A Travel Price Comparison for California Joshua Tree National Park vs. Redwood National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Joshua Tree National Park or Redwood National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Joshua Tree National Park and Redwood National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

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. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a monumental, grand, and impressive park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Joshua Tree National Park and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Redwood National Park. Although Joshua Tree National Park and Redwood National Park are popular destinations, Redwood National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Redwood National Park is very popular for its beaches and impressive beauty, while Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors for its museums. Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique vegetation and large boulders. Redwood National Park is famous for being the home of the world's tallest trees. It is also well known for Stout Grove.

How is Joshua Tree National Park different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Joshua Tree National Park is a national park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.

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

Neither Joshua Tree National Park or Redwood National Park offer quality cuisine.

Joshua Tree National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. 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.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Joshua Tree National Park or Redwood National Park offer decent nightlife.

Joshua Tree National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Redwood National Park. The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Redwood National Park is a park with good options for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Redwood National Park. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Both Joshua Tree National Park and Redwood National Park are destinations which offer fantastic hiking.

Around Joshua Tree National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Redwood National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

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

Neither Joshua Tree National Park or Redwood National Park offer decent shopping options.

Shopping in Joshua Tree National Park can be found for those interested. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Redwood National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Both Joshua Tree National Park and Redwood National Park are very good to visit with kids.

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.

Redwood National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Both Joshua Tree National Park and Redwood National Park are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Couples visit Redwood National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

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

Joshua Tree National Park and Redwood National Park are both fantastic destinations 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.

Redwood National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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

Neither Joshua Tree National Park or Redwood National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

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

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

Neither Joshua Tree National Park or Redwood National Park are walkable places.

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

Redwood National Park is not a walkable national park. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

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

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

How long in Joshua Tree National Park or Redwood National Park?

In either Joshua Tree National Park or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Redwood National Park than Joshua Tree National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Joshua Tree National Park, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

One day in Joshua Tree National Park or Redwood National Park?

In Joshua Tree National Park, you'll find . Hikers are also drawn to this area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the impressive park of Redwood National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A weekend in Joshua Tree National Park or Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Joshua Tree National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Redwood 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. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Joshua Tree National Park or Redwood National Park?

Joshua Tree National Park is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Redwood National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this park makes for a great vacation. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

A week in Joshua Tree National Park or Redwood National Park?

You'll find around the fascinating destination of Joshua Tree National Park. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Redwood National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Most people visit for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Joshua Tree National Park and Redwood National Park, we can see that Joshua Tree National Park is more expensive. And not only is Redwood National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Redwood National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Redwood 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 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 Redwood National Park.

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