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

Should you visit Death Valley National Park or Redwood 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 Death Valley National Park and Redwood National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

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.

Death Valley National Park and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Redwood National Park. Although Death Valley National Park and Redwood National Park are popular destinations, Redwood National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Redwood National Park is very popular for its beaches and hiking, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its museums, food, and resorts. Death Valley National Park is famous for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Redwood National Park is famous for being the home of the world's tallest trees. It is also well known for Stout Grove.

How is Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Death Valley National Park is a national park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Death Valley National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

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 Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Death Valley National Park is a national park with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Death Valley National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

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 Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park offer decent nightlife.

People don't go to Death Valley National Park for the nightlife. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Redwood National Park doesn't offer many options. The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park is a national park with a few options for its resorts. However, Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Death Valley National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Redwood National Park is very good for the beach. However, Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Redwood National Park to enjoy the beach. 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Redwood National Park is renowned for the nearby hiking options. Also, Death Valley National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its hiking trails.

Many people visit Redwood National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Death Valley National Park. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Is the Shopping Better in Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park?

Neither Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park offer decent shopping options.

Death Valley National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

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 Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park.

Death Valley National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Redwood National Park is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Both Death Valley National Park and Redwood National Park are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

Redwood National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Death Valley National Park and Redwood National Park are first-rate destinations for backpackers.

Death Valley National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

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.

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

Neither Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

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

Is Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park are walkable places.

Death Valley National Park is not a walkable national park. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Redwood National Park or Death Valley National Park?

How long in Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park?

In either Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Death Valley National Park, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

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

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

One day in Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park?

In Death Valley National Park, you'll find . 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.

In Redwood National Park, many people enjoy the that this monumental destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Death Valley National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park. It offers something for everyone.

In Redwood National Park, many people enjoy the that this beautiful destination offers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park?

Death Valley National Park is a fun place to experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

In Redwood National Park, many people enjoy the that this impressive destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This park offers something for everyone.

A week in Death Valley National Park or Redwood National Park?

You'll find around the striking destination of Death Valley National Park. 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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful park of Redwood National Park. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Death Valley National Park and Redwood National Park, we can see that Redwood National Park is more expensive. And not only is Death Valley National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Death Valley National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Death Valley 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 Redwood National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Redwood National Park than you might in Death Valley National Park.

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