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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Saint Louis travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a fascinating, adventurous, and unique national park. Joshua Tree National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Saint Louis and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Louis than Joshua Tree National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Louis is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Joshua Tree National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Joshua Tree National Park is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its unique vegetation and large boulders. Saint Louis is well known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. Also, Saint Louis is famous for the Gateway Arch.

How is Saint Louis 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 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Saint Louis is renowned for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Saint Louis has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

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 Saint Louis or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Louis is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Saint Louis is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

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 Saint Louis or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Louis. 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.

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 Saint Louis or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Joshua Tree National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Joshua Tree National Park?

Saint Louis is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

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 Saint Louis or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Joshua Tree National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Louis or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Both Saint Louis and Joshua Tree National Park are very good family-friendly destinations.

Saint Louis is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Joshua Tree National Park is very family-friendly. 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 Saint Louis or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Joshua Tree National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Joshua Tree National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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

Saint Louis is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Saint Louis. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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

Is Saint Louis or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Saint Louis is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

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

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

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

How long in Saint Louis or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Louis or Joshua Tree National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

Families should spend more time in Saint Louis than Joshua Tree 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.

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

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

One day in Saint Louis or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under rated city of Saint Louis. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the unique national park of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint Louis. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Most people visit for the museums. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the unique destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Saint Louis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

The fascinating national park of Joshua Tree National Park offers . 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Saint Louis or Joshua Tree National Park?

Saint Louis is a popular choice for travelers. Most people visit for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Joshua Tree National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit 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 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.

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