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

Should you visit Saint Simons or Yosemite National Park?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Yosemite 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.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a world-famous, stunning, and breathtaking national park. The famous beauty of Yosemite National Park is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking. See Yosemite National Park travel costs.

Saint Simons and Yosemite National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less hiking options
  • Less charming
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to El Capitan
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yosemite National Park than Saint Simons, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Yosemite National Park is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint Simons is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Yosemite National Park is more touristy than Saint Simons and is known for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. Also, Yosemite National Park is famous for El Capitan. Saint Simons is well known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses.

How is Saint Simons different from Yosemite National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park?

Saint Simons
Yosemite National Park

Saint Simons is a moderate island for its sights and museums. However, Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Saint Simons
Yosemite National Park

Saint Simons is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Yosemite 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.

Yosemite National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.

Is Saint Simons or Yosemite National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Simons
Yosemite National Park

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Simons or Yosemite National Park has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Simons is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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.

Yosemite National Park doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are some bars near the park that make a nice spot to grab a drink.

Is Saint Simons or Yosemite National Park Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Yosemite National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Simons makes a nice vacation spot. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.


Is Saint Simons or Yosemite National Park Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons
Yosemite National Park

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

Saint Simons is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Yosemite National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Yosemite National Park Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Yosemite National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

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 Yosemite National Park?

Saint Simons
Yosemite National Park

Saint Simons is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Saint Simons or Yosemite National Park More Beautiful?

Saint Simons
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park is one of the main draws. This park has a sense of natural beauty that's hard to find anywhere else in the world. The breathtaking landscapes, surreal waterfalls, and stunning granite rock formations are unlike any other park or setting.

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 Yosemite National Park Better for Families?

Saint Simons
Yosemite National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Saint Simons or Yosemite 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, Yosemite National Park is very family-friendly. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

Is Saint Simons or Yosemite National Park Better for Couples?

Saint Simons
Yosemite National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Saint Simons and Yosemite National Park make for a high quality 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.

Yosemite National Park is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.


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

Saint Simons
Yosemite National Park

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

Yosemite National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

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

Saint Simons
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a popular place for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Yosemite National Park, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

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

Is Saint Simons or Yosemite National Park a more walkable city?

Saint Simons
Yosemite National Park

Saint Simons is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Yosemite 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.

Yosemite National Park is generally not a very walkable island. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.


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

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

How long in Saint Simons or Yosemite National Park?

Both Saint Simons and Yosemite National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yosemite National Park than in Saint Simons. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Simons, and 3-7 days is enough time in Yosemite National Park.

Families should spend more time in Saint Simons than Yosemite 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 Yosemite 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yosemite National Park than Saint Simons 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 Yosemite National Park.


  • How many days in Saint Simons or Yosemite National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Simons 2-4 
    Yosemite National Park 3-7

One day in Saint Simons or Yosemite National Park?

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Yosemite National Park, many people enjoy the that this breathtaking 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 Yosemite National Park?

Even though Saint Simons is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This island offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. It's also a great beach destination, too. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Yosemite National Park is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come 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 Simons or Yosemite National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Simons. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Yosemite National Park, many people enjoy the that this popular destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A week in Saint Simons or Yosemite National Park?

Saint Simons is a fun place to experience. Saint Simons is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Yosemite National Park is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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, Yosemite 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
    Yosemite National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Simons $211
    Yosemite National Park $158

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Simons is $211, while the average daily cost in Yosemite National Park is $158. 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 Yosemite National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Simons $100
    Yosemite National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Simons $200
    Yosemite National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Saint Simons and Yosemite National Park

Looking for a hotel in Saint Simons or Yosemite 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 Yosemite 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 and Yosemite National Park Hotel Prices.

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

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

Prices for flights to both Yosemite 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
    Yosemite National Park $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Simons $16
    Yosemite National Park $19

Tours and Activities in Yosemite National Park

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

  • Yosemite National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $17
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yosemite: $20
  • The Evolution of Yosemite 3 Hour Walking Tour: $140
  • The Evolution of Yosemite 3 Hour Hiking Tour: $140
  • Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour: $180
  • Big Trees Hike & Riverside Cookout Adventure: $180
  • Yosemite Winter Highlights Small Group Tour: $200
  • Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour: $210
  • Semi Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch and Hotel Pickup: $250
  • Private Yosemite Valley Tour & Roosevelt Cookout: $270
  • Yosemite Team Building Adventure Hike: $293
  • Yosemite Family Explorers - Customizable Private Tour: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Simons $60
    Yosemite National Park $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Simons and Yosemite National Park, we can see that Saint Simons is more expensive. And not only is Yosemite National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yosemite National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yosemite 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 Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park Expensive?.