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

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Glacier 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 Glacier 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 relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. Virginia Beach is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife and beaches. See Virginia Beach travel costs.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a breathtaking, gorgeous, and stunning park. Many visitors also come to Glacier National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking. See Glacier National Park travel costs.

Virginia Beach and Glacier 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
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Going-to-the-Sun Road
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glacier National Park. Although Virginia Beach and Glacier National Park are popular destinations, Glacier National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Glacier National Park is very popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife and beaches. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. It is also well known for Going-to-the-Sun Road. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Glacier National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Glacier 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 Glacier National Park?

Virginia Beach
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Virginia Beach
Glacier National Park

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Virginia Beach and Glacier 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.

Glacier National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Virginia Beach or Glacier National Park Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Glacier National Park

Virginia Beach is a popular place for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and partying.

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.

Glacier National Park doesn't offer many options. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Virginia Beach or Glacier National Park Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Glacier National Park

With a similar set of options, nice resorts can be found in both Virginia Beach and Glacier National Park.

With a selection of resorts, Virginia Beach makes a nice vacation spot. 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.

Glacier National Park has a few great resort options. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.


Is Virginia Beach or Glacier National Park Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Glacier National Park

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its beaches. However, Glacier National Park is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Glacier National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Glacier National Park Better for Hiking?

Virginia Beach
Glacier National Park

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

Many visitors go to Glacier National Park for the hiking trails. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Glacier National Park?

Virginia Beach
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Glacier National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Glacier National Park More Beautiful?

Virginia Beach
Glacier National Park

Glacier 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 Glacier National Park because of it's amazing beauty. This is one of the most stunning national parks in the United States with its many pristine lakes, striking mountain peaks, and breathtaking views.

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 Glacier National Park Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Glacier National Park

Virginia Beach is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Virginia Beach is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly coastal city. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Is Virginia Beach or Glacier National Park Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Glacier National Park

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

Glacier National Park is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

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 Glacier National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Virginia Beach
Glacier National Park

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

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Glacier National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Glacier National Park Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Glacier National Park

Virginia Beach is a popular place for students. However, Glacier 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.

Glacier National Park is not popular with students.

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

Virginia Beach
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

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


Is Virginia Beach or Glacier National Park a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Glacier National Park

Virginia Beach is a moderate coastal city for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its high level of 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.

Glacier National Park is not a very walkable coastal city. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

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

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

How long in Virginia Beach or Glacier National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Virginia Beach and Glacier National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Glacier National Park. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Glacier National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Glacier 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 Glacier National Park.


  • How many days in Virginia Beach or Glacier National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Virginia Beach 5-7 
    Glacier National Park 2-3

One day in Virginia Beach or Glacier National Park?

In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Glacier 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 Glacier National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Virginia Beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

Glacier 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 Glacier National Park?

Virginia Beach is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glacier 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 Glacier National Park?

In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the park of Glacier 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, Glacier 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
    Glacier National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Virginia Beach $148
    Glacier National Park $148

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



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Glacier National Park $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Glacier National Park $112
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Glacier National Park

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach or Glacier 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 Glacier 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
    Glacier National Park $69
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 Glacier National Park?

Prices for flights to both Glacier 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
    Glacier National Park $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Glacier National Park $34

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 Glacier National Park

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

  • Combo Tour: Driving and Snowshoe Trek of Glacier National Park: $250
  • Doris Lake Hike and Pack Raft Adventure: $219
  • Driving Tour West Glacier National Park (excludes Sun Road): $245
  • Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $250
  • E Bike Tour in Glacier National Park Cammas Road: $229
  • Full Day Whitewater Adventure Trip with Included Lunch: $159
  • Fun and Romantic Pottery Experience for Couples: $275
  • Glacier National Park Going-to-the-Sun Road Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Glacier National Park North Fork Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: $16
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Many Glacier Self-Guided Audio Tour in Glacier National Park: $9.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Virginia Beach $11
    Glacier National Park $8.41


When comparing the travel costs between Virginia Beach and Glacier National Park, we can see that Glacier National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Glacier National Park Expensive?.