A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Death Valley National Park for Families, Resorts, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Death Valley 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 Hilton Head Island and Death Valley National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a peaceful, beautiful, and resort-filled coastal town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Hilton Head Island and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilton Head Island. Although Hilton Head Island and Death Valley National Park are popular destinations, Hilton Head Island has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilton Head Island is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hilton Head Island is famous for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. It is also well known for The Harbour Town Lighthouse. Death Valley National Park is famous for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park?

Death Valley National Park is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilton Head Island is very good for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Hilton Head Island area. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park offer decent nightlife.

Hilton Head Island doesn't offer many options. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Death Valley National Park. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Hilton Head Island. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Is Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is a well-known place for the beach. However, Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Death Valley National Park. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park?

Hilton Head Island is very good for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Many visitors go to Hilton Head Island to go shopping. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Death Valley National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular family destinations. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

Death Valley National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Is Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Death Valley National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

A large number of backpackers visit Death Valley National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Hilton Head Island is a moderate coastal town for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable coastal town. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Death Valley National Park than Hilton Head Island 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 Death Valley National Park.

One day in Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park?

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this family-friendly destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the striking destination of Death Valley National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park?

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Death Valley National Park is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the when visiting the vast national park of Death Valley National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Death Valley National Park has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park?

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this peaceful destination offers. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This coastal town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Death Valley National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days 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.

A week in Hilton Head Island or Death Valley National Park?

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this coastal town offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Death Valley National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

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

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