A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Detroit vs. Death Valley National Park for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Detroit or Death Valley National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Death Valley National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Detroit

Detroit is a overlooked , under-rated, and hardworking city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a dramatic, striking, and vast national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Detroit and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Detroit. Although Detroit and Death Valley National Park are both popular with visitors, Detroit has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Detroit is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Death Valley National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Death Valley National Park is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Detroit is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also home to the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Detroit different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Death Valley National Park and Detroit. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Detroit is very good for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Detroit. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Is the Food Better in Detroit or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Detroit is very good for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Detroit area. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Detroit or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Detroit is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

Detroit offers plenty to do in the evening. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Detroit or Death Valley National Park Better for Music?

Detroit is renowned for its music scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a live music destination.

In Detroit you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Death Valley National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Detroit or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Death Valley National Park offers a few options. 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.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Detroit or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Detroit is not a hiking destination.

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.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.

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

Detroit is very good for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Many visitors go to Detroit to go shopping. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Detroit or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Death Valley National Park is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Detroit or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Death Valley National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

Is Detroit or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Death Valley National Park is extremely popular 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.

Detroit is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but this is still an often overlooked city.

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

Detroit is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

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

Detroit is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Detroit is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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

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

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

How long in Detroit or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Detroit or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Death Valley National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Detroit, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Detroit than Death Valley 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 Detroit.

One day in Detroit or Death Valley National Park?

In Detroit, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this overlooked destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Death Valley National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Detroit or Death Valley National Park?

In Detroit, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

In Death Valley National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Death Valley National Park has to offer.

Five days in Detroit or Death Valley National Park?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Detroit. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

Death Valley National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Detroit or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the city of Detroit. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Lots of people come for the live music. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Death Valley National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Death Valley National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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