A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Kennebunkport vs. Death Valley National Park for Backpackers, Food, Resorts, and Hiking

Should you visit Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park?

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

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a character-filled, charming, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a vast, dramatic, and striking national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Kennebunkport and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • 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 food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kennebunkport than Death Valley National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kennebunkport is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, shopping, and small town charm, while Death Valley National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Kennebunkport is well known for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. Also, Kennebunkport is famous for Dock Square. Death Valley National Park is well known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park?

Kennebunkport
Death Valley National Park

Kennebunkport is very good for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kennebunkport. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.

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.


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

Kennebunkport
Death Valley National Park

Kennebunkport is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Dining out in Kennebunkport is an experience not to be missed. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or 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 Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Kennebunkport
Death Valley National Park

Kennebunkport is very good for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kennebunkport. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Kennebunkport
Death Valley National Park

Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

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 Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Kennebunkport
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is great for hiking. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Death Valley National Park for the hiking trails. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kennebunkport. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Is the Shopping Better in Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park?

Kennebunkport
Death Valley National Park

Kennebunkport is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Kennebunkport. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

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 Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Kennebunkport
Death Valley National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park.

Kennebunkport is a very family-friendly destination. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

Death Valley National Park is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Kennebunkport
Death Valley National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Kennebunkport and Death Valley National Park make for a great place to visit.

Kennebunkport is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kennebunkport
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kennebunkport is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Death Valley National Park. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Kennebunkport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find cabins and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

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

Kennebunkport
Death Valley National Park

Kennebunkport is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.


Is Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Kennebunkport
Death Valley National Park

Kennebunkport is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Kennebunkport is a somewhat walkable town. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Kennebunkport?

How long in Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park. In our opinion, Kennebunkport has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kennebunkport than Death Valley National Park. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kennebunkport than Death Valley 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 Kennebunkport.


  • How many days in Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kennebunkport 2-4 
    Death Valley National Park 2-4

One day in Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park?

Kennebunkport might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the dramatic destination of Death Valley National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park?

Even though Kennebunkport is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Death Valley National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.


Five days in Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park?

Since Kennebunkport is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the dramatic destination of Death Valley National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park?

Kennebunkport is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the beautiful national park of Death Valley National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Death Valley National Park or Kennebunkport?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kennebunkport is $220, while the average daily cost in Death Valley National Park is $87. 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 Kennebunkport and Death Valley National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kennebunkport $124
    Death Valley National Park $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kennebunkport $248
    Death Valley National Park $74
Compare Hotels in Kennebunkport and Death Valley National Park

Looking for a hotel in Kennebunkport or Death Valley 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 Kennebunkport


Hotels in Death Valley 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: Kennebunkport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kennebunkport $49
    Death Valley National Park $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Kennebunkport or Death Valley National Park?

Prices for flights to both Death Valley National Park and Kennebunkport 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
    Kennebunkport $67
    Death Valley National Park $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kennebunkport $21
    Death Valley National Park $36

Tours and Activities in Kennebunkport

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

  • Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $27
  • Ghost Tour with Folklore, Gossip & Scandals: $29
  • 90 Minutes Ghost Walking Tour in Kennebunkport: $30
  • Historic District Walking Tour: $45
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $50
  • A Tasty Lunchtime Walking Tour: $140

Tours and Activities in Death Valley National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Death Valley National Park are as follows:

  • Death Valley Self Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Death Valley on Mojave Desert VIP Small Group Tour from Las Vegas: $219

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kennebunkport $31
    Death Valley National Park $8.57


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kennebunkport and Death Valley National Park, we can see that Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport Expensive? and Is Death Valley National Park Expensive?.


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