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

Should you visit Cape Cod or Joshua Tree 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 Cape Cod and Joshua Tree 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.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a wealthy, maritime, and beautiful beach destination. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

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.

Cape Cod and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cape Cod. Although Cape Cod and Joshua Tree National Park are popular destinations, Cape Cod has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cape Cod is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors for its museums and hiking. Cape Cod is famous for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. It is also well known for The Cape Cod National Seashore. Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

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

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

Joshua Tree National Park is adequate for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Joshua Tree National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Cape Cod has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Cape Cod or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Cape Cod or Joshua Tree National Park offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Cape Cod This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

People don't go to Joshua Tree National Park for the nightlife. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Cape Cod or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Cape Cod is a beach destination with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Cape Cod has a few great resort options. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Cape Cod or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Cape Cod is a very popular place for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Cape Cod attract visitors from all over. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Cod or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for the nearby hiking options.

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

Cape Cod is a good destination for hiking. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Cod or Joshua Tree National Park?

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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 Cape Cod or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Both Cape Cod and Joshua Tree National Park are very good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cape Cod. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

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 Cape Cod or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Cape Cod and Joshua Tree National Park both very good destinations for a couple.

Cape Cod is a great beach destination if you're traveling as a couple. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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 Cape Cod or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination 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.

Cape Cod is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This area is more focused on luxury and family vacationers than it is on backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

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

Is Cape Cod or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Cape Cod is a beach destination with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable beach destination. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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

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

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

How long in Cape Cod or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Cape Cod or Joshua Tree National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cape Cod due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Cape Cod, and 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cape Cod than Joshua Tree National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod or Joshua Tree National Park?

Even though Cape Cod is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

The beautiful national park of Joshua Tree 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 Cape Cod or Joshua Tree National Park?

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Joshua Tree National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cape Cod or Joshua Tree National Park?

Cape Cod is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this beach destination makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cape Cod or Joshua Tree National Park?

Cape Cod is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Joshua Tree 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 national park offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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