A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Las Vegas vs. Zion National Park for Food, Resorts, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Las Vegas or Zion National Park?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Las Vegas and Zion National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a sinful, fun-filled, and entertaining entertainment capital. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Las Vegas travel costs.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a world-renowned, breathtaking, and stunning park. You'll find world class beauty in Zion National Park as well. It's also known for hiking. See Zion National Park travel costs.

Las Vegas and Zion National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Las Vegas or Zion National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Las Vegas. Although Las Vegas and Zion National Park are both popular with visitors, Las Vegas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Las Vegas is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Zion National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Las Vegas is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also home to The Strip. Zion National Park is popular for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing.

How is Las Vegas different from Zion National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Las Vegas or Zion National Park?

Las Vegas is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Las Vegas can be an interesting and educational experience. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.

While most people don't head to Zion National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.

Is Las Vegas or Zion National Park Better for Theater?

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for theatre. However, Zion National Park is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Las Vegas. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Zion National Park is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Las Vegas or Zion National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Las Vegas is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Zion National Park. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

Is Las Vegas or Zion National Park Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Las Vegas is a world class party destination. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Zion National Park Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

Is Las Vegas or Zion National Park Better for Music?

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Zion National Park is not a live music destination.

Las Vegas is a world class music destination. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Zion National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Las Vegas or Zion National Park Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its luxury resorts.

Las Vegas offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Zion National Park offers a few options. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

Is Las Vegas or Zion National Park Better for Hiking?

Zion National Park is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Zion National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Las Vegas or Zion National Park?

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Las Vegas is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Is Las Vegas or Zion National Park More Beautiful?

Zion National Park is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Zion National Park as well. This park will have you feeling as if you're in a painting. There are spectacular views and a stunning natural beauty that will take your breath away.

Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Las Vegas or Zion National Park Better for Families?

Zion National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

Zion National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Las Vegas or Zion National Park Better for Couples?

Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Zion National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Las Vegas has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

Zion National Park is a great entertainment capital if you're traveling as a couple. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

Is Las Vegas or Zion National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zion National Park is very popular for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zion National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.

Is Las Vegas or Zion National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Zion National Park is a good destination for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for times when you don't have a car.

Zion National Park has a few public transit options. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

Public transit is mostly limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

Is Las Vegas or Zion National Park a more walkable city?

Las Vegas is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Las Vegas is somewhat walkable. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

Zion National Park is not a very walkable entertainment capital. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

For even more information, also check out Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting? and Is Zion National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zion National Park or Las Vegas?

How long in Las Vegas or Zion National Park?

Both Las Vegas and Zion National Park have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Las Vegas has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Las Vegas than Zion National Park. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Las Vegas, and 3-7 days is enough time in Zion National Park.

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

One day in Las Vegas or Zion National Park?

Las Vegas is a entertaining big city where you can fill many days. This entertainment capital offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find around the park of Zion 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 Las Vegas or Zion National Park?

Las Vegas is a popular place to visit. Las Vegas is a sexy entertainment capital where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Las Vegas has to offer.

You'll find around the world-renowned destination of Zion 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 Las Vegas or Zion National Park?

Las Vegas is a big city destination where you can fill many days. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Las Vegas has to offer.

You'll find around the world-renowned park of Zion 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 Las Vegas or Zion National Park?

Las Vegas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this entertainment capital makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It offers something for everyone. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Zion National Park is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zion National Park, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Las Vegas and Zion National Park, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. And not only is Zion National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zion National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zion 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 Las Vegas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Las Vegas than you might in Zion National Park.

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