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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Denali National Park?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Denali National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a fun-filled, underrated, and relaxed coastal city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Saint Petersburg travel costs.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a epic, vast, and rugged park. Many visitors also come to Denali National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Denali National Park travel costs.

Saint Petersburg and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • 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 food
  • Less popular for nightlife


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Petersburg. Although Saint Petersburg and Denali National Park are popular destinations, Saint Petersburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Petersburg is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Denali National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Saint Petersburg is famous for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also well known for St. Pete Beach. Denali National Park is famous for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife.

How is Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Saint Petersburg
Denali National Park

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city for its historical sights. However, Denali National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Saint Petersburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

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 Petersburg or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Petersburg
Denali National Park

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Saint Petersburg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

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 Petersburg or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Denali National Park

Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night 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 Petersburg or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Denali National Park

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Saint Petersburg and Denali National Park.

Saint Petersburg has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

With a selection of resorts, Denali National Park makes a nice vacation spot. 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.


Is Saint Petersburg or Denali National Park Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Denali National Park

Saint Petersburg is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Saint Petersburg is a very popular vacation destination. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Saint Petersburg
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is very good for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Denali National Park. 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 Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

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

Saint Petersburg
Denali National Park

Saint Petersburg is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

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 Petersburg or Denali National Park More Beautiful?

Saint Petersburg
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Petersburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Denali National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Home to the highest peak in North America, the park is famous for its dramatic beauty and rugged landscapes.

Saint Petersburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Petersburg or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Denali National Park

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal 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 Petersburg is very family-friendly. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

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 Petersburg or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Denali National Park

Both Saint Petersburg and Denali National Park are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Denali National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.


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

Saint Petersburg
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Denali National Park. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

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

Saint Petersburg
Denali National Park

Saint Petersburg and Denali National Park both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

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 Petersburg or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Denali National Park

Saint Petersburg is adequate for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

Saint Petersburg is generally not a very walkable coastal city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

Denali National Park is not a walkable coastal 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 Petersburg Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint Petersburg or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Petersburg or Denali National Park. In our opinion, Saint Petersburg has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Denali National Park. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


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

One day in Saint Petersburg or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Saint Petersburg. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the vast destination of Denali National Park. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Denali National Park?

Saint Petersburg is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find around the epic park of Denali National Park. If you have a weekend, this park makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Denali National Park?

Many people visit Saint Petersburg for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal city of Saint Petersburg. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Denali National Park is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Saint Petersburg or Denali National Park?

The underrated destination of Saint Petersburg offers nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Denali National Park is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.


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

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

  • Saint Petersburg Prices
    USA Prices
    Denali National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Petersburg $239
    Denali National Park $260

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $239, 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 Petersburg and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg


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 Petersburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Denali National Park $76

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

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg $84
    Denali National Park $98
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saint Petersburg:


  • Burger Dinner (for 2)
    $20
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $37
  • Gelato (for 2)
    $8.00
  • Breakfast at Piper's Patio (for 2)
    $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Denali National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

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

  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $135
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $139
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $209
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in the Alaska Range - Denali Area: $199
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $163
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $163
  • Denali 4 Hour Hiking Adventure with Naturalist Guide: $160
  • Denali 5 Hour Hiking Tour with Naturalist Guide: $182
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $178
  • Denali Husky Kennel & Brewpub Visit – Half-Day Experience: $130
  • Denali Naturalist Walking Tour: $132
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $190

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Denali National Park $12


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg Expensive? and Is Denali National Park Expensive?.



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

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 Saint Petersburg or Denali National Park in the Summer?

Both Denali National Park and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 60°F (15°C).

It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

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

Both Denali National Park and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Denali National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Denali National Park. In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 76°F (24°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Denali National Park. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Denali National Park. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Denali National Park in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Denali National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Denali National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 11°F (-12°C).

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Denali National Park. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to Denali National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Denali National Park can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 34°F (1°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in April than Denali National Park. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)