A Travel Price Comparison for California Los Angeles vs. Sequoia National Park for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Los Angeles or Sequoia 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 Los Angeles and Sequoia 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

Los Angeles is a energetic, dynamic, and glamourous city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is a surreal, impressive, and magical national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Los Angeles and Sequoia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
  • Home to Hollywood
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the General Sherman tree
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


Is there more to do in Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Los Angeles than Sequoia National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Los Angeles is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Sequoia National Park is more popular for its impressive beauty. Los Angeles is well known for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. Also, Los Angeles is famous for Hollywood. Sequoia National Park is well known for its spectacularly large sequoia trees and its dramatic beauty.

How is Los Angeles different from Sequoia National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park?

Los Angeles
Sequoia National Park

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Los Angeles from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Sequoia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The visitor centers have informational exhibits and there's also The Giant Forest Museum.


Is Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park Better for Theater?

Los Angeles
Sequoia National Park

Los Angeles is a very popular place for theatre. However, Sequoia National Park is not a theatre destination.

Los Angeles attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. 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.

Sequoia National Park is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Los Angeles
Sequoia National Park

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Los Angeles have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Sequoia National Park. There are restaurants, cafes, and markets in the park where you can pick up food. Some options are only open seasonally so check in advance to make sure you understand the options.

Is Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Los Angeles
Sequoia National Park

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Los Angeles has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Sequoia National Park. Nightlife is limited to stargazing and campfire chats.


Is Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park Better for Music?

Los Angeles
Sequoia National Park

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Sequoia National Park is not a live music destination.

Los Angeles is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

Sequoia National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park Better for Resorts?

Los Angeles
Sequoia National Park

Los Angeles is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its resorts.

In Los Angeles, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Sequoia National Park offers a few options. Wuksachi Lodge is the signature hotel option in the park.

Is Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Los Angeles
Sequoia National Park

Los Angeles is a city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sequoia National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Sequoia National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park Better for Beaches?

Los Angeles
Sequoia National Park

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its beaches. However, Sequoia National Park is not a beach destination.

Los Angeles is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Sequoia National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park Better for Hiking?

Los Angeles
Sequoia National Park

Hiking trails can be found around both Los Angeles and Sequoia National Park, and they are fantastic.

Los Angeles is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

People visit Sequoia National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hiking options range from day hiking to overnight backpacking. The hikes can be easy and accessible or more challenging, but whatever your style, you're sure to be amazed by this spectacular setting. The trails wander through high reaching trees or along steep canyons. Some of the most popular trails include Big Trees Trail, Crescent Meadow Loop Trail, Congress Trail, Tokopah Falls Trail, Hazelwood Nature Trail, Alta Peak Trail, and the High Sierra Trail to Bearpaw Meadow.

Is the Shopping Better in Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park?

Los Angeles
Sequoia National Park

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Los Angeles. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sequoia National Park has some nice offerings. There are markets within the park.


Is Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park Better for Families?

Los Angeles
Sequoia National Park

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sequoia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Los Angeles is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Sequoia National Park is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy driving through the tunnel log and gazing up at the impressive trees. It feels like a fairytale world where even adults can run around and embrace their inner child. There are also plenty of kid-friendly hikes.

Is Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park Better for Couples?

Los Angeles
Sequoia National Park

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Sequoia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Los Angeles is a great city for couples, as it 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.

Couples visit Sequoia National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, hiking, exploring, and camping will embrace the opportunity to visit the spectacular national park. There are beautiful romantic hikes and sunset views that will take your breath away.

Is Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Los Angeles
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia 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 Sequoia National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpacking through the park will let you experience places that most visitors don't make it to. This is the best way to truly enjoy the nature, serenity, and beauty of the park.

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.


Is Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park Better for Students?

Los Angeles
Sequoia National Park

Los Angeles is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sequoia National Park is not popular with students.

Los Angeles is a very popular city for students. 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.

Sequoia National Park is not popular with students.

Is Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Los Angeles
Sequoia National Park

Los Angeles is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Los Angeles has some public transit options. 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 Sequoia National Park. There is a shuttle service, but it's limited to the summer months and other peak travel times.

Is Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park a more walkable city?

Los Angeles
Sequoia National Park

Los Angeles is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Los Angeles is somewhat walkable. 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.

Sequoia National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are countless hiking trails, you'll need a car to efficiently get around the park.


For even more information, also check out Is Los Angeles Worth Visiting? and Is Sequoia National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sequoia National Park or Los Angeles?

How long in Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park?

