A Travel Price Comparison for Virginia Alexandria vs. Shenandoah National Park for Backpackers, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Alexandria or Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah 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. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a scenic, breathtaking, and serene national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Alexandria and Shenandoah National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Alexandria. Although Alexandria and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations, Alexandria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alexandria is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Shenandoah National Park attracts visitors for its skiing and hiking. Alexandria is famous for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Mount Vernon. Shenandoah National Park is famous for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails.

How is Alexandria different from Shenandoah National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Alexandria or Shenandoah National Park Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for skiing. However, Alexandria is not a skiing destination.

Head to Shenandoah National Park for some great skiing and other winter activities. You'll find skiing and snowboarding at nearby Massanutten Resort, which is near Harrisonburg, Virginia. It's a family-friendly setting with slopes that are classified as "easiest", "more difficult", and "most difficult".

Alexandria is not a skiing destination.

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

Alexandria is great for its historical sights. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Shenandoah National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people spend their time outdoors enjoying the setting, there are museums in the area, as well as visitor centers that have exhibits and informative displays.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Alexandria and Shenandoah National Park can be an enjoyable experience.

Alexandria is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Shenandoah National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

Is Alexandria or Shenandoah National Park Better for Nightlife?

Alexandria is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Alexandria has a few options to choose from. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Most people don't head to Shenandoah National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.

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

Alexandria is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Shenandoah National Park does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Alexandria is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Shenandoah National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Alexandria or Shenandoah National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Shenandoah National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are more than 500 miles of trails in the park that pass through varied landscapes and take you to beautiful viewpoints. Visitors range from weekend visitors to long term hikers who come to experience the breathtaking beauty and serene setting.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Shenandoah National Park?

Alexandria is great for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.

Is Alexandria or Shenandoah National Park Better for Families?

Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park. There are tons of kid-friendly hikes to overlooks or waterfalls. Kids will love scrambling over the rocks or running through the forest. There are also plenty of campgrounds where families can hang out, toast marshmallows and enjoy some quality time together.

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 Shenandoah National Park Better for Couples?

Alexandria and Shenandoah National Park both very good 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature will love a visit to the park. There are beautiful views and scenic spots that will make for a wonderful and romantic trip. Hiking, biking, and exploring will fill your time with adventure and fun.

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

Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers love the hiking trails and backcountry camping. Many people head to the park to escape into nature and enjoy some low key time in a serene setting.

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

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

Alexandria is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

Alexandria has a great public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

Is Alexandria or Shenandoah National Park a more walkable city?

Alexandria is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Shenandoah National Park is not a walkable city. While there are plenty of hiking trails, a car is a must to reach most trailheads.

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

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

How long in Alexandria or Shenandoah National Park?

In either Alexandria or Shenandoah National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Alexandria than Shenandoah 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.

One day in Alexandria or Shenandoah National Park?

With food and shopping around the historic city of Alexandria, there's plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food and skiing around the scenic national park of Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park?

With shopping and museums around the historic destination of Alexandria, there's plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With skiing and food around the destination of Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming city of Alexandria. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Shenandoah National Park, a popular national 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 national park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Alexandria or Shenandoah National Park?

Alexandria is a great place to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Shenandoah 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.

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

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

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

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

Both Shenandoah National Park and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Alexandria is around the same temperature as Shenandoah National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In July, Alexandria usually receives around the same amount of rain as Shenandoah National Park. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Shenandoah National Park and Alexandria during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shenandoah National Park this time of year.

In the autumn, Alexandria is a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Shenandoah National Park averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Shenandoah National Park. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Shenandoah National Park. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shenandoah National Park. It's quite cold in Alexandria in the winter. In January, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 35°F (1°C), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 32°F (-0°C).

In January, Alexandria usually receives around the same amount of rain as Shenandoah National Park. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Shenandoah National Park. Many travelers come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Alexandria is a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Shenandoah National Park. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Shenandoah National Park and Alexandria