A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shenandoah National Park vs. Saint John for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Saint John?

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 Saint John 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.

Where Should I go: Shenandoah National Park or Saint John?

Shenandoah National Park

One of the most visited destinations in the eastern part of the United States, Shenandoah National Park attracts over a million people each year for its beautiful mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and vibrant colors in the autumn months. Established in 1935, it is the largest fully protected area in the mid-Appalachian region.

Saint John

With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.

This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenandoah National Park and Saint John, we can see that Saint John is more expensive. And not only is Shenandoah National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shenandoah National Park is in North America and Saint John is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Saint John would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John 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 Saint John Expensive?.

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

Shenandoah National Park has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Saint John in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shenandoah National Park as well as Saint John. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shenandoah National Park this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.

In the summer, Shenandoah National Park is cooler than Saint John. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Saint John averages at about 29°C (83°F).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets more rain in July than Saint John. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Saint John in the Autumn?

Both Saint John and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Shenandoah National Park is generally much colder than Saint John. Daily temperatures in Shenandoah National Park average around 56°F (13°C), and Saint John fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John. In October, Shenandoah National Park usually receives less rain than Saint John. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Saint John in the Winter?

Both Saint John and Shenandoah National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.

Shenandoah National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Shenandoah National Park is much colder than Saint John in the winter. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 32°F (-0°C) in January, and Saint John fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets more rain in January than Saint John. Shenandoah National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Saint John in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenandoah National Park and Saint John. Most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the natural beauty during these months. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Shenandoah National Park is much colder than Saint John. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Saint John averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In April, Shenandoah National Park usually receives more rain than Saint John. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint John and Shenandoah National Park