A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Yosemite National Park for Resorts, Couples, Families, and Food

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Yosemite National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a scenic, bustling, and spirited coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a world-famous, stunning, and breathtaking national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking.

Fort Lauderdale and Yosemite National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Local Beaches
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to El Capitan
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Yosemite National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Yosemite National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fort Lauderdale is well known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Yosemite National Park is well known for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Yosemite National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fort Lauderdale
Yosemite National Park

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Fort Lauderdale area. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Yosemite National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale
Yosemite National Park

Fort Lauderdale is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Fort Lauderdale offers plenty to do in the evening. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale
Yosemite National Park

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Yosemite National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Fort Lauderdale is a great choice. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Yosemite National Park. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale
Yosemite National Park

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Yosemite National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few good snorkeling spots. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Yosemite National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale
Yosemite National Park

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Yosemite National Park is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Yosemite National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park Better for Hiking?

Fort Lauderdale
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Yosemite National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park?

Fort Lauderdale
Yosemite National Park

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Fort Lauderdale to go shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale
Yosemite National Park

Both Fort Lauderdale and Yosemite National Park are superb family-friendly destinations.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Yosemite National Park is very family-friendly. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale
Yosemite National Park

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Yosemite National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for romance.

Fort Lauderdale makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Yosemite National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fort Lauderdale
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Yosemite National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fort Lauderdale
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a good destination for its public transit. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Yosemite National Park, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

Public transit is mostly limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale
Yosemite National Park

Fort Lauderdale is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable destination. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Yosemite National Park is generally not a very walkable coastal city. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Yosemite National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yosemite National Park or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Yosemite National Park have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Fort Lauderdale has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Yosemite National Park. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


  • How many days in Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fort Lauderdale 3-7 
    Yosemite National Park 3-7

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park?

The coastal city of Fort Lauderdale offers shopping and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The stunning destination of Yosemite National Park offers . People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park?

The spirited destination of Fort Lauderdale offers nightlife and food. This coastal city offers something for everyone. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The national park of Yosemite National Park offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fort Lauderdale. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Yosemite National Park is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This national park offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park?

Fort Lauderdale is a fun place to experience. The destination of Fort Lauderdale offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

The world-famous national park of Yosemite National Park offers . You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Yosemite National Park or Fort Lauderdale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $182, while the average daily cost in Yosemite National Park is $129. 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 Fort Lauderdale and Yosemite National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fort Lauderdale $96
    Yosemite National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fort Lauderdale $192
    Yosemite National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Yosemite National Park

Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park? 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 Fort Lauderdale


Hotels in Yosemite National Park


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: Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices and Yosemite National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $51
    Yosemite National Park $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Delray Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
  • Transfer Private Vehicle from City -Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL): $40
  • Transfer Private Vehicle from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) -City: $40
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boynton Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Port Everglades - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
  • Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Port Everglades to Fort Lauderdale Airport FLL-Departure Transfer: $40
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Port Everglades-Arrival Transfer: $40
  • Port Everglades to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer : $40
  • Fort Lauderdale to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Coral Gables - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Doral hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Yosemite National Park?

Prices for flights to both Yosemite National Park and Fort Lauderdale 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
    Fort Lauderdale $49
    Yosemite National Park $40
Typical Food Prices in Fort Lauderdale

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:


  • Quick Lunch
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale

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

  • Food Tour in Lauderdale By The Sea: $60
  • Hollywood Florida Walking Food Tour : $99
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour: $114
  • Fort Lauderdale Beach Food Tour: $114

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $15
    Yosemite National Park $19

Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale

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

  • Audio Walking Tour of Las Olas Riverwalk: $7.31
  • Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk Self-guided Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Pembroke Pines by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Davie by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pompano Beach by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pompano Beach by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Skip the Line: Flamingo Gardens Admission Ticket in Fort Lauderdale: $24
  • 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Cruise in Ft. Lauderdale (arrive 30 minutes early): $25
  • Water Taxi Evening Pass Sunset Cruise (up to 5 hours!): $25
  • Ghosts and Ghouls Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure and Wildlife Encounter: $29
  • Jungle Queen Riverboat 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruise in Fort Lauderdale: $31

Tours and Activities in Yosemite National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yosemite National Park are as follows:

  • Yosemite National Park Audio Driving Tour: $11
  • Yosemite Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Yosemite: Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Yosemite Panorama Trail Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Yosemite: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Yosemite Valley Tour with Transport from Oakhurst: $130
  • Full-Day Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour Including Hotel Pickup: $169
  • Big Trees Hike & Riverside Cookout Adventure: $180
  • Yosemite’s High Country Adaptive Tour: $180
  • Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour: $180
  • Yosemite Winter Highlights Small Group Tour: $190
  • Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fort Lauderdale $33
    Yosemite National Park $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Fort Lauderdale

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:


  • Beer
    $7.30

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Guided Happy Hour Bar Crawl by Beer Bike: $64
  • Pedibus Pub Crawl in Fort Lauderdale: $74
  • Party Bike Bar Crawl: $74


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

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