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

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Blue Ridge and Redwood National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a charming, outdoorsy, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a grand, impressive, and monumental park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking.

Blue Ridge and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
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 popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Blue Ridge than Redwood National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Blue Ridge is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Redwood National Park is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Redwood National Park is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is popular for being the home of the world's tallest trees. Blue Ridge is well known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. Also, Blue Ridge is famous for Chattahoochee National Forest.

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

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

Blue Ridge
Redwood National Park

Blue Ridge is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

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 Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge
Redwood National Park

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

Dining out in Blue Ridge is an experience not to be missed. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

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 Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge
Redwood National Park

Blue Ridge is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Blue Ridge
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a good destination for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Redwood National Park offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.


Is Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is an amazing park to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Redwood National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park?

Blue Ridge
Redwood National Park

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

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 Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Blue Ridge
Redwood National Park

Both Blue Ridge and Redwood National Park are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Redwood National Park is a very kid-friendly town. 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.


Is Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge
Redwood National Park

Blue Ridge and Redwood National Park both excellent destinations for a couple.

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

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.

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

Blue Ridge
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Redwood National Park. 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.

Blue Ridge is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

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

Blue Ridge
Redwood National Park

Neither Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

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


Is Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge
Redwood National Park

Blue Ridge is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable town. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Redwood National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Redwood National Park or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park?

In either Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Blue Ridge has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Blue Ridge than Redwood National Park. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Redwood National Park than Blue Ridge 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 Redwood National Park.


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

One day in Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park?

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

With around the monumental park of Redwood 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 Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Blue Ridge. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town. It offers something for everyone.

With around the destination of Redwood National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.


Five days in Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park?

Blue Ridge is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Redwood National Park, a popular park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park?

Blue Ridge is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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.

Redwood 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Redwood National Park or Blue Ridge?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Blue Ridge is $124, 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 Blue Ridge and Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Blue Ridge $67
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Blue Ridge $134
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Blue Ridge and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge


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: Blue Ridge Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Blue Ridge $34
    Redwood National Park $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park?

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Blue Ridge $18
    Redwood National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Blue Ridge

For Blue Ridge, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Helen Ghosts, Voodoo & Haunted Trails Tour: $25
  • 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen: $29
  • 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Blue Ridge $20
    Redwood National Park $11


When comparing the travel costs between Blue Ridge and Redwood National Park, we can see that Blue Ridge is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



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

Both Redwood National Park and Blue Ridge during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

In July, Blue Ridge is generally much warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 81°F (27°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In Redwood National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the summer, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 274 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in July than Redwood National Park. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Blue Ridge 81°F (27°C) 
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Redwood National Park. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Redwood National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives more sunshine than Redwood National Park during autumn. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Redwood National Park. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Blue Ridge. In the winter, Blue Ridge is much colder than Redwood National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Blue Ridge in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 135 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Redwood National Park. Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the winter. Blue Ridge usually gets less rain in January than Redwood National Park. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Blue Ridge 40°F (5°C) 
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Redwood National Park in the Spring?

Both Redwood National Park and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Blue Ridge is generally much warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 62°F (17°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Redwood National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park during spring. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Blue Ridge 62°F (17°C) 
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Redwood National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm)


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