A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Simons vs. Death Valley National Park for Backpackers, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a scenic, relaxing, and laid back island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Saint Simons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking. See Saint Simons travel costs.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a vast, dramatic, and striking national park. The famous beauty of Death Valley National Park is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Saint Simons and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less charming
  • 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
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Simons than Death Valley National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Simons is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Death Valley National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Saint Simons is well known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Also, Saint Simons is famous for East Beach. Death Valley National Park is well known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is Saint Simons different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park?

Saint Simons
Death Valley National Park

Both Saint Simons and Death Valley National Park have respectable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Saint Simons offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.


Is the Food Better in Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Simons
Death Valley National Park

Saint Simons is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Dining out in Saint Simons is an experience not to be missed. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Simons
Death Valley National Park

Saint Simons is a moderate island for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

Most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons
Death Valley National Park

Saint Simons is very good for its resorts. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its luxury resorts.

Saint Simons has a few great resort options. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.


Is Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons
Death Valley National Park

Saint Simons is a well-known place for the beach. However, Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Saint Simons is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Death Valley National Park. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint Simons. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park?

Saint Simons
Death Valley National Park

Saint Simons is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Saint Simons. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.


Is Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park More Beautiful?

Saint Simons
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Death Valley National Park is one of the main draws. The striking desert setting offers stunning beauty and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is at its most beautiful when the sun is low during sunrise and sunset.

Saint Simons is a beautiful place to visit, too. Beautiful beaches and live oaks with Spanish moss give the island a southern charm.

Is Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Saint Simons
Death Valley National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park.

Saint Simons is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Death Valley National Park is very family-friendly. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Is Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Saint Simons
Death Valley National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Saint Simons and Death Valley National Park make for a great place to visit.

Couples visit Saint Simons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

Death Valley National Park is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.


Is Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Simons
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Death Valley National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Saint Simons is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds in the area that offer access to the island.

Is Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Simons
Death Valley National Park

Neither Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Saint Simons
Death Valley National Park

Saint Simons is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable island. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable island. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.


For even more information, also check out Is Saint Simons Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Simons 2-4 
    Death Valley National Park 2-4

One day in Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park?

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Death Valley National Park, many people enjoy the that this dramatic national park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park?

Even though Saint Simons is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Death Valley National Park is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park?

Since Saint Simons is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This island offers something for everyone.

You'll find around the vast destination of Death Valley National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


A week in Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park?

Saint Simons is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Death Valley National Park is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Death Valley National Park or Saint Simons?

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

  • Saint Simons Prices
    USA Prices
    Death Valley National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Simons $211
    Death Valley National Park $101

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Simons is $211, while the average daily cost in Death Valley National Park is $101. 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 Simons and Death Valley National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Simons $100
    Death Valley National Park $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Simons $200
    Death Valley National Park $74
Compare Hotels in Saint Simons and Death Valley National Park

Looking for a hotel in Saint Simons or Death Valley 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 Simons


Hotels in Death Valley 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 Simons Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Simons $49
    Death Valley National Park $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Simons or Death Valley National Park?

Prices for flights to both Death Valley National Park and Saint Simons 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 Simons $83
    Death Valley National Park $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Simons $16
    Death Valley National Park $36

Tours and Activities in Death Valley National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Death Valley National Park are as follows:

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Death Valley National Park: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Simons $60
    Death Valley National Park $8.57


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

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


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