A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cabo San Lucas vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a adventurous, scenic, and idyllic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Cabo San Lucas and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas than Joshua Tree National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cabo San Lucas is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Joshua Tree National Park is more popular for its hiking. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Joshua Tree National Park and is popular for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Cabo San Lucas is famous for Land's End. Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park?

Cabo San Lucas is a city 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 Cabo San Lucas. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Cabo San Lucas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Cabo San Lucas is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cabo San Lucas is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Cabo San Lucas attract visitors from all over. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Joshua Tree National Park does not have a historic old town.

Cabo San Lucas is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Joshua Tree National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Cabo San Lucas is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many visitors go to Cabo San Lucas for the hiking trails. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park?

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Joshua Tree National Park are great to visit with kids.

Cabo San Lucas is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Joshua Tree National Park is very family-friendly. 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 Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas is renowned for couples. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

Couples visit Joshua Tree National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Cabo San Lucas is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many backpackers visit Cabo San Lucas. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Cabo San Lucas has some public transit options. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

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

Is Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

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

Cabo San Lucas is a very walkable destination. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cabo San Lucas due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas.

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the idyllic city of Cabo San Lucas. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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, you'll find . Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cabo San Lucas. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the nightlife. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Joshua Tree National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Joshua Tree National Park?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Most people visit for the nightlife. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the national park of Joshua Tree National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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