A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Austin vs. Death Valley National Park for Food, Backpackers, Attractions, and Hiking

Should you visit Austin or Death Valley National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Death Valley 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.

Austin

Austin is a eccentric, unconventional, and lively city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. This is a very beautiful destination, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a vast, dramatic, and striking national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking.

Austin and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Death Valley National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Austin than Death Valley National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Austin is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Death Valley National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Death Valley National Park is more touristy than Austin and is known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Also, Austin is famous for The Texas Capital.

How is Austin different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Austin or Death Valley National Park?

Austin is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Austin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Is the Food Better in Austin or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Austin has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Austin or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Austin is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

Austin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Austin or Death Valley National Park Better for Music?

Austin is renowned for its music scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a live music destination.

In Austin you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Death Valley National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park is a national park with a few options for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Austin or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Death Valley National Park. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Death Valley National Park?

Austin is very good for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Many visitors go to Austin to go shopping. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Austin or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Death Valley National Park is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Death Valley National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Austin or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Death Valley National Park is a great destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Death Valley National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Austin or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Death Valley National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Many backpackers visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Is Austin or Death Valley National Park Better for Students?

Austin is a well-known place for students. However, Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

Austin is very popular with students. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

Is Austin or Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Austin is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Austin or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Austin is a moderate city for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Austin is generally not very walkable. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable city. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Austin Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Austin?

How long in Austin or Death Valley National Park?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Death Valley 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 Austin.

One day in Austin or Death Valley National Park?

In Austin, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this unconventional destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Death Valley National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Austin or Death Valley National Park?

In Austin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Death Valley National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Austin or Death Valley National Park?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Austin. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Death Valley National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Austin or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the city of Austin. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the dramatic destination of Death Valley National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

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