A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Death Valley National Park for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Hiking

Should you visit Washington or Death Valley National Park?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Death Valley National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Washington

Washington is a international, diverse, and active city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, Washington attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Washington travel costs.

Death Valley National Park

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

Washington and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Washington than Death Valley National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Washington is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Death Valley National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Washington is well known for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. Also, Washington is famous for The Washington Monument and the White House. Death Valley National Park is well known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

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

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

Washington is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Washington on the map. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

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.

Is Washington or Death Valley National Park Better for Theater?

Washington is a well-known place for its shows and theatre. However, Death Valley National Park is not a theatre destination.

Washington has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Death Valley National Park is not a theatre destination.

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

Washington is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Washington has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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 Washington or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Washington is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

Washington offers plenty to do in the evening. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

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 Washington or Death Valley National Park Better for Music?

Washington is very good for its music scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Death Valley National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Washington or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Washington is not a resort destination.

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.

Washington is not a resort destination.

Is Washington or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park is great for hiking. However, Washington is not a good destination for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Is the Shopping Better in Washington or Death Valley National Park?

Washington is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

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.

Is Washington or Death Valley National Park More Beautiful?

Death Valley National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

The beauty of Washington is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is particularly beautiful when it lights up at night or when the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom.

Is Washington or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Washington or Death Valley National Park.

Washington is a very family-friendly destination. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

Death Valley National Park is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Washington or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Both Washington and Death Valley National Park are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Washington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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

Death Valley National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Death Valley National Park. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.

Is Washington or Death Valley National Park Better for Students?

Washington is renowned for students. However, Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Washington. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

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

Washington is renowned for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Washington has a great public transit system. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Washington or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Washington is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Washington on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

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

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

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

How long in Washington or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Washington or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Washington due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Washington, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Washington than Death Valley 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 Washington.

One day in Washington or Death Valley National Park?

Each neighborhood in Washington has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

With around the striking national park of Death Valley National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Washington or Death Valley National Park?

Each neighborhood in Washington has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

With around the destination of Death Valley National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Five days in Washington or Death Valley National Park?

Each neighborhood in Washington has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This city offers something for everyone.

Death Valley National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Washington or Death Valley National Park?

Each neighborhood in Washington has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Death Valley National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Washington and Death Valley National Park, we can see that Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive? and Is Death Valley National Park Expensive?.