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

Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Joshua Tree National Park?

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 Joshua Tree National Park 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.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a unique, fascinating, and adventurous national park. With stunning beauty, Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Shenandoah National Park and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shenandoah National Park or Joshua Tree National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shenandoah National Park. Although Shenandoah National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are popular destinations, Shenandoah National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Shenandoah National Park is famous for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. It is also well known for Skyline Drive. Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Shenandoah National Park different from Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Shenandoah National Park or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is a national park with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a skiing destination.

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".

Joshua Tree National Park is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of reasonable museums and attractions in both Joshua Tree National Park and Shenandoah National Park.

While most people don't head to Shenandoah National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Is the Food Better in Shenandoah National Park or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shenandoah National Park is a decent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Shenandoah National Park is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are destinations which offer world-class hiking.

Around Shenandoah National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

Is the Shopping Better in Shenandoah National Park or Joshua Tree National Park?

Shenandoah National Park is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Shenandoah National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of great scenery and beauty in both Shenandoah National Park and Joshua Tree National Park.

With stunning beauty, Shenandoah National Park attracts visitors from all around. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are great 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Shenandoah National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

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

For backpackers, both Shenandoah National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are world-class places to visit.

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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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

Neither Shenandoah National Park or Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Shenandoah National Park or Joshua Tree National Park 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable national park. You need a car to truly explore the park.

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

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Shenandoah National Park?

How long in Shenandoah National Park or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Shenandoah National Park or Joshua Tree National Park. 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

Families should spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than Joshua Tree National Park. 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 Joshua Tree National Park. 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 Joshua Tree 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 Shenandoah National Park.

One day in Shenandoah National Park or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the breathtaking national park of Shenandoah National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

With around the adventurous national park of Joshua Tree National Park, 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the destination of Shenandoah National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the hiking. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With around the fascinating destination of Joshua Tree National Park, there's plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you have a weekend, this national park 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Shenandoah National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find around the unique national park of Joshua Tree National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Shenandoah National Park or Joshua Tree National Park?

Shenandoah National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Most people visit for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.