A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ketchikan vs. Redwood National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ketchikan or Redwood 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 Ketchikan and Redwood National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a grand, impressive, and monumental park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for beaches and hiking.

Ketchikan and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ketchikan or Redwood National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ketchikan than Redwood National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ketchikan is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Redwood National Park is more popular for its beaches and impressive beauty. Ketchikan is well known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Also, Ketchikan is famous for the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Redwood National Park is well known for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

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

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

Ketchikan is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ketchikan. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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 Ketchikan or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ketchikan is an amazing town to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Ketchikan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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 Ketchikan or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Ketchikan is a town with a few options for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Ketchikan is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Ketchikan or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Redwood National Park is very good for its beaches. However, Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Redwood National Park to enjoy the beach. 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.

Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

Is Ketchikan or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

You'll find first-rate hiking in both Ketchikan and Redwood National Park.

Many people visit Ketchikan specifically for its hiking. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Known for its hiking, Redwood National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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 Ketchikan or Redwood National Park?

Ketchikan is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Ketchikan to go shopping. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Ketchikan or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Ketchikan or Redwood National Park.

Ketchikan is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Redwood National Park is very family-friendly. 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 Ketchikan or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Both Ketchikan and Redwood National Park are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Ketchikan is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

Redwood National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Ketchikan or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Redwood National Park is renowned for backpackers. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

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

Ketchikan is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Ketchikan or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Ketchikan is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Ketchikan is a very walkable destination. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Redwood National Park or Ketchikan?

How long in Ketchikan or Redwood National Park?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ketchikan than Redwood 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 Ketchikan.

One day in Ketchikan or Redwood National Park?

In Ketchikan, you'll find shopping and museums. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ketchikan, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find around the park of Redwood National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Ketchikan or Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ketchikan. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find around the impressive destination of Redwood National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ketchikan or Redwood National Park?

Ketchikan is a fun place to experience. 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.

You'll find around the impressive park of Redwood National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer.

A week in Ketchikan or Redwood National Park?

You'll find shopping and museums around the local destination of Ketchikan. 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

When is the best time to visit Ketchikan or Redwood National Park?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Redwood National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ketchikan and Redwood National Park. Many visitors come to Ketchikan in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Ketchikan is generally around the same temperature as Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Ketchikan average around 58°F (15°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ketchikan usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Ketchikan gets 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Redwood National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ketchikan as well as Redwood National Park. Most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Redwood National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Ketchikan is much colder than Redwood National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ketchikan averages around 46°F (8°C) in October, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ketchikan usually gets more rain in October than Redwood National Park. Ketchikan gets 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Redwood National Park in the Winter?

Both Redwood National Park and Ketchikan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ketchikan can be very cold. In the winter, Ketchikan is much colder than Redwood National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ketchikan in January average around 34°F (1°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. In January, Ketchikan usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Ketchikan gets 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Redwood National Park in the Spring?

Both Redwood National Park and Ketchikan during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Redwood National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Ketchikan is generally much colder than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Ketchikan average around 44°F (6°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. Ketchikan usually gets more rain in April than Redwood National Park. Ketchikan gets 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Ketchikan