A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Shenandoah National Park vs. Fairbanks for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks?

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 Fairbanks 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. With stunning beauty, Shenandoah National Park attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the skiing and hiking. See Shenandoah National Park travel costs.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a unique, outdoorsy, and remote city. Many visitors also come to Fairbanks because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, hiking, and shopping. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Shenandoah National Park and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shenandoah National Park. Although Shenandoah National Park and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Shenandoah National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Shenandoah National Park is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, and hiking, while Fairbanks attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, shopping, and impressive beauty. Shenandoah National Park is more touristy than Fairbanks and is known for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. It is also well known for Skyline Drive. Fairbanks is famous for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Shenandoah National Park different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is a popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for winter skiing.

Head to Shenandoah National Park for some great skiing and other winter activities. 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".

Locals like to visit Fairbanks to take advantage of their winter sports. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

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

Fairbanks is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Fairbanks. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

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 Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at reasonable restaurants in both Shenandoah National Park and Fairbanks.

Shenandoah National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Shenandoah National Park is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Shenandoah National Park. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

People visit Shenandoah National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Fairbanks. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks?

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

Fairbanks has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

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 Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Shenandoah National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Fairbanks because of it's amazing beauty. The city offers access to Alaska's interior, as well as the Arctic. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife is abundant. Fairbanks is also the best place in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. They are best seen between the months of August and April.

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.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Shenandoah National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fairbanks. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Shenandoah National Park is a very popular place for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

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

Shenandoah National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Shenandoah National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Fairbanks. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

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

Neither Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Neither Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks are walkable places.

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

Fairbanks is not a walkable national park. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Shenandoah National Park?

How long in Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shenandoah National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Shenandoah National Park, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than Fairbanks 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 Shenandoah National Park.

One day in Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks?

You'll find skiing around the national park of Shenandoah National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and shopping around the Arctic city of Fairbanks, there's plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks?

You'll find skiing around the beautiful destination of Shenandoah National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With shopping and museums around the remote destination of Fairbanks, there's plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you have a weekend, this 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.

Five days in Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks?

You'll find skiing around the serene national park of Shenandoah National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.

You'll find museums and shopping around the outdoorsy city of Fairbanks. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks?

Shenandoah National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Fairbanks is a great place to explore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in 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.

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.

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

When is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks?

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 Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenandoah National Park and Fairbanks. Many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Shenandoah National Park is a little warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In July, Shenandoah National Park usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shenandoah National Park as well as Fairbanks. Many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Shenandoah National Park is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. Shenandoah National Park can be very cold during winter. In January, Shenandoah National Park is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Shenandoah National Park average around 32°F (-0°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

In January, Shenandoah National Park usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Shenandoah National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Shenandoah National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the spring. Shenandoah National Park is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Shenandoah National Park