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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Saint Petersburg travel costs.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a scenic, breathtaking, and serene national park. Shenandoah National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include skiing and hiking. See Shenandoah National Park travel costs.

Saint Petersburg and Shenandoah National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Petersburg than Shenandoah National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Petersburg is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Shenandoah National Park is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Saint Petersburg is well known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is famous for St. Pete Beach. Shenandoah National Park is well known for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Shenandoah National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saint Petersburg or Shenandoah National Park Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is very good for skiing. However, Saint Petersburg is not a skiing destination.

Shenandoah National Park is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. You'll find skiing and snowboarding at nearby Massanutten Resort, which is near Harrisonburg, Virginia. It's a family-friendly setting with slopes that are classified as "easiest", "more difficult", and "most difficult".

Saint Petersburg is not a skiing destination.

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

Saint Petersburg is great for its historical sights. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Saint Petersburg. 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.

Shenandoah National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people spend their time outdoors enjoying the setting, there are museums in the area, as well as visitor centers that have exhibits and informative displays.

Is the Food Better in Saint Petersburg or Shenandoah National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Petersburg is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Saint Petersburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Shenandoah National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

Is Saint Petersburg or Shenandoah National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg is a coastal city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Shenandoah National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.

Is Saint Petersburg or Shenandoah National Park Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a coastal city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a few great resort options. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Shenandoah National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Shenandoah National Park Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is renowned for the beach. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.

Saint Petersburg is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Shenandoah National Park Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah National Park is terrific for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Shenandoah National Park specifically for its hiking. There are more than 500 miles of trails in the park that pass through varied landscapes and take you to beautiful viewpoints. Visitors range from weekend visitors to long term hikers who come to experience the breathtaking beauty and serene setting.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

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

Saint Petersburg is a coastal city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for shopping.

Saint Petersburg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.

Is Saint Petersburg or Shenandoah National Park More Beautiful?

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

Shenandoah National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Skyline drive passes by breathtaking views and wonderful lookout points. There are also miles of trails that let you explore the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Petersburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Petersburg or Shenandoah National Park Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Shenandoah National Park.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a very kid-friendly coastal city. There are tons of kid-friendly hikes to overlooks or waterfalls. Kids will love scrambling over the rocks or running through the forest. There are also plenty of campgrounds where families can hang out, toast marshmallows and enjoy some quality time together.

Is Saint Petersburg or Shenandoah National Park Better for Couples?

Both Saint Petersburg and Shenandoah National Park are superb 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature will love a visit to the park. There are beautiful views and scenic spots that will make for a wonderful and romantic trip. Hiking, biking, and exploring will fill your time with adventure and fun.

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

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

Many backpackers frequent Shenandoah National Park. Backpackers love the hiking trails and backcountry camping. Many people head to the park to escape into nature and enjoy some low key time in a serene setting.

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

Saint Petersburg is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

Is Saint Petersburg or Shenandoah National Park a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its walkability.

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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a walkable coastal city. While there are plenty of hiking trails, a car is a must to reach most trailheads.

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

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

How long in Saint Petersburg or Shenandoah National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah 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.

One day in Saint Petersburg or Shenandoah National Park?

With food and shopping around the relaxed coastal city of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find skiing around the scenic destination of Shenandoah National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Shenandoah National Park?

With shopping and museums around the fun-filled destination of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find skiing around the breathtaking national park of Shenandoah National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Shenandoah National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun-filled coastal city of Saint Petersburg. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people come for the beaches. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Shenandoah National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Shenandoah National Park?

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Shenandoah National Park is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area 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 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.

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

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 Shenandoah National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Saint Petersburg or Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park in the Summer?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Shenandoah National Park. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Shenandoah National Park and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Shenandoah National Park. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Shenandoah National Park. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Shenandoah National Park can be very cold. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Shenandoah National Park averages at about 32°F (-0°C).

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Shenandoah National Park. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Shenandoah National Park. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the beaches. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Shenandoah National Park this time of year.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Shenandoah National Park. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Shenandoah National Park and Saint Petersburg