A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and Joshua Tree National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a quaint, charming, and picturesque coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a fascinating, adventurous, and unique national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking.

Bar Harbor and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bar Harbor than Joshua Tree National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bar Harbor is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Joshua Tree National Park is more popular for its museums and hiking. Bar Harbor is well known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Also, Bar Harbor is famous for Acadia National Park. Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Bar Harbor different from Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park?

Joshua Tree National Park is a moderate national park for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Bar Harbor has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park offer decent nightlife.

People don't go to Bar Harbor for the nightlife. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Joshua Tree National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Bar Harbor has a few great resort options. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Bar Harbor. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Joshua Tree National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

Bar Harbor offers some nice hiking trails. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park?

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Joshua Tree National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly coastal town. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Both Bar Harbor and Joshua Tree National Park are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bar Harbor is a very popular place to visit for couples. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Joshua Tree National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree National Park is terrific for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Joshua Tree National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

Is Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bar Harbor is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Bar Harbor is a very walkable destination. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable coastal town. You need a car to truly explore the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park than Bar Harbor 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

One day in Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park?

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

With around the unique national park of Joshua Tree National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park?

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

With around the destination of Joshua Tree National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park?

Bar Harbor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Joshua Tree National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or Joshua Tree National Park?

Bar Harbor is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

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