A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Baltimore vs. Shenandoah National Park for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Baltimore or Shenandoah National Park?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Shenandoah National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a beautiful, scenic, and breathtaking national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Baltimore and Shenandoah National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Shenandoah National Park are both popular with visitors, Baltimore has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Baltimore is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Shenandoah National Park is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Baltimore is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also home to the National Aquarium. Shenandoah National Park is popular for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails.

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

Is Baltimore or Shenandoah National Park Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is very good for winter skiing. However, Baltimore is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Shenandoah National Park is a great destination to visit. 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".

Baltimore is not a skiing destination.

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

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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

Baltimore 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.

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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 Baltimore or Shenandoah National Park Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Baltimore for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 Baltimore or Shenandoah National Park Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Shenandoah National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Shenandoah National Park?

Baltimore is great for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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 Baltimore or Shenandoah National Park Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Baltimore or Shenandoah National Park.

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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.

Is Baltimore or Shenandoah National Park Better for Couples?

Shenandoah National Park is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Baltimore or Shenandoah National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shenandoah National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Baltimore 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 Shenandoah National Park. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

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

Baltimore offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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

Is Baltimore or Shenandoah National Park a more walkable city?

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

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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

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

How long in Baltimore or Shenandoah National Park?

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

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

One day in Baltimore or Shenandoah National Park?

With food and shopping around the colorful city of Baltimore, 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 Baltimore or Shenandoah National Park?

With shopping and museums around the colorful destination of Baltimore, 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 scenic 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 Baltimore or Shenandoah National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse city of Baltimore. 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 scenic 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 Baltimore or Shenandoah National Park?

Baltimore 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 The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baltimore and Shenandoah National Park, we can see that Baltimore 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 Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive? and Is Shenandoah National Park Expensive?.

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

Both Shenandoah National Park and Baltimore during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Baltimore is around the same temperature as Shenandoah National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Shenandoah National Park averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually gets more rain in July than Shenandoah National Park. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Shenandoah National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Shenandoah National Park. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Baltimore is generally around the same temperature as Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In October, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Shenandoah National Park. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Baltimore or Shenandoah National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Shenandoah National Park. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Shenandoah National Park can be very cold. Baltimore can be very cold during winter. Baltimore is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 32°F (-0°C).

Baltimore usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Shenandoah National Park. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Shenandoah National Park in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Baltimore is around the same temperature as Shenandoah National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baltimore in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Shenandoah National Park averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In April, Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of rain as Shenandoah National Park. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Shenandoah National Park and Baltimore