A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Backpackers, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit La Paz or Joshua Tree 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 La Paz and Joshua Tree 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.

La Paz

La Paz is a authentic, cultural, and beautiful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a adventurous, unique, and fascinating national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking.

La Paz and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Paz. Although La Paz and Joshua Tree National Park are both popular with visitors, La Paz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. La Paz is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Joshua Tree National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. La Paz is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also home to Balandra Beach. Joshua Tree National Park is popular for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

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

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

La Paz is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into La Paz. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

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.

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

La Paz is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

La Paz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

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 La Paz or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

La Paz is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

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 La Paz or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

La Paz is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

La Paz has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is La Paz or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

La Paz is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

La Paz is renowned for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

La Paz is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is La Paz or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, La Paz is not a hiking destination.

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.

La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Joshua Tree National Park?

La Paz is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

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 La Paz or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Both La Paz and Joshua Tree National Park are great to visit with kids.

La Paz is a very kid-friendly city. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

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.

Is La Paz or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Joshua Tree National Park is notable for its romantic activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

La Paz is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

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

Joshua Tree National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Joshua Tree National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit La Paz. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

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

La Paz is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

La Paz has some public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

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

Is La Paz or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

La Paz is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

La Paz is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable.

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

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

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

How long in La Paz or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz than Joshua Tree 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 La Paz.

One day in La Paz or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the authentic city of La Paz. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Paz or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of La Paz. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Most people visit for the beaches. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Joshua Tree National Park?

La Paz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Joshua Tree National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in La Paz or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the fascinating destination of Joshua Tree National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

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