louis

Here are a few typical costs in Saint Louis for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Gateway Arch parking
    $6.00

Tours and Activities in Saint Louis

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

  • "StL's Best Sights and Bites" - Your Private Tour in St. Louis : $165
  • Downtown St. Louis Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour App: $7.75
  • Gateway Arch National Park Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour: $17
  • Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour: $17
  • Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour: $27
  • Museum of Illusions St Louis Admission Ticket: $35
  • Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour (BBQ Joints & Breweries): $129
  • Private Tour of The Hill, The "Little Italy" of Saint Louis: $165
  • Private Walking Tour of Saint Louis' Fascinating History: $159
  • Saint Louis Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour: $17

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

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

  • Denali Husky Kennel & Brewpub Visit – Half-Day Experience: $130
  • Denali Naturalist Walking Tour: $132
  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $135
  • Midnight Sun ATV Adventure 2.5 Hour Tour: $135
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $139
  • Wilds of Alaska Classic ATV Adventure: $153
  • Winter Side by Side ATV Tour: $160
  • Denali 4 Hour Hiking Adventure with Naturalist Guide: $160
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $163
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $163
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $178
  • Denali 5 Hour Hiking Tour with Naturalist Guide: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Denali National Park $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Louis

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Louis:

  • The Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour: $25


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Louis and Denali National Park, we can see that Denali National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Saint Louis or Denali National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Denali National Park in the Summer?

Both Denali National Park and Saint Louis during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Denali National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Louis is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Louis in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 60°F (15°C).

Saint Louis usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Denali National Park. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Denali National Park. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Denali National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Denali National Park can be very cold during autumn. In October, Saint Louis is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 60°F (16°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In October, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Denali National Park. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Denali National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Denali National Park. Most visitors come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. Saint Louis can be very cold during winter. Saint Louis is much warmer than Denali National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 31°F (-1°C) in January, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 11°F (-12°C).

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in January than Denali National Park. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Denali National Park in the Spring?

Both Denali National Park and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the spring. In the spring, Saint Louis is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Louis in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 34°F (1°C).

It's quite rainy in Saint Louis. In April, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)


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