A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Shenandoah National Park vs. Martha's Vineyard for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard 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 scenic, breathtaking, and serene 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.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a coastal, peaceful, and affluent island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

Shenandoah National Park and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • 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 food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard. Although Shenandoah National Park and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations, Martha's Vineyard has more sights and attractions for tourists. Martha's Vineyard is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Shenandoah National Park attracts visitors for its skiing and hiking. Shenandoah National Park is famous for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. Martha's Vineyard is famous for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. It is also well known for the Aquinnah Cliffs.

How is Shenandoah National Park different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park
Martha's Vineyard

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for skiing. However, Martha's Vineyard 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".

Martha's Vineyard is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard?

Shenandoah National Park
Martha's Vineyard

You'll find a number of reasonable museums and attractions in both Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

Is the Food Better in Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shenandoah National Park
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Martha's Vineyard has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Shenandoah National Park
Martha's Vineyard

The vibe at night is reasonable in both Shenandoah National Park and Martha's Vineyard.

Shenandoah National Park doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.


Is Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Shenandoah National Park
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a resort destination.

Martha's Vineyard is a world class resort vacation destination. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Shenandoah National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Shenandoah National Park
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is great for the beach. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Martha's Vineyard attract visitors from all over. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah National Park
Martha's Vineyard

Shenandoah National Park is an amazing national park to visit for hiking. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

Shenandoah National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.


Is the Shopping Better in Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard?

Shenandoah National Park
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is great for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Martha's Vineyard. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

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 Martha's Vineyard More Beautiful?

Shenandoah National Park
Martha's Vineyard

You'll find a similar quality of very good scenery and beauty in both Shenandoah National Park and Martha's Vineyard.

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.

Martha's Vineyard is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural beauty.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Shenandoah National Park
Martha's Vineyard

Shenandoah National Park is a great national park for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.


Is Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Shenandoah National Park
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is renowned for couples. Also, Shenandoah National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

Martha's Vineyard is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

Shenandoah National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shenandoah National Park
Martha's Vineyard

Shenandoah National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known 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.

Martha's Vineyard is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Budget options are limited, making this an inconvenient destination for backpackers.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Shenandoah National Park
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.


Is Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Shenandoah National Park
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a island with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its walkability.

Martha's Vineyard is a somewhat walkable island. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

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 Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Shenandoah National Park?

How long in Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than Martha's Vineyard 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.


  • How many days in Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard? Ideal Length of Stay
    Shenandoah National Park 3-5 
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3

One day in Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard?

With skiing around the destination of Shenandoah National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Martha's Vineyard?

With skiing around the scenic national park of Shenandoah National Park, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this island 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 Martha's Vineyard?

With skiing around the breathtaking destination of Shenandoah National Park, there's plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people come for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard?

Shenandoah National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Martha's Vineyard is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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.


Which place is cheaper, Martha's Vineyard 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
    Martha's Vineyard Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Shenandoah National Park $145
    Martha's Vineyard $285

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenandoah National Park is $145, while the average daily cost in Martha's Vineyard is $285. 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 Martha's Vineyard in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenandoah National Park $53
    Martha's Vineyard $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenandoah National Park $106
    Martha's Vineyard $264
Compare Hotels in Shenandoah National Park and Martha's Vineyard

Looking for a hotel in Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard? 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 Marthas Vineyard


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: Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenandoah National Park $70
    Martha's Vineyard $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard?

Prices for flights to both Martha's Vineyard 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
    Martha's Vineyard $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenandoah National Park $34
    Martha's Vineyard $30

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • Best of Martha's Vineyard 3 hour Full-Island Tour: $65
  • 4 hours Hop-on Hop-off Jawsome Jaws Tour: $120
  • All Island Bus Tour: $75
  • All New Shared Jaws tour Budget Friendly: $130
  • Best 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard shared Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $65
  • Discovering Oak Bluffs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Down Island Tour with One Hour in Edgartown: $65
  • Edgartown Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Martha Vineyard Bus Tour: $60
  • Martha's Vineyard: All Island Tour: $70
  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenandoah National Park $7.14
    Martha's Vineyard $22


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



When is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shenandoah National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Shenandoah National Park is around the same temperature as Martha's Vineyard in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In July, Shenandoah National Park usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shenandoah National Park 77°F (25°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Shenandoah National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Shenandoah National Park is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Martha's Vineyard. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shenandoah National Park 56°F (13°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenandoah National Park and Martha's Vineyard. Many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Martha's Vineyard can be very cold during winter. Shenandoah National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Shenandoah National Park is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Shenandoah National Park average around 32°F (-0°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In January, Shenandoah National Park usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Shenandoah National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shenandoah National Park 32°F (-0°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Shenandoah National Park as well as Martha's Vineyard. Most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Shenandoah National Park is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets less rain in April than Martha's Vineyard. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shenandoah National Park 54°F (12°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park Martha's Vineyard
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (-0°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 35°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)