A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Denali National Park for Backpackers, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Asheville or Denali 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 Asheville and Denali 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.

Asheville

Asheville is a open-minded, eclectic, and outdoorsy mountain town. Asheville is a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Asheville travel costs.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a spectacular, epic, and vast park. The famous beauty of Denali National Park is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Denali National Park travel costs.

Asheville and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Denali National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Asheville than Denali National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Asheville is better known for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Denali National Park is more popular for its museums and attractions and impressive beauty. Denali National Park is more touristy than Asheville and is popular for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife. Asheville is well known for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue. Also, Asheville is famous for The Biltmore Estate.

How is Asheville different from Denali National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Denali National Park?

Denali National Park is a park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Asheville has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Denali National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is Asheville or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is a great mountain town for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Asheville has something for everybody. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is Asheville or Denali National Park Better for Music?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its live music scene. However, Denali National Park is not a live music destination.

Asheville has a thriving music scene. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Denali National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

There are notable resorts to choose from in both Asheville and Denali National Park.

With a selection of resorts, Asheville makes a nice vacation spot. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Denali National Park has a few great resort options. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.

Is Asheville or Denali National Park Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is adequate for its old town. However, Denali National Park does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Asheville. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Denali National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Asheville is a great mountain town for hiking. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Asheville for the hiking trails. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Denali National Park has hiking trails worth exploring. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Denali National Park?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Asheville is well-known for its shopping. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Denali National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.

Is Asheville or Denali National Park More Beautiful?

Denali National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Denali National Park is one of the main draws. Home to the highest peak in North America, the park is famous for its dramatic beauty and rugged landscapes.

Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Is Asheville or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Asheville is very family-friendly. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Denali National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.

Is Asheville or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Asheville and Denali National Park both high quality destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Denali National Park is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

Is Asheville or Denali National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Denali National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Denali National Park. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Is Asheville or Denali National Park Better for Students?

Asheville is a great mountain town for its student-friendly activities. However, Denali National Park is not popular with students.

Asheville is very popular with students. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Denali National Park is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Denali National Park.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

Public transit is mostly limited in Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.

Is Asheville or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Asheville is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

Denali National Park is not a walkable mountain town. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Asheville or Denali National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Denali National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Denali 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 Asheville.

One day in Asheville or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Asheville. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the park of Denali National Park. 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 Asheville or Denali National Park?

Asheville is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this mountain town has to offer. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find around the spectacular destination of Denali National Park. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Denali National Park?

Many people visit Asheville for five days. You'll find shopping and nightlife around the mountain town of Asheville. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the vast park of Denali National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Asheville or Denali National Park?

The outdoorsy destination of Asheville offers nightlife and live music. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Denali National Park is a popular choice for travelers. 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 The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Asheville or Denali 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 Asheville or Denali National Park in the Summer?

Both Denali National Park and Asheville during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Asheville for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Denali National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Asheville is much warmer than Denali National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets more rain in July than Denali National Park. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

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

Denali National Park can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Asheville is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Asheville in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 32°F (0°C).

In October, Asheville usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Asheville or Denali National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Denali National Park. Most visitors come to Asheville for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. In January, Asheville is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 44°F (7°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 11°F (-12°C).

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the winter. Asheville usually gets more rain in January than Denali National Park. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Denali National Park in the Spring?

Both Denali National Park and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Asheville because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the spring. Asheville is much warmer than Denali National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

It's quite rainy in Asheville. In April, Asheville usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Asheville