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

Should you visit Greenville or Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah 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.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a scenic, breathtaking, and serene national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Greenville 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 Greenville or Shenandoah National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shenandoah National Park. Although Greenville and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations, Shenandoah National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Shenandoah National Park is very popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Greenville attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Shenandoah National Park is more touristy than Greenville and is known for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. It is also well known for Skyline Drive. Greenville is famous for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Greenville 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 Greenville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Greenville or Shenandoah National Park Better for Skiing?

Greenville
Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is very good for skiing. However, Greenville is not a skiing destination.

Head to Shenandoah National Park for some great skiing and other winter activities. 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".

Greenville is not a skiing destination.


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

Greenville
Shenandoah National Park

Greenville 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 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.

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 Greenville or Shenandoah National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Greenville
Shenandoah National Park

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

Shenandoah National Park is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

Greenville offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Greenville or Shenandoah National Park Better for Nightlife?

Greenville
Shenandoah National Park

Greenville 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 Greenville has a few options to choose from. 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.

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 Greenville or Shenandoah National Park Better for Hiking?

Greenville
Shenandoah National Park

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

Many people visit Shenandoah National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Greenville or Shenandoah National Park?

Greenville
Shenandoah National Park

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

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 Greenville or Shenandoah National Park Better for Families?

Greenville
Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah 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.

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 Shenandoah National Park Better for Couples?

Greenville
Shenandoah National Park

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

Shenandoah National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

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 Shenandoah National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Greenville
Shenandoah National Park

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

A large number of backpackers visit Shenandoah National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. 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.

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

Greenville
Shenandoah National Park

Greenville 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 Greenville. There are free trolleys that make their way around the downtown neighborhoods.

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


Is Greenville or Shenandoah National Park a more walkable city?

Greenville
Shenandoah National Park

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

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 Greenville Worth Visiting? and Is Shenandoah National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Greenville or Shenandoah National Park?

In either Greenville 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 Greenville because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Greenville, and 3-5 days is enough time in Shenandoah National Park.

Families should spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than Greenville. 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 Greenville. 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 Greenville 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 Greenville or Shenandoah National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Greenville 1-2 
    Shenandoah National Park 3-5

One day in Greenville or Shenandoah National Park?

With shopping and museums around the welcoming city of Greenville, 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 beautiful 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 Greenville or Shenandoah National Park?

With museums and nightlife around the hospitable destination of Greenville, 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 Greenville or Shenandoah National Park?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the hospitable city of Greenville. 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 Greenville or Shenandoah National Park?

Greenville 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 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, Shenandoah 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 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 Greenville and Shenandoah National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greenville -
    Shenandoah National Park $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greenville $0.00
    Shenandoah National Park $106
Compare Hotels in Greenville and Shenandoah National Park

Looking for a hotel in Greenville 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 Greenville


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: Greenville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greenville $158
    Shenandoah National Park $70

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

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

Prices for flights to both Shenandoah 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
    Shenandoah National Park $28
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
    Shenandoah National Park $34

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 -
    Shenandoah National Park $7.14

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 Shenandoah National Park, we can see that Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park Expensive?.