A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Greensboro vs. Shenandoah National Park for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Greensboro or Shenandoah 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 Greensboro and Shenandoah 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.

Greensboro

Greensboro is a welcoming, under-rated, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a beautiful, scenic, and breathtaking national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Greensboro and Shenandoah National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Skyline Drive
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Shenandoah National Park. Although Greensboro and Shenandoah National Park are both popular with visitors, Shenandoah National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Shenandoah National Park is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Greensboro is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Shenandoah National Park is more touristy than Greensboro and is popular for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. It is also home to Skyline Drive. Greensboro is popular for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Greensboro different from Shenandoah National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park Better for Skiing?

Greensboro
Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for winter skiing. However, Greensboro is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Shenandoah National Park is a great destination to visit. You'll find skiing and snowboarding at nearby Massanutten Resort, which is near Harrisonburg, Virginia. It's a family-friendly setting with slopes that are classified as "easiest", "more difficult", and "most difficult".

Greensboro is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park?

Greensboro
Shenandoah National Park

Greensboro is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Greensboro. The Greensboro Science Center is a highlight for families. Other interesting museums around town include the Elsewhere Modern Art Museum, the Greensboro History Museum, the International Civil Rights Center, and the Weatherspoon Art Museum.

Shenandoah National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people spend their time outdoors enjoying the setting, there are museums in the area, as well as visitor centers that have exhibits and informative displays.

Is the Food Better in Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Greensboro
Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Shenandoah National Park. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

Greensboro may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find a good selection of restaurants around town with Mexican, southern, Italian, and Chinese all being popular options.

Is Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park Better for Nightlife?

Greensboro
Shenandoah National Park

Greensboro is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Greensboro has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for the most trendy bars, breweries, and nightclubs.

Most people don't head to Shenandoah National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.


Is Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park Better for Hiking?

Greensboro
Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Greensboro is not a hiking destination.

Shenandoah National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are more than 500 miles of trails in the park that pass through varied landscapes and take you to beautiful viewpoints. Visitors range from weekend visitors to long term hikers who come to experience the breathtaking beauty and serene setting.

Greensboro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park?

Greensboro
Shenandoah National Park

Greensboro is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for shopping.

Greensboro has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are shopping centers and shopping malls around town as well as some interesting local boutiques.

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.

Is Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park Better for Families?

Greensboro
Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Shenandoah National Park is a very kid-friendly national park. There are tons of kid-friendly hikes to overlooks or waterfalls. Kids will love scrambling over the rocks or running through the forest. There are also plenty of campgrounds where families can hang out, toast marshmallows and enjoy some quality time together.

Greensboro offers lots of family activities. Kids will love visiting the Greensboro Science Center, which has hands-on science exhibits and a small zoo. Younger kids will also enjoy a visit to the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum. During the summer months the Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park is a great way to spend a day. Other times of the year, there are indoor play spaces and movie theaters around town.


Is Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park Better for Couples?

Greensboro
Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is well known for its romantic activities. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Shenandoah National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy nature will love a visit to the park. There are beautiful views and scenic spots that will make for a wonderful and romantic trip. Hiking, biking, and exploring will fill your time with adventure and fun.

Greensboro is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The Carolina Theater makes a great date night activity. There is also a diverse selection of restaurants around town and a few parks for a daytime outing.

Is Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Greensboro
Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Shenandoah National Park. Backpackers love the hiking trails and backcountry camping. Many people head to the park to escape into nature and enjoy some low key time in a serene setting.

Greensboro is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of budget hotels nearby but no real hostels.

Is Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park Better for Students?

Greensboro
Shenandoah National Park

Greensboro is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Shenandoah National Park is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Greensboro. University of North Carolina at Greensboro attracts students to the city. There are also several smaller colleges in the area.

Shenandoah National Park is not popular with students.


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

Greensboro
Shenandoah National Park

Greensboro is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Greensboro. There are several bus routes around town, but you really can depend on them to get where you're going. A car is important for making the most of your trip.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

Is Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park a more walkable city?

Greensboro
Shenandoah National Park

Greensboro is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its walkability.

Greensboro is generally not a very walkable city. Most areas aren't walkable, but for the most pedestrian-friendly sections head to College Hill, downtown, or Brice Street.

Shenandoah National Park is not a walkable city. While there are plenty of hiking trails, a car is a must to reach most trailheads.

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

Should I spend more time in Shenandoah National Park or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park?

In either Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than Greensboro because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Greensboro, and 3-5 days is enough time in Shenandoah National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than Greensboro 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 Shenandoah National Park.


  • How many days in Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Greensboro 1-2 
    Shenandoah National Park 3-5

One day in Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park?

With shopping and museums around the welcoming city of Greensboro, 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.

With food and skiing around the serene national park of Shenandoah National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park?

With museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Greensboro, 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.

With skiing and food around the destination of Shenandoah National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the friendly city of Greensboro. 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.

Shenandoah National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this national park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park?

Greensboro 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Shenandoah National Park or Greensboro?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Greensboro is $162, while the average daily cost in Shenandoah National Park is $125. 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 Greensboro and Shenandoah National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greensboro $96
    Shenandoah National Park $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greensboro $192
    Shenandoah National Park $106
Compare Hotels in Greensboro and Shenandoah National Park

Looking for a hotel in Greensboro or Shenandoah 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 Greensboro


Hotels in Shenandoah 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: Greensboro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greensboro $24
    Shenandoah National Park $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park?

Prices for flights to both Shenandoah National Park and Greensboro 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
    Greensboro $48
    Shenandoah National Park $28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greensboro $26
    Shenandoah National Park $34

Tours and Activities in Greensboro

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

  • African American History Walking Tour: $16
  • Downtown Historic Walking Tour: $16
  • True Crime Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greensboro $20
    Shenandoah National Park $7.14


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

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



When is the best time to visit Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park?

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 Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park in the Summer?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Greensboro during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Greensboro for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Greensboro is around the same temperature as Shenandoah National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Greensboro in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Shenandoah National Park averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually gets more rain in July than Shenandoah National Park. Greensboro gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C) 
    Shenandoah National Park 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Greensboro and Shenandoah National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Greensboro because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shenandoah National Park this time of year.

In October, Greensboro is generally a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 62°F (17°C), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In October, Greensboro usually receives less rain than Shenandoah National Park. Greensboro gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C) 
    Shenandoah National Park 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Greensboro as well as Shenandoah National Park. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Greensboro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shenandoah National Park. It's quite cold in Greensboro in the winter. Greensboro is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 32°F (-0°C).

Greensboro usually gets more rain in January than Shenandoah National Park. Greensboro gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C) 
    Shenandoah National Park 32°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Shenandoah National Park in the Spring?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Greensboro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Greensboro is a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Greensboro in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Shenandoah National Park averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In April, Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of rain as Shenandoah National Park. Greensboro gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Greensboro 61°F (16°C) 
    Shenandoah National Park 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Shenandoah National Park and Greensboro

Greensboro Shenandoah National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)