A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Winston-Salem vs. Yosemite National Park for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a friendly, under-rated, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Winston-Salem travel costs.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a breathtaking, popular, and world-famous national park. You'll find world class beauty in Yosemite National Park as well. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Yosemite National Park travel costs.

Winston-Salem and Yosemite National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to El Capitan
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yosemite National Park. Although Winston-Salem and Yosemite National Park are popular destinations, Yosemite National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yosemite National Park is very popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Winston-Salem attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Yosemite National Park is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. It is also well known for El Capitan. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Yosemite National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Yosemite National Park and Winston-Salem. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park?

Winston-Salem
Yosemite National Park

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Winston-Salem. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
Yosemite National Park

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Winston-Salem area. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

Yosemite National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.

Is Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Yosemite National Park

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Yosemite National Park. There are some bars near the park that make a nice spot to grab a drink.

Is Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park Better for Resorts?

Winston-Salem
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is notable for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Yosemite National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.


Is Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
Yosemite National Park

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Yosemite National Park does not have a historic old town.

Winston-Salem offers a nice historic old town area. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Yosemite National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park Better for Hiking?

Winston-Salem
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

People visit Yosemite National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park?

Winston-Salem
Yosemite National Park

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to go shopping. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park More Beautiful?

Winston-Salem
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Yosemite National Park as well. This park has a sense of natural beauty that's hard to find anywhere else in the world. The breathtaking landscapes, surreal waterfalls, and stunning granite rock formations are unlike any other park or setting.

Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Yosemite National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly city. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Yosemite National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.


Is Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Winston-Salem
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is renowned for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Yosemite National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.

Is Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Yosemite National Park

Winston-Salem is a popular place for students. However, Yosemite National Park is not popular with students.

Winston-Salem is a good city to visit for students. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Yosemite National Park is not popular with students.

Is Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Winston-Salem
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a popular place for its public transit. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Yosemite National Park has a few public transit options. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

Public transit is mostly limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.


Is Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Yosemite National Park

Winston-Salem and Yosemite National Park both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Winston-Salem is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

Yosemite National Park is generally not a very walkable city. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Yosemite National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yosemite National Park or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park?

Both Winston-Salem and Yosemite National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yosemite National Park than in Winston-Salem. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 3-7 days is enough time in Yosemite National Park.

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

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


  • How many days in Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Winston-Salem 1-2 
    Yosemite National Park 3-7

One day in Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park?

The city of Winston-Salem offers museums and nightlife. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Yosemite National Park. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park?

The under-rated destination of Winston-Salem offers nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yosemite National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


Five days in Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Winston-Salem. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the popular destination of Yosemite National Park. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park?

Winston-Salem is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Winston-Salem. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful national park of Yosemite National Park. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Yosemite National Park or Winston-Salem?

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

  • Winston-Salem Prices
    USA Prices
    Yosemite National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Winston-Salem $181
    Yosemite National Park $158

The average daily cost (per person) in Winston-Salem is $181, while the average daily cost in Yosemite National Park is $158. 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 Winston-Salem and Yosemite National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Yosemite National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Yosemite National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Yosemite National Park

Looking for a hotel in Winston-Salem or Yosemite 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 Winston-Salem


Hotels in Yosemite 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: Winston-Salem Hotel Prices and Yosemite National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Yosemite National Park $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Winston-Salem or Yosemite National Park?

Prices for flights to both Yosemite National Park and Winston-Salem 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
    Winston-Salem $73
    Yosemite National Park $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Yosemite National Park $19

Tours and Activities in Winston-Salem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Winston-Salem are as follows:

  • Old Salem's Ghost Self Guided Outside Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Winston-Salem Historic Guided Walking Tour: $19
  • Winston-Salem True Crime Tour: $19
  • Winston Salem African American History Tour: $19
  • Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour: $26

Tours and Activities in Yosemite National Park

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

  • Yosemite National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $17
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yosemite: $20
  • The Evolution of Yosemite 3 Hour Walking Tour: $140
  • The Evolution of Yosemite 3 Hour Hiking Tour: $140
  • Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour: $180
  • Big Trees Hike & Riverside Cookout Adventure: $180
  • Yosemite Winter Highlights Small Group Tour: $200
  • Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour: $210
  • Semi Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch and Hotel Pickup: $250
  • Private Yosemite Valley Tour & Roosevelt Cookout: $270
  • Yosemite Team Building Adventure Hike: $293
  • Yosemite Family Explorers - Customizable Private Tour: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Yosemite National Park $11


When comparing the travel costs between Winston-Salem and Yosemite National Park, we can see that Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem Expensive? and Is Yosemite National Park Expensive?.