A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Everglades National Park vs. Panama City for Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Everglades National Park or Panama City?

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 Panama City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Everglades National Park

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

Panama City

Panama City is a cosmopolitan, fun-filled, and active beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Everglades National Park and Panama City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Everglades National Park or Panama City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Panama City. Although Everglades National Park and Panama City are both popular with visitors, Panama City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Panama City is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Everglades National Park is known for its museums and hiking. Panama City is more touristy than Everglades National Park and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also home to Pier Park. Everglades National Park is popular for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees.

How is Everglades National Park different from Panama City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Everglades National Park is a national park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Panama City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

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 Panama City Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a great beach town for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Panama City has something for everybody. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

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 Panama City Better for Music?

Panama City 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 Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Everglades National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Panama City Better for Resorts?

Panama City is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Everglades National Park is not a resort destination.

Panama City has a few great resort options. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Everglades National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Panama City Better for Beaches?

Panama City is a great beach town for the beach. However, Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Panama City is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Panama City Better for Hiking?

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

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Everglades National Park or Panama City?

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

Panama City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

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 Panama City Better for Families?

Panama City is an unbeatable place 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.

Panama City is one of the most popular family destinations. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Panama City Better for Couples?

Panama City is a great beach town for couples. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

Panama City is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

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.

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

Everglades National Park is a great destination for backpackers. However, Panama City 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.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Panama City Better for Students?

Panama City is a great beach town for its student-friendly activities. However, Everglades National Park is not popular with students.

Panama City is very popular with students. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Everglades National Park is not popular with students.

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

Panama City 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 Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

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 Panama City a more walkable city?

Everglades National Park is a national park with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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.

Panama City is not a very walkable national park. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

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

Should I spend more time in Panama City or Everglades National Park?

How long in Everglades National Park or Panama City?

Both Everglades National Park and Panama City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than in Everglades National Park. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Everglades National Park, and 3-7 days is enough time in Panama City.

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

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

One day in Everglades National Park or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the wild national park of Everglades National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With live music and food around the active beach town of Panama City, there's plenty to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the natural destination of Everglades National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With food and shopping around the active destination of Panama City, there's plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Everglades National Park or Panama City?

The natural national park of Everglades National Park offers . 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

With shopping and nightlife around the fun-filled beach town of Panama City, there's plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Everglades National Park or Panama City?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Everglades National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Panama City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

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

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 Panama City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Everglades National Park as well as Panama City. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Everglades National Park this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. 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 Panama City. Everglades National Park gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 283 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Panama City. Everglades National Park receives a lot of rain in the summer. Everglades National Park usually gets less rain in July than Panama City. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Panama City in the Autumn?

Both Panama City and Everglades National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Everglades National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Panama City in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

It's quite sunny in Panama City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Panama City during autumn. Everglades National Park gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 256 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 Panama City. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November.

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Panama City in the Winter?

Both Panama City and Everglades National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Everglades National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Everglades National Park. In the winter, Everglades National Park often gets more sunshine than Panama City. Everglades National Park gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 185 hours of full sun.

Everglades National Park usually gets less rain in January than Panama City. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Panama City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Everglades National Park and Panama City. Most visitors come to Everglades National Park for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Everglades National Park is generally a little warmer than Panama City. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 74°F (24°C), and Panama City fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In Everglades National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. Everglades National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Panama City during spring. Everglades National Park gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 295 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Panama City and Everglades National Park