A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Alexandria vs. Redwood National Park for Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Alexandria or Redwood National Park?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Alexandria and Redwood National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a monumental, grand, and impressive park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Alexandria and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Alexandria or Redwood National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Alexandria. Although Alexandria and Redwood National Park are popular destinations, Alexandria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alexandria is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Redwood National Park attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Alexandria is famous for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Mount Vernon. Redwood National Park is famous for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

How is Alexandria different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alexandria or Redwood National Park?

Alexandria
Redwood National Park

Alexandria is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Alexandria. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.


Is the Food Better in Alexandria or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alexandria
Redwood National Park

Alexandria is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Alexandria area. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Alexandria or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Alexandria
Redwood National Park

Alexandria is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Alexandria has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Alexandria or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Alexandria
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a good destination for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Redwood National Park offers a nice beach destination. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.


Is Alexandria or Redwood National Park Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria
Redwood National Park

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Redwood National Park does not have a historic old town.

Alexandria offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Redwood National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Alexandria or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Alexandria
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Redwood National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Redwood National Park?

Alexandria
Redwood National Park

Alexandria is well known for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.


Is Alexandria or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Alexandria
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Redwood National Park. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Alexandria or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Alexandria
Redwood National Park

Alexandria and Redwood National Park both excellent destinations for a couple.

Alexandria is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Redwood National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

Is Alexandria or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alexandria
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Redwood National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.


Is Alexandria or Redwood National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alexandria
Redwood National Park

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Alexandria is top-notch. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Alexandria or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Alexandria
Redwood National Park

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Getting around Alexandria on foot is easy. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Alexandria Worth Visiting? and Is Redwood National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Redwood National Park or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Redwood National Park?

In either Alexandria or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Redwood National Park than Alexandria because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alexandria, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Redwood 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 Alexandria.


  • How many days in Alexandria or Redwood National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Alexandria 2-4 
    Redwood National Park 3-5

One day in Alexandria or Redwood National Park?

In Alexandria, you'll find shopping and museums. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

With around the monumental park of Redwood National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Alexandria or Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alexandria. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

With around the destination of Redwood National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Alexandria or Redwood National Park?

Alexandria is a fun place to experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Redwood National Park, a popular park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Alexandria or Redwood National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Alexandria. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Redwood National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Redwood National Park or Alexandria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Redwood National Park is $0.00. 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 Alexandria and Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $38
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $76
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Redwood 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 Alexandria


Hotels in Redwood 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: Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria -
    Redwood National Park -

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Redwood National Park?

Prices for flights to both Redwood National Park and Alexandria 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
    Alexandria -
    Redwood National Park -

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria -
    Redwood National Park -

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Alexandria.

  • Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Phantoms of the Potomac Walking Tour: $26
  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $38
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127
  • Private Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon: $165
  • Philadelphia Tour from Alexandria by Rail: $329

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria -
    Redwood National Park -

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Alexandria:

  • Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35


When comparing the travel costs between Alexandria and Redwood National Park, we can see that Alexandria 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 Alexandria Expensive? and Is Redwood National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Alexandria or Redwood National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Alexandria or Redwood National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Redwood National Park. The summer months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

Alexandria is much warmer than Redwood National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alexandria this time of the year. In the summer, Alexandria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park. Alexandria gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 274 hours of full sun.

Alexandria usually gets more rain in July than Redwood National Park. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C) 
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Redwood National Park in the Autumn?

Both Redwood National Park and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Alexandria is a little warmer than Redwood National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 55°F (13°C).

Alexandria usually receives more sunshine than Redwood National Park during autumn. Alexandria gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Alexandria usually receives around the same amount of rain as Redwood National Park. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C) 
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Redwood National Park in the Winter?

Both Redwood National Park and Alexandria during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Alexandria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alexandria. In January, Alexandria is generally much colder than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 35°F (1°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Alexandria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park. Alexandria gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 135 hours of full sun.

Redwood National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alexandria usually gets less rain in January than Redwood National Park. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C) 
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Redwood National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Redwood National Park. Many visitors come to Alexandria in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Alexandria is a little warmer than Redwood National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Redwood National Park this time of the year. In Alexandria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alexandria usually receives less sunshine than Redwood National Park during spring. Alexandria gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Alexandria usually receives around the same amount of rain as Redwood National Park. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C) 
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Alexandria

Alexandria Redwood National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm)


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