Both Los Angeles and Sequoia National Park have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Los Angeles has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Los Angeles than Sequoia National Park. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Los Angeles, and 2-7 days is enough time in Sequoia National Park.

Families should spend more time in Los Angeles than Sequoia 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 Sequoia 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 Sequoia 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.


  • How many days in Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Los Angeles 5-7 
    Sequoia National Park 2-7

One day in Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park?

Because Los Angeles is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the surreal national park of Sequoia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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.

A weekend in Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Los Angeles. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the surreal destination of Sequoia National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national 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.

Five days in Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park?

Los Angeles is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking national park of Sequoia National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park?

Because Los Angeles is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Sequoia National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this national park.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sequoia National Park or Los Angeles?

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 Sequoia National Park is $130. 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 Sequoia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Los Angeles $140
    Sequoia National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Los Angeles $280
    Sequoia National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Los Angeles and Sequoia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Los Angeles or Sequoia 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 Los Angeles


Hotels in Sequoia 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: Los Angeles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Los Angeles $42
    Sequoia National Park $56
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Los Angeles

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Los Angeles:


  • Hotel Parking for a Day
    $22
  • Taxi to Airport
    $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Los Angeles

Also for Los Angeles, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • World Cruise Center to Long Beach Airport(LGB)-Departure Transfer: $65
  • World Cruise Center to Long Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $119
  • World Cruise Center to Long Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • World Cruise Center to Long Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
  • Universal Studios to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Departure Private Transfer: $79
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Los Angeles HTL-APT (LAX): $141
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Los Angeles APT-HTL (LAX): $141
  • Transfer from Los Angeles airport. Transfer to LAX Airport: $123
  • San Pedro Cruise Center Private Transfer from or to Los Angeles: $89
  • San Diego Private Transfer To or From Universal Studios/Burbank.: $248
  • Roundtrip transfer in private car Los Angeles Airport (LAX)-Los Angeles Downtown: $100
  • RoundTrip private transfer from Los Angeles airportLAX to Anaheim: $133

Is it cheaper to fly into Los Angeles or Sequoia National Park?

Prices for flights to both Sequoia 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Los Angeles $60
    Sequoia National Park $31
Typical Food Prices in Los Angeles

For Los Angeles, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Mexican Dinner (family of 4)
    $32
  • Burritos for Two
    $15
  • Coffee and Danish
    $7.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Los Angeles

For Los Angeles, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Venice Beach Food Tour with Tastings: $75
  • Santa Monica Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $82
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $87
  • Venice Beach LA Food Tour: $89
  • Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour: $89
  • Downtown Food Tour: $89
  • Venice Beach Food Tour: $89
  • LA Venice Beach Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Original Downtown Los Angeles Walking Food Tour with Six Taste: $110
  • Night Cruise in Marina del Rey with Dinner: $124
  • Vegan African Dinner Party in Playa Del Ray: $132
  • Marina Del Rey: Thanksgiving Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $136

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Los Angeles $82
    Sequoia National Park $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Los Angeles

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Los Angeles's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Santa Monica Pier Rides (family of 4)
    $37
  • Bowling
    $13
  • Hollywood Tour for Two
    $30
  • Six Flags for 2
    $96

Tours and Activities in Los Angeles

For Los Angeles, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1-Hour Private Ferrari Driving Tour: Hollywood to Beverly Hills: $289
  • 2 Hour Celebrity Homes Tour: $175
  • 2 Hour Griffith Park Observatory Tour: $16
  • 2 Hour Private Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills Celebrity Homes: $175
  • 2 Hours Self Guided E-Bike Tour in Hermosa Beach: $50
  • 2-Hour Hollywood Bus Tour: $45
  • 2-Hour Hollywood, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills Open Bus Tour: $39
  • 2-Hour Shared Celebrities Home Tours in Hollywood: $35
  • 2-Hour Venice Beach Art and History Walking Tour: $39
  • 2-Hours Guided Black and Brown Hollywood Tour: $77
  • 2.5 Hour Private Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills: $219
  • 2.5-hour Hollywood Chills Tour - Celebrity Scandals and Cemeteries : $219

Tours and Activities in Sequoia National Park

For Sequoia National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Semi Private Sequoia National Park Tour with lunch.: $299
  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Sequoia National Park Adventure from Tulare: $299
  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon Self Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Los Angeles $15
    Sequoia National Park $7.84

Sample the Local Flavors in Los Angeles

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Los Angeles:

  • LA Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
  • Salsa Lesson, Burlesque and Mojitos : $149
  • Salsa Lesson and Burlesque Show: $149
  • Malibu: Vintage VW Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $195


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