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

Should you visit Arlington or Redwood National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Redwood National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Arlington

Arlington is a educational, international, and historical city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a monumental, grand, and impressive park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Arlington and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Home to Arlington National Cemetery
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 Arlington or Redwood National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arlington. Although Arlington and Redwood National Park are popular destinations, Arlington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arlington is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Redwood National Park attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Arlington is famous for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. It is also well known for Arlington National Cemetery. Redwood National Park is famous for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

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

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

Arlington
Redwood National Park

Arlington 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 Arlington. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

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 Arlington or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arlington
Redwood National Park

Arlington is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Arlington is an experience not to be missed. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

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 Arlington or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Arlington
Redwood National Park

Arlington is well known for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Arlington is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

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

Is Arlington or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Arlington
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

Redwood National Park has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Arlington is not a beach destination.


Is Arlington or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Arlington
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Redwood National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Redwood National Park?

Arlington
Redwood National Park

Arlington is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Arlington to go shopping. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

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 Arlington or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Arlington
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington 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 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.


Is Arlington or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Arlington
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

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

Arlington
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Is Arlington or Redwood National Park Better for Students?

Arlington
Redwood National Park

Arlington is well known for students. However, Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

Many students visit Arlington. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Redwood National Park is not popular with students.


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

Arlington
Redwood National Park

Arlington 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 Arlington is top-notch. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

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

Is Arlington or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Arlington
Redwood National Park

Arlington is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Arlington is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

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 Arlington Worth Visiting? and Is Redwood National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Arlington or Redwood National Park?

In either Arlington 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 Arlington because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Arlington, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

Families should spend more time in Redwood National Park than Arlington. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington 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 Arlington.


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

One day in Arlington or Redwood National Park?

In Arlington, you'll find shopping and museums. 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.

You'll find around the park of Redwood National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Arlington or Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arlington. 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.

You'll find around the impressive destination of Redwood National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Redwood National Park?

Arlington is a fun place to experience. 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.

You'll find around the monumental park of Redwood National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer.

A week in Arlington or Redwood National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the educational destination of Arlington. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Redwood National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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


Which place is cheaper, Redwood National Park or Arlington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Arlington is $264, while the average daily cost in Redwood National Park is $111. 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 Arlington and Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arlington $131
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arlington $262
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Arlington and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Arlington 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 Arlington


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: Arlington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arlington $49
    Redwood National Park $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arlington

Also for Arlington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ronald Reagan DCA Airport Transfers: $160

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

Prices for flights to both Redwood National Park and Arlington 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
    Arlington $81
    Redwood National Park $33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arlington $11
    Redwood National Park $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arlington $17
    Redwood National Park $11


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

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



When is the best time to visit Arlington 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 Arlington or Redwood National Park in the Summer?

Both Redwood National Park and Arlington during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Redwood National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arlington. In the summer, Arlington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park. Arlington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 274 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets more rain in July than Redwood National Park. Arlington 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
    Arlington 79°F (26°C) 
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Redwood National Park. Many visitors come to Arlington in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

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

In October, Arlington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Redwood National Park. Arlington 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
    Arlington 60°F (15°C) 
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Redwood National Park. Most visitors come to Arlington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Arlington can be very cold during winter. In January, Arlington is generally much colder than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 35°F (1°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

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

It's quite rainy in Redwood National Park. Arlington usually gets less rain in January than Redwood National Park. Arlington 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
    Arlington 35°F (1°C) 
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C)

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

Both Redwood National Park and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Redwood National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arlington. Arlington usually receives less sunshine than Redwood National Park during spring. Arlington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Arlington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Redwood National Park. Arlington 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
    Arlington 56°F (14°C) 
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Arlington

Arlington 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)