A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Virginia Beach vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Families and Couples

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches. See Virginia Beach travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a adventurous, unique, and fascinating national park. The beauty of Joshua Tree National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Virginia Beach and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Joshua Tree National Park. Although Virginia Beach and Joshua Tree National Park are both popular with visitors, Joshua Tree National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Joshua Tree National Park is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Virginia Beach is known for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Joshua Tree National Park is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is known for its unique vegetation and large boulders. It is also home to Cholla Cactus Garden. Virginia Beach is popular for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach 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 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

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

While most people don't head to Joshua Tree National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Virginia Beach is a decent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

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 Virginia Beach or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach is a coastal city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

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 Virginia Beach or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach is a coastal city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach is a coastal city with good options for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Virginia 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is terrific for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Joshua Tree National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

Shopping in Joshua Tree National Park can be found for those interested. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

Joshua Tree National Park is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its scenery and beauty.

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.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Virginia Beach and Joshua Tree National Park are both high quality 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Virginia Beach or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

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

Joshua Tree National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Joshua Tree National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Students?

Virginia Beach is a coastal city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

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

Neither Virginia Beach or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Virginia Beach or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

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

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

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

How long in Virginia Beach or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Virginia Beach or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

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

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

One day in Virginia Beach or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the bustling coastal city of Virginia Beach. 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, 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Virginia Beach. 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.

Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Virginia Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

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

A week in Virginia Beach or Joshua Tree National Park?

Virginia Beach is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the national park of Joshua Tree National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Virginia Beach and Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Joshua Tree National Park is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.