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

Should you visit Boone or Joshua Tree 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 Boone and Joshua Tree National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Boone

Boone is a relaxing, quaint, and picturesque town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a unique, fascinating, and adventurous national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Boone and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • 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
  • Less walkable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boone. Although Boone and Joshua Tree National Park are popular destinations, Boone has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boone is very popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors for its hiking. Boone is famous for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm. It is also well known for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

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

Is Boone or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Skiing?

Boone
Joshua Tree National Park

Boone is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a skiing destination.

Boone draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a skiing destination.


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

Boone
Joshua Tree National Park

Boone is a town with good options for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Boone. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

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.

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

Boone
Joshua Tree National Park

Boone is a town with good options for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Boone is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced 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 Boone or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Boone
Joshua Tree National Park

Boone is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Boone has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.


Is Boone or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Boone
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing national park to visit for hiking. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Joshua Tree National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

Boone is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Boone or Joshua Tree National Park?

Boone
Joshua Tree National Park

Boone 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 Boone. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

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 Boone or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Boone
Joshua Tree National Park

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Boone or Joshua Tree National Park.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boone. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

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.


Is Boone or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Boone
Joshua Tree National Park

Both Boone and Joshua Tree National Park are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Boone is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Boone or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boone
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Joshua Tree National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

It's common for backpackers to visit Boone. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

Is Boone or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Students?

Boone
Joshua Tree National Park

Boone is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

Boone is a very popular town for students. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.


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

Boone
Joshua Tree National Park

Boone 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 Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

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

Is Boone or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Boone
Joshua Tree National Park

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

Boone is a very walkable destination. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

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

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

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

How long in Boone or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Boone or Joshua Tree National Park. In our opinion, Boone has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Boone than Joshua Tree National Park. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boone than Joshua Tree 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 Boone.


  • How many days in Boone or Joshua Tree National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boone 2-4 
    Joshua Tree National Park 2-4

One day in Boone or Joshua Tree National Park?

Even though Boone is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

In Joshua Tree National Park, many people enjoy the that this adventurous destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This national park offers a variety 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.


A weekend in Boone or Joshua Tree National Park?

Boone is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Joshua Tree National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Boone or Joshua Tree National Park?

Boone is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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. It offers something for everyone.

Joshua Tree National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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.

A week in Boone or Joshua Tree National Park?

Boone 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.

You'll find around the fascinating destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Joshua Tree National Park or Boone?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Boone is $173, while the average daily cost in Joshua Tree National Park is $152. 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 Boone and Joshua Tree National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boone $91
    Joshua Tree National Park $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boone $182
    Joshua Tree National Park $174
Compare Hotels in Boone and Joshua Tree National Park

Looking for a hotel in Boone or Joshua Tree 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 Boone


Hotels in Joshua Tree 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: Boone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boone $33
    Joshua Tree National Park $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Boone or Joshua Tree National Park?

Prices for flights to both Joshua Tree National Park and Boone 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
    Boone $53
    Joshua Tree National Park $35
Typical Food Prices in Boone

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Boone:


  • Restaurant Lunch for 2
    $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boone $53
    Joshua Tree National Park $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boone $26
    Joshua Tree National Park $4.93


When comparing the travel costs between Boone and Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Boone 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 Boone Expensive? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.