A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Greenville vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park?

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 Greenville and Joshua Tree National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Greenville

Greenville is a hospitable, southern, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a unique, fascinating, and adventurous national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Greenville and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Joshua Tree National Park. Although Greenville and Joshua Tree National Park are popular destinations, Joshua Tree National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Joshua Tree National Park is very popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Greenville attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Joshua Tree National Park is more touristy than Greenville and is known for its unique vegetation and large boulders. It is also well known for Cholla Cactus Garden. Greenville is famous for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Greenville different from Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park?

Greenville
Joshua Tree National Park

Greenville is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Greenville. Museums focus on art, history, and science. Notable museums in town include the Greenville County Museum of Art, the Upcountry History Museum, and the Sigal Music Museum.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.


Is the Food Better in Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Greenville
Joshua Tree National Park

Greenville is a decent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Greenville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is growing and the farm-to-table movement is apparent here, but the city is still often overlooked by foodies in the area.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Greenville
Joshua Tree National Park

Greenville is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Greenville. Bars, breweries, and low key clubs are what drive the city's nightlife scene. There are both piano bars and live music venues that often lean towards the local country classics.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Greenville
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Joshua Tree National Park specifically for its hiking. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

Greenville is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park?

Greenville
Joshua Tree National Park

Greenville is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Greenville has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find upscale shopping in the city's downtown and sprawling shopping malls in other neighborhoods. There are plenty of name brand stores where you can pick up the latest style.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Greenville
Joshua Tree National Park

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Joshua Tree National Park. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

Greenville is a family-friendly place to visit. There are many local families in town, so you'll find all kinds of kid-friendly activities to enjoy. Paris Mountain State Park is a popular place where everyone can run around. Falls Park on the Reedy River also has walking trails and is in the city's historic district. There's also a children's theater and plenty of playgrounds around town.

Is Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Greenville
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a great national park for couples. However, Greenville is not known for romance.

Joshua Tree National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

Greenville is not the best destination for a couple to visit. You can take the free trolley down Main Street and then enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants.


Is Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Greenville
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Greenville is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Joshua Tree National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Greenville is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. While there are students in the area, there is little else to bring backpackers to town.

Is Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Greenville
Joshua Tree National Park

Greenville is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Greenville. There are free trolleys that make their way around the downtown neighborhoods.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Greenville
Joshua Tree National Park

Greenville is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Greenville is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is surprisingly walkable, but like most cities in the area, you need a car to make the most of your visit.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable city. You need a car to truly explore the park.


For even more information, also check out Is Greenville Worth Visiting? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Greenville?

How long in Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Greenville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Greenville than Joshua Tree 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 Greenville.


  • How many days in Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Greenville 1-2 
    Joshua Tree National Park 2-4

One day in Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the southern city of Greenville. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

With around the fascinating national park of Joshua Tree 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 Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Greenville. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

With around the destination of Joshua Tree National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Five days in Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park?

Greenville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Joshua Tree National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park?

Greenville is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Joshua Tree 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.


Which place is cheaper, Joshua Tree National Park or Greenville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Greenville is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Joshua Tree National Park is $152. 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 Greenville and Joshua Tree National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greenville -
    Joshua Tree National Park $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greenville $0.00
    Joshua Tree National Park $174
Compare Hotels in Greenville and Joshua Tree National Park

Looking for a hotel in Greenville or Joshua Tree 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 Greenville


Hotels in Joshua Tree 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: Greenville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greenville $158
    Joshua Tree National Park $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Greenville

Also for Greenville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) to Greenville - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $74
  • Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) to Greenville - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
  • Greenville to Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) - Departure Private Transfer: $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Greenville or Joshua Tree National Park?

Prices for flights to both Joshua Tree National Park and Greenville 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
    Greenville $21
    Joshua Tree National Park $35
Typical Food Prices in Greenville

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Greenville:


  • Marble Slab Creamery (for 2)
    $9.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greenville $25
    Joshua Tree National Park $27

Tours and Activities in Greenville

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Greenville.

  • Caesars Head & Wildcat Falls Driving Tour: $129
  • Greenville City Segway Tour: $75
  • Greenville Craft Cocktail Tour: $95
  • Greenville Haunted Segway Tour: $76
  • Greenville Scavenger Hunt: Greenville Adventure: $12
  • Guided E-Bike Tour in Greenville South Carolina with Brunch: $105
  • Just Desserts Tour In Greenville: $72
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Greenville, SC: $15
  • Paranormal Walking Tour in Greenville : $32
  • Pedego Electric Bike Tour at Greenville: $105
  • Small-Group Walking Tour in Greenville with Breakfast: $72
  • Thirsty Thursdays Tour (cocktails and appetizers): $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greenville -
    Joshua Tree National Park $4.93

Sample the Local Flavors in Greenville

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Greenville:

  • Spooky & Haunted Paranormal Bar Crawl Downtown Greenville: $32


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

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


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