A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Virginia Beach vs. Death Valley National Park for Families, Couples, Resorts, and Food

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. Virginia Beach offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches. See Virginia Beach travel costs.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a dramatic, striking, and vast national park. Many visitors also come to Death Valley National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Virginia Beach and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less charming
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Death Valley National Park. Although Virginia Beach and Death Valley National Park are both popular with visitors, Death Valley National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Death Valley National Park is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Virginia Beach is known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Death Valley National Park is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. It is also home to Zabriskie Point. Virginia Beach is popular for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park?

Virginia Beach
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is adequate for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Virginia Beach
Death Valley National Park

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Virginia Beach and Death Valley National Park.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Virginia Beach. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Death Valley National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Death Valley National Park

Virginia Beach is very good for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Virginia Beach. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Death Valley National Park

Virginia Beach is very good for its resorts. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its luxury resorts.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.


Is Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Death Valley National Park

Virginia Beach is very good for the beach. However, Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Virginia Beach to enjoy the beach. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Virginia Beach
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is great for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Death Valley National Park for the hiking trails. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park?

Virginia Beach
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is mediocre for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park More Beautiful?

Virginia Beach
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Death Valley National Park because of it's amazing beauty. The striking desert setting offers stunning beauty and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is at its most beautiful when the sun is low during sunrise and sunset.

Virginia Beach offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As a developed beach town, the city has its share of hotels along the beach, but it is still a beautiful setting to explore.

Is Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Death Valley National Park

Virginia Beach and Death Valley National Park are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

Death Valley National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Is Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

Death Valley National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.


Is Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Virginia Beach
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Death Valley National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Death Valley National Park

Virginia Beach is very good for students. However, Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city to visit for students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

Is Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Virginia Beach
Death Valley National Park

Neither Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.


Is Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Death Valley National Park

Virginia Beach is a moderate coastal city for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable coastal city. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Virginia Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Death Valley National Park than Virginia Beach 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 Death Valley National Park.


  • How many days in Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Virginia Beach 5-7 
    Death Valley National Park 2-4

One day in Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park?

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this relaxing destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Death Valley National Park, you'll find . Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park?

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Death Valley National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.


Five days in Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park?

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this relaxing destination offers. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Death Valley National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park?

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this coastal city offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the national park of Death Valley National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Death Valley National Park or Virginia Beach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Virginia Beach Prices
    USA Prices
    Death Valley National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Virginia Beach $148
    Death Valley National Park $101

The average daily cost (per person) in Virginia Beach is $148, while the average daily cost in Death Valley National Park is $101. 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 Virginia Beach and Death Valley National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Death Valley National Park $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Death Valley National Park $74
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Death Valley National Park

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park? 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 Virginia Beach


Hotels in Death Valley National Park


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: Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Death Valley National Park $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Virginia Beach or Death Valley National Park?

Prices for flights to both Death Valley National Park and Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $52
    Death Valley National Park $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Death Valley National Park $36

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Virginia Beach.

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours: $24
  • Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours: $32
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $63
  • Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: $64
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $65
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour: This is a Workout!: $90

Tours and Activities in Death Valley National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Death Valley National Park are as follows:

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Death Valley National Park: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Virginia Beach $11
    Death Valley National Park $8.57


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Virginia Beach and Death Valley National Park, we can see that Virginia Beach is more expensive. And not only is Death Valley National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Death Valley National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Death Valley 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 Virginia Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Virginia Beach than you might in Death Valley National Park.

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