A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Shenandoah National Park vs. Cody, Wyoming for Hiking, Backpackers, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenandoah National Park and Cody, Wyoming can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a serene, beautiful, and scenic 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.

Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a activity-filled, historic, and fascinating town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Cody, Wyoming travel costs.

Shenandoah National Park and Cody, Wyoming: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Skyline Drive
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cody, Wyoming than Shenandoah National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cody, Wyoming is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Shenandoah National Park is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Shenandoah National Park is well known for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. Cody, Wyoming is well known for it's Wild West atmosphere and its founder, Buffalo Bill. Also, Cody, Wyoming is famous for the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

How is Shenandoah National Park different from Cody, Wyoming?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park
Cody, Wyoming

Shenandoah National Park is very good for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cody, Wyoming 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".

Cody, Wyoming is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming?

Shenandoah National Park
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming. There are some interesting local museums around town. One of the most popular is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. There are also several gun museums like the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum. For history, check out the Museum of the Plains Indian or the Cody Heritage Museum.

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 Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shenandoah National Park
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cody, Wyoming is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most of the restaurants offer a nod to the Wild West theme. There's a soda saloon, barbecue joints, and old fashioned saloons where you can grab a thick steak or fried green tomatoes. Many have fun decor and a family-friendly vibe that sets the atmosphere.

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 Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming Better for Nightlife?

Shenandoah National Park
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a town 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 Cody, Wyoming has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene, like everything else in town, stays true to the Wild West theme. You'll find cowboys and cowgirls on the dance floor and enjoy live music and cold drinks at the local bar.

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 Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming Better for its Old Town?

Shenandoah National Park
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Shenandoah National Park does not have a historic old town.

Cody, Wyoming has an old town worth visiting. The historic downtown is small, just a few blocks along Sheridan Avenue, but it's filled with personality. The buildings have local character and highlight the town's past.

Shenandoah National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah National Park
Cody, Wyoming

Shenandoah National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Cody, Wyoming has hiking trails worth exploring. It's not hard to get out of town and enjoy some hiking. Trails take you through the local landscapes and sometimes offer you the opportunity to see local wildlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming?

Shenandoah National Park
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is great for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cody, Wyoming. You'll find quirky shops, local vendors, and sporting equipment stores around town. Whether you want to pick up a souvenir or browse the Wild West paraphernalia, shopping is a fun activity in town.

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 Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming More Beautiful?

Shenandoah National Park
Cody, Wyoming

Shenandoah National Park is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Cody, Wyoming 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.

Cody, Wyoming is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming Better for Families?

Shenandoah National Park
Cody, Wyoming

Both Shenandoah National Park and Cody, Wyoming are superb to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Shenandoah National Park. 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.

Cody, Wyoming is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a fun stop off for families who are visiting the national parks in the area. There are diverse activities that will give the kids a break from hiking and nature programs. Make sure you check out the Cody Nite Rodeo, the Old Trail Town, and the horseback riding. For a glimpse at what life was like back in the Wild West, check out a Wild Bunch Gunfighters Show.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming Better for Couples?

Shenandoah National Park
Cody, Wyoming

Shenandoah National Park is a very popular place for romance. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Shenandoah National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Cody, Wyoming makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, this is a fun town to shop, dine, and play. There's horseback riding, historical reenactments, and quirky shops. There's also the opportunity to see wildlife and chat with other travelers.


Is Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shenandoah National Park
Cody, Wyoming

Shenandoah National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cody, Wyoming is lacking in good options 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.

Cody, Wyoming is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of campgrounds and cheap motels in the area.

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

Shenandoah National Park
Cody, Wyoming

Neither Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cody, Wyoming. There's no real public transit through town.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming a more walkable city?

Shenandoah National Park
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its walkability.

Cody, Wyoming is a somewhat walkable town. The historic downtown can be explored on foot, but anything outside of town will require a car.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Cody, Wyoming or Shenandoah National Park?

How long in Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shenandoah National Park and Cody, Wyoming. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than in Cody, Wyoming. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Shenandoah National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cody, Wyoming.

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


  • How many days in Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming? Ideal Length of Stay
    Shenandoah National Park 3-5 
    Cody, Wyoming 1-3

One day in Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming?

Many travelers enjoy the skiing when visiting the breathtaking destination of Shenandoah National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Cody, Wyoming is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shenandoah National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Cody, Wyoming is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this town 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.

Five days in Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming?

Many travelers enjoy the skiing when visiting the beautiful destination of Shenandoah National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Cody, Wyoming is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming?

You'll find skiing around the beautiful national park of Shenandoah National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Cody, Wyoming is a great place to explore. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cody, Wyoming or Shenandoah National Park?

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

  • Shenandoah National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Cody, Wyoming Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Shenandoah National Park $145
    Cody, Wyoming $191

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenandoah National Park is $145, while the average daily cost in Cody, Wyoming is $191. 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 Shenandoah National Park and Cody, Wyoming in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenandoah National Park $53
    Cody, Wyoming $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenandoah National Park $106
    Cody, Wyoming $156
Compare Hotels in Shenandoah National Park and Cody, Wyoming

Looking for a hotel in Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming? 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 Shenandoah National Park


Hotels in Cody, Wyoming


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: Cody, Wyoming Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenandoah National Park $70
    Cody, Wyoming $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenandoah National Park or Cody, Wyoming?

Prices for flights to both Cody, Wyoming and Shenandoah National Park 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
    Shenandoah National Park $49
    Cody, Wyoming $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenandoah National Park $34
    Cody, Wyoming $33

Tours and Activities in Cody, Wyoming

For Cody, Wyoming, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cody Trolley Tours - Best of the West Trolley Tour: $35
  • Rock Climbing Experience: $150
  • From Cody: Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour: $260
  • Kicking Red Canyon Wild Mustang Bus Tour Deals 5 PM In Cody : $69
  • Kicking Red Canyon Wild Mustang Bus Tour Deals 8am Daily : $69
  • Private Guided Nature Hiking Experience in Cody Wyoming: $135
  • Red Canyon River Trip’s Extended Whitewater Adventure!: $89
  • Red Canyon River Trips 7 Mile Whitewater Adventure 3:00PM Daily!: $59
  • Red Canyon River Trips Whitewater 7 Mile Adventure 1:00PM Daily : $59
  • Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tours And Safaris In Cody Wyoming : $89
  • Red Canyon’s Best Of The Wild West Wild Mustang+Rafting Adventure: $139
  • Rock Climbing Experience in Cody, Wyoming: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenandoah National Park $7.14
    Cody, Wyoming $18


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