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

Should you visit Austin 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 Austin 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.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. This is a very beautiful destination, too. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and shopping.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a grand, impressive, and monumental park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for beaches and hiking.

Austin and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
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


Is there more to do in Austin or Redwood National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Austin than Redwood National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Austin is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Redwood National Park is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Redwood National Park is more touristy than Austin and is known for being the home of the world's tallest trees. 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 Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Austin
Redwood National Park

Austin 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 Austin. 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

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

Austin
Redwood National Park

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Austin, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

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 Austin or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Austin
Redwood National Park

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Austin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

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

Is Austin or Redwood National Park Better for Music?

Austin
Redwood National Park

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Redwood 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.

Redwood National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Austin or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Austin
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Austin 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.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Austin or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Austin
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for hiking.

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.

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 Redwood National Park?

Austin
Redwood National Park

Austin is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known 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 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 Austin or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Austin
Redwood National Park

Redwood 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.

Redwood National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Austin
Redwood National Park

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

Couples visit Redwood National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin
Redwood National Park

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

Redwood National Park is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Students?

Austin
Redwood National Park

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

Many students visit Austin. 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.

Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

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

Austin
Redwood National Park

Austin is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known 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 Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Austin or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Austin
Redwood National Park

Austin is a city with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known 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.

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

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

How long in Austin or Redwood National Park?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Austin than Redwood 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 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 Austin.


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

One day in Austin or Redwood National Park?

In Austin, you'll find food and shopping. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Redwood 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 Redwood National Park?

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

Redwood National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Austin or Redwood National Park?

Austin 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Redwood National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Austin or Redwood National Park?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the unconventional destination of Austin. 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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the grand destination of Redwood National Park. This 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 Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Redwood National Park or Austin?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Austin is $142, 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 Austin and Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Austin $56
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Austin $112
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Austin and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Austin 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 Austin


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: Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Austin $47
    Redwood National Park $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Austin Airport Group Pickup / Transfer up to 1 hour away.: $150
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $96
  • Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80

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

Prices for flights to both Redwood National Park and Austin 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
    Austin $35
    Redwood National Park $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.

  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups: $95
  • Secret Food Tour: $97
  • Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $107
  • The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125
  • Private Guided Food Tour of Austin Neighborhoods: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Austin $28
    Redwood National Park $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin

Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Austin Duck Tour
    $31

Tours and Activities in Austin

Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Round Rock by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Austin,TX: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Austin Trails Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Downtown Austin Haunted History Tour: $24
  • The Ghosts of Austin Walking Tour: $25
  • Family-Friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour: $25
  • Ha Ha Haunted Austin Walking Ghost Tour: $26
  • Private 1 Hour Axe Throwing Experience in Texas: $27
  • Haunted Austin Walking History Tour: $28
  • City and Hill Country Non-Stop Tour in a Mercedes: $30
  • Forest Mindfulness and Embodiment Experience: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Austin $28
    Redwood National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

  • Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl: $12
  • Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Austin Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $44
  • From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $65
  • Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
  • 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
  • The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $125
  • Half-Day Private Texas Hill Country Wine Tour from Austin: $143
  • Brewery 5K Fun Run, BBQ, and Texas History Museum in Austin : $175


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Austin and Redwood National Park, we can see that Austin 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 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 Redwood 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 Redwood National Park Expensive?.



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

Both Redwood National Park and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Austin is generally much warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 87°F (30°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Redwood National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. Austin usually receives more sunshine than Redwood National Park during summer. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 274 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Austin usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Austin 87°F (30°C) 
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C)

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

Both Redwood National Park and Austin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Austin in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Austin is much warmer than Redwood National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 73°F (23°C) in October, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. In the autumn, Austin often gets more sunshine than Redwood National Park. Austin gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 177 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets more rain in October than Redwood National Park. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Austin 73°F (23°C) 
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Redwood National Park. Most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Austin is a little warmer than Redwood National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Austin in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Austin usually receives more sunshine than Redwood National Park during winter. Austin gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

Redwood National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Austin usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Austin 51°F (11°C) 
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Austin as well as Redwood National Park. The spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

In April, Austin is generally much warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 71°F (22°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In the spring, Austin often gets less sunshine than Redwood National Park. Austin gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 254 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets more rain in April than Redwood National Park. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Austin 71°F (22°C) 
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Austin

Austin Redwood National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Jul 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Oct 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm)