Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Los Angeles?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Los Angeles and Denali 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.
Los Angeles is a multicultural, sprawling, and energetic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.
Denali National Park is a rugged, spectacular, and epic park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Los Angeles. Although Los Angeles and Denali National Park are both popular with visitors, Los Angeles has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Los Angeles is more popular for its museums & sights, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Denali National Park is known for its impressive beauty. Los Angeles is more touristy than Denali National Park and is known for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. It is also home to Hollywood. Denali National Park is popular for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Denali National Park and Los Angeles. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Los Angeles is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Denali National Park is not known for its sights and museums.
The museums and tourist attractions in Los Angeles are world-renowned. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.
Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.
Los Angeles is a great city for its theatre productions. However, Denali National Park is not a theatre destination.
Los Angeles has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.
Denali National Park is not a theatre destination.
Los Angeles is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Los Angeles has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.
Denali National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.
Los Angeles is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.
Los Angeles is a world class party destination. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.
People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.
Los Angeles is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Denali National Park is not a live music destination.
With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Los Angeles. Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.
Denali National Park is not a live music destination.
Los Angeles is a great city for its luxury resorts. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its resorts.
Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Los Angeles. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.
Denali National Park has a few great resort options. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.
Los Angeles is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Denali National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Los Angeles. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.
Denali National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Los Angeles is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Denali National Park is not a beach destination.
With world-famous beaches, Los Angeles is a very popular vacation destination. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.
Denali National Park is not a beach destination.
Los Angeles is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for the nearby hiking options.
Many people visit Los Angeles specifically for its hiking. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.
Denali National Park has hiking trails worth exploring. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.
Los Angeles is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.
Known for shopping, Los Angeles draws large crowds to its stores. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.
Denali National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.
Los Angeles is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its family-friendly activities.
Los Angeles is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.
Denali National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.
Los Angeles is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for couples.
For those traveling as a couple, Los Angeles has plenty to offer. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.
Denali National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.
Denali National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
A large number of backpackers visit Denali National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).
Backpackers come from all over to visit Los Angeles. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.
Los Angeles is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Denali National Park is not popular with students.
Students come from all over the world to visit Los Angeles. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.
Denali National Park is not popular with students.
Los Angeles is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Denali National Park is not known for its public transit.
While Los Angeles offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.
Public transit is generally limited in Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.
Los Angeles is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.
Los Angeles is a somewhat walkable place. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.
Denali National Park is not a walkable city. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.
For even more information, also check out Is Los Angeles Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.
It's fun to spend time in either Los Angeles or Denali National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Los Angeles due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Los Angeles, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.
Families should spend more time in Los Angeles than Denali National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Los Angeles, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Los Angeles than Denali National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Los Angeles that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Los Angeles than Denali 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 Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
Visitors enjoy the when visiting the rugged park of Denali National Park. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Los Angeles is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Visitors enjoy the when visiting the vast destination of Denali National Park. This park offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.
Many people visit Los Angeles for five days. Los Angeles is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
The rugged park of Denali National Park offers . Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.
Los Angeles is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Many people spend one week here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Los Angeles, one week is sufficent for most.
Many people enjoy the when visiting Denali National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Los Angeles is $258, while the average daily cost in Denali National Park is $218. 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 Los Angeles and Denali National Park in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Los Angeles or Denali 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.
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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Los Angeles:
Also for Los Angeles, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Los Angeles 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.
For Los Angeles, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Los Angeles, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Los Angeles's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Los Angeles, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Los Angeles:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Los Angeles and Denali National Park, we can see that Los Angeles is more expensive. And not only is Denali National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Denali National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Denali 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 Los Angeles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Los Angeles than you might in Denali National Park.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Los Angeles Expensive? and Is Denali National Park Expensive?.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Los Angeles and Denali National Park. Many travelers come to Los Angeles for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Denali National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Los Angeles is generally a little warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Los Angeles average around 72°F (22°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).
In July, Los Angeles usually receives less rain than Denali National Park. Los Angeles gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Los Angeles as well as Denali National Park. Many visitors come to Los Angeles in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Denali National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Denali National Park can be very cold during autumn. Los Angeles is much warmer than Denali National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Los Angeles averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).
Los Angeles usually gets less rain in October than Denali National Park. Los Angeles gets 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Denali National Park and Los Angeles are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Los Angeles for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. In the winter, Los Angeles is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Los Angeles in January average around 55°F (13°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 11°F (-12°C).
In January, Los Angeles usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Los Angeles gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Denali National Park and Los Angeles during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.
It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the spring. In April, Los Angeles is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Los Angeles average around 61°F (16°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).
Los Angeles usually gets less rain in April than Denali National Park. Los Angeles gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Los Angeles | Denali National Park | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 11°F (-12°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
Feb | 55°F (13°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 16°F (-9°C) | 1.4 inches (37 mm) |
Mar | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
Apr | 61°F (16°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) | 34°F (1°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
May | 63°F (17°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
Jun | 66°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
Jul | 72°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) | 60°F (15°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
Aug | 72°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) | 56°F (14°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) |
Sep | 70°F (21°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) | 47°F (9°C) | 4.2 inches (108 mm) |
Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 0.6 inches (15 mm) | 32°F (0°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
Nov | 63°F (17°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) | 18°F (-8°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
Dec | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 13°F (-11°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |