A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Everglades National Park vs. Fairbanks for Hiking, Backpackers, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Everglades National Park or Fairbanks?

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 Everglades National Park and Fairbanks can help you decide which place is right for you.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a pristine, adventure-filled, and unique national park. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a unique, outdoorsy, and remote city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, hiking, and shopping.

Everglades National Park and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Northern Lights


Is there more to do in Everglades National Park or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fairbanks. Although Everglades National Park and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Fairbanks has more sights and attractions for tourists. Everglades National Park is more touristy than Fairbanks and is known for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees. Fairbanks is famous for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. It is also well known for The Northern Lights.

How is Everglades National Park different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Everglades National Park or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Everglades National Park
Fairbanks

Fairbanks is adequate for skiing. However, Everglades National Park is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Fairbanks for snow skiing. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Everglades National Park is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Everglades National Park or Fairbanks?

Everglades National Park
Fairbanks

Fairbanks is very good for its historical sights. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Fairbanks. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

Everglades National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.

Is the Food Better in Everglades National Park or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Everglades National Park
Fairbanks

Dining out at restaurants in both Everglades National Park and Fairbanks can be an enjoyable experience.

Everglades National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Everglades National Park or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Everglades National Park
Fairbanks

Neither Everglades National Park or Fairbanks offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Everglades National Park There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

People don't go to Fairbanks for the nightlife. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.


Is Everglades National Park or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Everglades National Park
Fairbanks

You'll find great hiking in both Everglades National Park and Fairbanks.

Many visitors go to Everglades National Park for the hiking trails. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

Fairbanks is a popular spot for hiking. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Everglades National Park or Fairbanks?

Everglades National Park
Fairbanks

Fairbanks is very good for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

Fairbanks has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Everglades National Park
Fairbanks

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Everglades National Park or Fairbanks.

Everglades National Park offers lots of family activities. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.

Fairbanks is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.


Is Everglades National Park or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Everglades National Park
Fairbanks

Both Everglades National Park and Fairbanks are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Everglades National Park is a good national park for couples to visit. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

Is Everglades National Park or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Everglades National Park
Fairbanks

For backpackers, both Everglades National Park and Fairbanks are great places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Everglades National Park. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Fairbanks. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

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

Everglades National Park
Fairbanks

Neither Everglades National Park or Fairbanks offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.


Is Everglades National Park or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Everglades National Park
Fairbanks

Everglades National Park is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Everglades National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

Fairbanks is not a walkable national park. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Everglades National Park?

How long in Everglades National Park or Fairbanks?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fairbanks than Everglades 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 Fairbanks.


  • How many days in Everglades National Park or Fairbanks? Ideal Length of Stay
    Everglades National Park 2-3 
    Fairbanks 2-4

One day in Everglades National Park or Fairbanks?

You'll find around the national park of Everglades National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and shopping around the outdoorsy city of Fairbanks, there's plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Everglades National Park or Fairbanks?

You'll find around the natural destination of Everglades National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With shopping and museums around the outdoorsy destination of Fairbanks, there's plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


Five days in Everglades National Park or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the pristine national park of Everglades National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and shopping around the remote city of Fairbanks. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Everglades National Park or Fairbanks?

Everglades National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Fairbanks is a great place to explore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Fairbanks or Everglades National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Everglades National Park is $146, while the average daily cost in Fairbanks is $272. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Everglades National Park and Fairbanks in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Everglades National Park $80
    Fairbanks $154
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Everglades National Park $160
    Fairbanks $308
Compare Hotels in Everglades National Park and Fairbanks

Looking for a hotel in Everglades National Park or Fairbanks? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Everglades National Park


Hotels in Fairbanks


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Fairbanks Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Everglades National Park $56
    Fairbanks $66

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fairbanks

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Fairbanks:


  • Full Tank of Gas
    $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Everglades National Park or Fairbanks?

Prices for flights to both Fairbanks and Everglades National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Everglades National Park $31
    Fairbanks $63

Typical Food Prices in Fairbanks

For Fairbanks, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two at Pike's Landing
    $63
  • Totem Inn Breakfast for Two
    $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fairbanks

For Fairbanks, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Best Northern Lights Aurora Adventure FREE Portraits & Hot Pizza : $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Everglades National Park $28
    Fairbanks $65

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Everglades National Park.

  • 2 Hour Chokoloskee Island Kayak Tour: $80
  • 4 Hour Everglades Kayak Tour: $120
  • 6 Hour Everglades Mangroves Kayak Tour: $200
  • Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 hours): $120
  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $48
  • Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour: $120

Typical Entertainment Prices in Fairbanks

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Fairbanks's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • The Riverboat Discovery Trip
    $55
  • 1 Day Mountain Bike Rental
    $27
  • Canoe Rental with Pickup
    $56

Tours and Activities in Fairbanks

For Fairbanks, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3 Hour Ice Fishing Experience: $135
  • Alaskan Heritage and Sightseeing Tour in Fairbanks: $140
  • Angel Rocks Hike and Chena Hot-Springs Soak Guided Tour: $195
  • Arctic Circle Winter Drive Adventure: $289
  • Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks: $290
  • Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure: $229
  • Aurora Borealis tour with Free Photography: $180
  • Aurora Chaser Tour: $125
  • Budget Aurora Borealis tour, Fairbanks, Alaska : $125
  • Chena Hot Springs Day Tour from Fairbanks: $210
  • Chena Hot Springs Round Trip Tour: $220
  • Chena Hot Springs Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Everglades National Park $7.86
    Fairbanks $27


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

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



When is the best time to visit Everglades National Park or Fairbanks?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Everglades National Park and Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Everglades National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Everglades National Park is much warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Everglades National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C) 
    Fairbanks 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Everglades National Park as well as Fairbanks. The autumn months attract visitors to Everglades National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the autumn. In the autumn, Everglades National Park is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Everglades National Park in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

Everglades National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C) 
    Fairbanks 27°F (-3°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Everglades National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Everglades National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. In January, Everglades National Park is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 67°F (19°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

In January, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C) 
    Fairbanks -9°F (-23°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Everglades National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Everglades National Park for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the spring for the natural beauty.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the spring. Everglades National Park is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Everglades National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Everglades National Park.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C) 
    Fairbanks 32°F (0°C)

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Fairbanks
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) -9°F (-23°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) -2°F (-19°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 32°F (0°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 50°F (10°C) 0.6 inches (16 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 62°F (16°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 47°F (8°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 4°F (-15°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) -5°F (-21°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)