A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Everglades National Park vs. Houston for Attractions, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Everglades National Park or Houston?

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 Houston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a wild, pristine, and adventure-filled national park. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Houston

Houston is a diverse, sprawling, and southern city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Everglades National Park and Houston: 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 nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston. Although Everglades National Park and Houston are both popular with visitors, Houston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Houston is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Everglades National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Everglades National Park is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also home to The Space Center Houston.

How is Everglades National Park different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Everglades National Park
Houston

Houston is a great city for its historical sights. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Houston specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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 Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Everglades National Park
Houston

Houston is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Everglades National Park or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Everglades National Park
Houston

Houston is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Houston has something for everybody. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

People don't go to Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Houston Better for Music?

Everglades National Park
Houston

Houston is very good for its music scene. However, Everglades National Park is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Everglades National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Everglades National Park or Houston Better for Hiking?

Everglades National Park
Houston

Everglades National Park is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Everglades National Park. 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.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Everglades National Park or Houston?

Everglades National Park
Houston

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

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

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 Houston Better for Families?

Everglades National Park
Houston

Houston is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Houston. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Everglades National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.


Is Everglades National Park or Houston Better for Couples?

Everglades National Park
Houston

Both Everglades National Park and Houston are good 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.

Houston is a nice destination for couples. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

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

Everglades National Park
Houston

Everglades National Park is well known for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Everglades National Park is a great national park to visit for backpackers. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Houston Better for Students?

Everglades National Park
Houston

Houston is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Everglades National Park is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Everglades National Park is not popular with students.


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

Everglades National Park
Houston

Houston is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Public transit is limited or non-existant 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.

Is Everglades National Park or Houston a more walkable city?

Everglades National Park
Houston

Everglades National Park and Houston are decent when it comes to 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.

Houston is generally not very walkable. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

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

How long in Everglades National Park or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Everglades National Park and Houston. In our opinion, Houston has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Houston than Everglades National Park. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Houston 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 Houston.


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

One day in Everglades National Park or Houston?

In Everglades 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.

When visiting Houston, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Houston?

In Everglades 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 Everglades National Park has to offer.

When visiting Houston, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Houston?

Everglades 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse city of Houston. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Everglades National Park or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Everglades National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Everglades 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.

Houston is a great place to explore. 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, Houston 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 Houston is $262. 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 Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Everglades National Park $80
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Everglades National Park $160
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Everglades National Park and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Everglades National Park or Houston? 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 Houston


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: Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Everglades National Park $56
    Houston $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $540
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): Transfer to Houston: $347
  • SUV Airport Transfer in Houston: $200
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $193
  • George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Transfer: $193
  • RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston - Arrival Private Transfer: $168
  • Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $168
  • William P. Hobby Airport to Galveston Port Arrival Transfer: $168
  • Houston Airport (HOU) to Galveston Arrival Private Transfer: $168
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162

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

Prices for flights to both Houston 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
    Houston $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.

  • Seasonal Pizza From Scratch Experience in Houston: $55
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $72
  • The Heights Food Tour in Houston: $76
  • Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
  • Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
  • Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Everglades National Park $28
    Houston $14

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

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

  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $48
  • 2 Hour Chokoloskee Island Kayak Tour: $80
  • Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 hours): $120
  • Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour: $120
  • 4 Hour Everglades Kayak Tour: $120
  • Small Group Boat, Kayak and Walking Guided Eco Tour in Everglades National Park: $200
  • Small-Group Everglades Boating Kayaking and Walking Eco Tour: $200
  • Everglades National Park Small Group Guided Boating & Walking Tour Expedition: $200
  • 6 Hour Everglades Mangroves Kayak Tour: $200

Tours and Activities in Houston

Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Houston Ghosts and Hauntings By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 2 Hours H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck On Wheels: $46
  • 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Admission and Shuttle: $85
  • Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $375
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $85
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $32
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned): $32
  • Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Everglades National Park $7.86
    Houston $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Houston

Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
  • Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
  • 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70


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



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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

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

The summer brings many poeple to Everglades National Park as well as Houston. Many visitors come to Everglades National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Everglades National Park is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 82°F (28°C), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Everglades National Park receives a lot of rain in the summer. Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in July than Houston. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

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

Both Houston and Everglades National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Everglades National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Houston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Everglades National Park is a little warmer than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. It's quite rainy in Everglades National Park. In October, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Houston. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

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

Both Houston and Everglades National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Everglades National Park because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In the winter, Everglades National Park is much warmer than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Everglades National Park in January average around 67°F (19°C), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Everglades National Park usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Everglades National Park and Houston. The natural beauty are the main draw to Everglades National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Houston for the activities around the city.

In April, Everglades National Park is generally a little warmer than Houston. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 74°F (24°C), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In April, Everglades National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Houston. Everglades National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Everglades National Park.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)