A Travel Price Comparison for Virginia Arlington vs. Shenandoah National Park for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Arlington or Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Shenandoah National Park

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

Arlington and Shenandoah National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shenandoah National Park. Although Arlington and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations, Shenandoah National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Shenandoah National Park is very popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Arlington attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Arlington is famous for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Shenandoah National Park is famous for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. It is also well known for Skyline Drive.

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

Is Arlington or Shenandoah National Park Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Arlington 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".

Arlington is not a skiing destination.

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

Arlington 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 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.

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

Arlington is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Shenandoah National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Arlington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

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 Arlington or Shenandoah National Park Better for Nightlife?

Arlington is great for its evening party scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Arlington for the nightlife scene. 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.

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 Arlington or Shenandoah National Park Better for Hiking?

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

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

Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Shenandoah National Park?

Arlington is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for shopping.

Arlington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

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 Arlington or Shenandoah National Park Better for Families?

Shenandoah 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 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.

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 Shenandoah National Park Better for Couples?

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

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

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 Shenandoah National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shenandoah 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 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.

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 Shenandoah National Park Better for Students?

Arlington is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Shenandoah National Park is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Arlington. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Shenandoah National Park is not popular with students.

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

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

Arlington has a great public transit system. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

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

Is Arlington or Shenandoah National Park a more walkable city?

Arlington is great for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination 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.

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

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

How long in Arlington or Shenandoah National Park?

In either Arlington 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 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 Shenandoah National Park.

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

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

One day in Arlington or Shenandoah National Park?

With food and shopping around the international city of Arlington, there's plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find skiing and food around the national park of Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park?

With shopping and museums around the historical destination of Arlington, there's plenty to do. 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.

You'll find food and skiing around the serene destination of Shenandoah 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 national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Shenandoah National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the educational city of Arlington. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find skiing and food around the breathtaking national park of Shenandoah National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national 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 national park has to offer.

A week in Arlington or Shenandoah National Park?

Arlington is a great place to explore. 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 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arlington and Shenandoah National Park, we can see that Arlington is more expensive. And not only is Shenandoah National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shenandoah National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park Expensive?.

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Shenandoah National Park. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arlington this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In July, Arlington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Shenandoah National Park. Arlington 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 Arlington or Shenandoah National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Shenandoah National Park. Many travelers come to Arlington for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Arlington usually gets less rain in October than Shenandoah National Park. Arlington 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 Arlington or Shenandoah National Park in the Winter?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Arlington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Shenandoah National Park can be very cold during winter. Arlington can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Arlington is generally much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 35°F (1°C), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 32°F (-0°C).

In January, Arlington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Shenandoah National Park. Arlington 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 Arlington or Shenandoah National Park in the Spring?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Arlington during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the natural beauty.

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

Arlington usually gets less rain in April than Shenandoah National Park. Arlington 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 Arlington