A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Durango vs. Redwood National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Durango or Redwood 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 Durango and Redwood 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.

Durango

Durango is a nature-filled, historic, and charming small town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a grand, impressive, and monumental park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking.

Durango and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durango or Redwood National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Durango than Redwood National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Durango is better known for its skiing, museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Redwood National Park is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Redwood National Park is more touristy than Durango and is popular for being the home of the world's tallest trees. Durango is well known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities. Also, Durango is famous for The Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad.

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

Is Durango or Redwood National Park Better for Skiing?

Durango is a small town with a few options for winter skiing. However, Redwood National Park is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Durango for snow skiing. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Redwood National Park is not a skiing destination.

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

Durango is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Durango. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

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 Durango or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Durango is a small town with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Durango may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

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 Durango or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Durango or Redwood National Park offer decent nightlife.

Durango doesn't offer many options. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Redwood National Park. The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Durango or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Redwood National Park is a good destination for its beaches. However, Durango is not a beach destination.

Redwood National Park offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Durango is not a beach destination.

Is Durango or Redwood National Park Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Redwood National Park does not have a historic old town.

Durango offers a nice historic old town area. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Redwood National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Durango or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Redwood National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Durango. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Durango or Redwood National Park?

Durango is a small town with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Durango has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

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 Durango or Redwood National Park Better for Christmas?

Durango is a good destination for its Christmas activities. However, Redwood National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Many visitors go to Durango during the Christmas season. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

Redwood National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Durango or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Both Durango and Redwood National Park are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Durango is a very family-friendly destination. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Redwood National Park is a very kid-friendly small town. 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 Durango or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Redwood National Park is a very popular place for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Durango or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Redwood National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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

Neither Durango or Redwood National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

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

Is Durango or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Durango is a small town with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Redwood National Park or Durango?

How long in Durango or Redwood National Park?

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

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

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

One day in Durango or Redwood National Park?

Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This 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 Durango or Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Durango. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this small town. It offers something for everyone.

In Redwood National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Durango or Redwood National Park?

Durango 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.

Redwood National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Redwood National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Durango or Redwood National Park?

Durango is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Redwood National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Redwood National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

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