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

Should you visit Everglades National Park or Norfolk?

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 Norfolk 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's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a authentic, blue collar, and maritime city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Everglades National Park and Norfolk: 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
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Both Norfolk and Everglades National Park have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Everglades National Park is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Norfolk is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Everglades National Park is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Everglades National Park different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Norfolk 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 Norfolk?

Everglades National Park
Norfolk

Norfolk 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 Norfolk. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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 Norfolk? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Everglades National Park
Norfolk

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

Norfolk is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

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 Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

Everglades National Park
Norfolk

Norfolk is very good for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Norfolk has a few options to choose from. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

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 Norfolk Better for Hiking?

Everglades National Park
Norfolk

Everglades National Park is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Everglades National Park or Norfolk?

Everglades National Park
Norfolk

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

Norfolk has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

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 Norfolk Better for Families?

Everglades National Park
Norfolk

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Everglades National Park or Norfolk.

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.

Norfolk is a family-friendly place to visit. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Everglades National Park or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Everglades National Park
Norfolk

Everglades National Park is a popular place for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Everglades National Park is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.


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

Everglades National Park
Norfolk

Everglades National Park is a great destination for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.

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

Everglades National Park
Norfolk

Norfolk 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 Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

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 Norfolk a more walkable city?

Everglades National Park
Norfolk

Norfolk is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its walkability.

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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


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

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

How long in Everglades National Park or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Everglades National Park or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Everglades National Park than Norfolk because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Everglades National Park, and 1-2 days is enough time in Norfolk.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Everglades National Park or Norfolk? Ideal Length of Stay
    Everglades National Park 2-3 
    Norfolk 1-2

One day in Everglades National Park or Norfolk?

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.

With food and shopping around the blue collar city of Norfolk, there's plenty to do. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Everglades National Park or Norfolk?

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.

With shopping and museums around the maritime destination of Norfolk, there's plenty to do. 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 Norfolk?

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 museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Norfolk. 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 Norfolk?

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.

Norfolk 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, Norfolk 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 Norfolk is $166. 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 Norfolk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Everglades National Park $80
    Norfolk $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Everglades National Park $160
    Norfolk $168
Compare Hotels in Everglades National Park and Norfolk

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


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: Norfolk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Everglades National Park $56
    Norfolk $54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Norfolk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:

  • Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers): $275

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

Prices for flights to both Norfolk 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
    Norfolk $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Norfolk

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

  • Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise : $101
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise: $101
  • Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise: $126
  • Norfolk Mother's Day Signature Dinner Cruise: $162
  • Norfolk 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise: $182

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Everglades National Park $28
    Norfolk $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
  • 6 Hour Everglades Mangroves Kayak Tour: $200

Tours and Activities in Norfolk

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

  • Electric Bike Rental Downtown Norfolk (self guided tour) : $60
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Norfolk with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Neon District Contemporary Art Walking Tour: $32
  • Norfolk Buffet Brunch Cruise : $95
  • Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise: $104
  • Elizabeth River Candlelit Buffet Lunch Cruise: $67
  • Elizabeth River Sunday Buffet Brunch Cruise: $95
  • Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin Combo Ticket: $38
  • Skip the Line: Virginia Living Museum Admission Ticket: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Everglades National Park $7.86
    Norfolk $10


When comparing the travel costs between Everglades National Park and Norfolk, we can see that Norfolk is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Norfolk Expensive?.



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

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 Norfolk in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Everglades National Park as well as Norfolk. Most visitors come to Everglades National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Everglades National Park is around the same temperature as Norfolk. Typically, the summer temperatures in Everglades National Park in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Norfolk averages at about 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Everglades National Park this time of the year. In the summer, Everglades National Park often gets more sunshine than Norfolk. Everglades National Park gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Norfolk. Everglades National Park receives a lot of rain in the summer. Everglades National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Norfolk. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C) 
    Norfolk 79°F (26°C)

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

Both Norfolk and Everglades National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Everglades National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year.

In October, Everglades National Park is generally much warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 78°F (26°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during autumn. Everglades National Park gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Everglades National Park. In October, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Norfolk. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Everglades National Park.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C) 
    Norfolk 62°F (16°C)

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

Both Norfolk and Everglades National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Everglades National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Norfolk for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Norfolk. Everglades National Park is much warmer than Norfolk in the winter. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Everglades National Park. In the winter, Everglades National Park often gets more sunshine than Norfolk. Everglades National Park gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun.

Everglades National Park usually gets less rain in January than Norfolk. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C) 
    Norfolk 39°F (4°C)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Everglades National Park and Norfolk. Many travelers come to Everglades National Park for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Everglades National Park is much warmer than Norfolk. Typically, the spring temperatures in Everglades National Park in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Norfolk averages at about 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In Everglades National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. Everglades National Park usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during spring. Everglades National Park gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Norfolk. Everglades National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Everglades National Park is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C) 
    Norfolk 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Norfolk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)