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

Should you visit Asheville or Zion 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 Zion 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 progressive, open-minded, and eclectic mountain town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a breathtaking, stunning, and world-renowned park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Asheville and Zion National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Both Zion National Park and Asheville have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Asheville is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Zion National Park attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Zion National Park is more touristy than Asheville and is known for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate.

How is Asheville different from Zion National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Zion 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 Zion National Park?

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

Zion National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Asheville offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Zion National Park. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

Is Asheville or Zion National Park Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is well known for nightlife. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Asheville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Zion National Park Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

Is Asheville or Zion National Park Better for Music?

Asheville is well known for live music. However, Zion National Park is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Asheville. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Zion National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Zion National Park Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its luxury resorts.

Asheville has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Zion National Park offers a few options. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

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

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its historic old town. However, Zion National Park does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Zion National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Zion National Park Better for Hiking?

Zion National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Zion National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Zion National Park?

Asheville is well known for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Asheville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Is Asheville or Zion National Park Better for Christmas?

Asheville is well known for its Christmas activities. However, Zion National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Asheville. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Zion National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Asheville or Zion National Park Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its Christmas markets. However, Zion National Park does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville is a good spot to see some Christmas markets. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Zion National Park does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Asheville or Zion National Park Better for Families?

Both Asheville and Zion National Park are great family-friendly destinations.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly mountain town. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Zion National Park. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

Is Asheville or Zion National Park Better for Couples?

Asheville and Zion National Park both great 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.

Zion National Park is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

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

Zion 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 Zion National Park. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase 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 Zion National Park Better for Students?

Asheville is well known for students. However, Zion National Park is not popular with students.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit as a student. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Zion National Park is not popular with students.

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

Zion National Park is a good destination for its public transit. However, Asheville is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Zion National Park, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

Public transit is mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Is Asheville or Zion National Park a more walkable city?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Asheville is somewhat walkable. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

Zion National Park is not a very walkable mountain town. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

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

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

How long in Asheville or Zion National Park?

Both Asheville and Zion National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zion National Park than in Asheville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 3-7 days is enough time in Zion National Park.

Families should spend more time in Asheville than Zion 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 Zion 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.

One day in Asheville or Zion National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the eclectic destination of Asheville. This mountain town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

Asheville is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the eclectic mountain town of Asheville. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Asheville has to offer.

You'll find around the breathtaking destination of Zion 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 Asheville or Zion National Park?

Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Asheville. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days 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.

You'll find around the stunning park of Zion 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 Asheville or Zion National Park?

Asheville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Zion National Park is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zion National Park, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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