A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Families and Couples

Should you visit Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island and Joshua Tree National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a resort-filled, family-friendly, and relaxing coastal town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

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.

Hilton Head Island and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Joshua Tree National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilton Head Island. Although Hilton Head Island and Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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. Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Hilton Head Island 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 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hilton Head Island is a coastal town with good options for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Hilton Head Island is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

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 Hilton Head Island or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Hilton Head Island or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Hilton Head Island or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

In Hilton Head Island, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Hilton Head Island attract visitors from all over. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Joshua Tree National Park?

Hilton Head Island is a coastal town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

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 Hilton Head Island or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Hilton Head Island is an extremely popular coastal town to visit for families. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Hilton Head Island or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

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

Joshua Tree National Park makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree 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 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.

Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Neither Hilton Head Island or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Hilton Head Island or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island is generally not a very walkable coastal town. 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Hilton Head Island or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

One day in Hilton Head Island or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the family-friendly coastal town of Hilton Head Island. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the fascinating destination of Joshua Tree National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Hilton Head Island. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the when visiting the adventurous national park of Joshua Tree National Park. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Joshua Tree National Park has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Joshua Tree National Park?

Hilton Head Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Joshua Tree National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Hilton Head Island is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities. 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. 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 Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. And not only is Joshua Tree National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Joshua Tree National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.