A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Attractions, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Tulum 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 Tulum 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.

Tulum

Tulum is a archeological, tropical, and active town. With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Tulum travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a fascinating, adventurous, and unique national park. Joshua Tree National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Tulum and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Joshua Tree National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Joshua Tree National Park is more popular for its hiking. Tulum is more touristy than Joshua Tree National Park and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Tulum 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 Tulum. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Tulum is renowned for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Tulum has many famous sights for visitors. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

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 Tulum or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tulum is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Tulum has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

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 Tulum or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Tulum is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

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 Tulum or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Tulum is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Tulum is a world class resort vacation destination. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Tulum is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Tulum is renowned for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Tulum is considered to be a world-class beach destination. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

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

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

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

Tulum is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Tulum. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

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 Tulum or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

Tulum and Joshua Tree National Park both are comparable with their great scenery and beauty.

Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

The beauty of Joshua Tree National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

Is Tulum or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Joshua Tree National Park are great to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Joshua Tree National Park is very family-friendly. 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 Tulum or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Tulum is renowned for couples. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Tulum is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Couples visit Joshua Tree National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Tulum or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree National Park is terrific for backpackers. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Many backpackers visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

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

Tulum is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Tulum has some public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

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

Tulum is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Tulum is a very walkable destination. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

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

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

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

How long in Tulum or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the lively town of Tulum. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

In Joshua Tree National Park, many people enjoy the that this adventurous destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Tulum. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Joshua Tree National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Joshua Tree National Park?

Tulum is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

Joshua Tree National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Joshua Tree National Park?

Tulum is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find around the fascinating destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, 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 Tulum and Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Joshua Tree National Park is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Tulum.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.