A Travel Price Comparison for California Berkeley vs. Redwood National Park for Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Berkeley 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 Berkeley 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.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a diverse, quirky, and progressive city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a monumental, grand, and impressive park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking.

Berkeley and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
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
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Berkeley. Although Berkeley and Redwood National Park are popular destinations, Berkeley has more sights and attractions for tourists. Berkeley is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Redwood National Park attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Berkeley is famous for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. It is also well known for University of California Botanical Garden. Redwood National Park is famous for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Berkeley or Redwood National Park?

Berkeley
Redwood National Park

Berkeley 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 Berkeley. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.

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

Berkeley
Redwood National Park

Berkeley is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Berkeley is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

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 Berkeley or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Berkeley
Redwood National Park

Berkeley is well known for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Berkeley is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

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

Is Berkeley or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Berkeley
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is not a beach destination.


Is Berkeley or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Berkeley
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

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.

Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Berkeley or Redwood National Park?

Berkeley
Redwood National Park

Berkeley is well known for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Berkeley. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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 Berkeley or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Berkeley
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Redwood National Park is known to be 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.

Berkeley is a family-friendly city. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.


Is Berkeley or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Berkeley
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is notable for couples. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Redwood National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Berkeley is a nice destination for couples. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

Is Berkeley or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berkeley
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is renowned for backpackers. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Redwood National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. 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.

Berkeley is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

Is Berkeley or Redwood National Park Better for Students?

Berkeley
Redwood National Park

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

Many students visit Berkeley. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

Redwood National Park is not popular with students.


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

Berkeley
Redwood National Park

Berkeley is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Berkeley is top-notch. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Berkeley or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Berkeley
Redwood National Park

Berkeley is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Getting around Berkeley on foot is easy. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

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

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

How long in Berkeley or Redwood National Park?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berkeley 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 Berkeley.


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

One day in Berkeley or Redwood National Park?

In Berkeley, you'll find shopping and museums. 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.

The beautiful park of Redwood National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Berkeley or Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berkeley. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Berkeley or Redwood National Park?

Berkeley 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.

Redwood National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Redwood National Park, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Berkeley or Redwood National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the quirky destination of Berkeley. 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.

Redwood National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This park offers something for everyone.


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 Berkeley?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Berkeley is $190, 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 Berkeley and Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Berkeley $131
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berkeley $262
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Berkeley and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Berkeley 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 Berkeley


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: Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Berkeley $30
    Redwood National Park $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to San Francisco by SUV: $232
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $44
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland: $93
  • Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97
  • Private Transfer: Oakland International Airport to Hotel: $200

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

Prices for flights to both Redwood National Park and Berkeley 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
    Berkeley $36
    Redwood National Park $33
Typical Food Prices in Berkeley

Some typical examples of dining costs in Berkeley are as follows:


  • Chocolates at Sweet Dreams
    $4.46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berkeley

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

  • North 3-Hour Food Tour: $116
  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $130
  • Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Berkeley $30
    Redwood National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Berkeley

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Berkeley are as follows:

  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $12
  • Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $14
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
  • Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
  • Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $120
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Berkeley $13
    Redwood National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Berkeley

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Berkeley:

  • Guided Wine Tasting at Berkeley Wineries with Local Sommelière : $175
  • Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175


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



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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkeley and Redwood National Park. Many travelers come to Berkeley for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Berkeley is a little warmer than Redwood National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Berkeley averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In July, Berkeley usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Berkeley gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C) 
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Berkeley as well as Redwood National Park. Many visitors come to Berkeley in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Berkeley is a little warmer than Redwood National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Berkeley in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 55°F (13°C).

Berkeley usually gets less rain in October than Redwood National Park. Berkeley gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C) 
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C)

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

Both Redwood National Park and Berkeley are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Berkeley for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Berkeley is generally a little warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Berkeley average around 50°F (10°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. In January, Berkeley usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Berkeley gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C) 
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C)

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

Both Redwood National Park and Berkeley during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

Berkeley is a little warmer than Redwood National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Berkeley averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Berkeley usually gets less rain in April than Redwood National Park. Berkeley gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C) 
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Berkeley

Berkeley Redwood National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm) 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Jul 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Aug 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Sep 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Dec 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm)