A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Yosemite National Park vs. Salt Lake City for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City?

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

Should I visit Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City? 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.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a popular, world-famous, and stunning national park. Yosemite National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Yosemite National Park travel costs.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a notable, religious, and architectural city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Salt Lake City travel costs.

Yosemite National Park and Salt Lake City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yosemite National Park. Although Yosemite National Park and Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping. Yosemite National Park is more touristy than Salt Lake City and is popular for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. It is also well known for El Capitan. Salt Lake City is famous for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population.

How is Yosemite National Park different from Salt Lake City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Salt Lake City offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City area. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

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 Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Nightlife?

Both Yosemite National Park and Salt Lake City are reasonable when it comes to partying.

Most people don't head to Yosemite National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are some bars near the park that make a nice spot to grab a drink.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Salt Lake City. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

Is Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Resorts?

Yosemite National Park is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Yosemite National Park. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

Is Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Salt Lake City is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Yosemite National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Salt Lake City has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Yosemite National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Hiking?

Yosemite National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit Yosemite National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

Salt Lake City has hiking trails worth exploring. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Salt Lake City to go shopping. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City More Beautiful?

Yosemite National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Salt Lake City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Yosemite National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Salt Lake City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Families?

Yosemite National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Yosemite National Park. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Salt Lake City. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

Is Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Couples?

Yosemite National Park is a very popular place for couples. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Yosemite National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Salt Lake City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

Is Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yosemite National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Yosemite National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

Salt Lake City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in town, but most backpackers overlook this destination or breeze through town quickly.

Is Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Yosemite National Park and Salt Lake City offer nice public transit options.

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

Salt Lake City has some public transit options. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

Is Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City a more walkable city?

Yosemite National Park and Salt Lake City both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

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

Salt Lake City is generally not a very walkable national park. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Yosemite National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Salt Lake City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salt Lake City or Yosemite National Park?

How long in Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City?

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

Families should spend more time in Yosemite National Park than Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Yosemite National Park that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yosemite National Park than Salt Lake City 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 Yosemite National Park.

One day in Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City?

In Yosemite 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.

The city of Salt Lake City offers museums and food. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City?

Yosemite National Park is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The religious destination of Salt Lake City offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Five days in Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yosemite National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salt Lake City. 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.

A week in Yosemite National Park or Salt Lake City?

In Yosemite National Park, you'll find . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yosemite National Park Expensive? and Is Salt Lake City Expensive?.