A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Memphis vs. Denali National Park for Backpackers, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Memphis or Denali National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Denali National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Memphis

Memphis is a creative, laid-back, and soulful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a epic, vast, and rugged park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Memphis and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Memphis or Denali National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Memphis. Although Memphis and Denali National Park are both popular with visitors, Memphis has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Memphis is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Denali National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Denali National Park is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife. Memphis is popular for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also home to Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Memphis different from Denali National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Memphis or Denali National Park?

Memphis
Denali National Park

Memphis is very good for its historical sights. However, Denali National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Memphis offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

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.


Is the Food Better in Memphis or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Memphis
Denali National Park

Memphis is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Memphis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

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.

Is Memphis or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Memphis
Denali National Park

Memphis is a great city for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Memphis has something for everybody. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is Memphis or Denali National Park Better for Music?

Memphis
Denali National Park

Memphis 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 Memphis. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Denali National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Memphis or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Memphis
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.

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.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Memphis or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Memphis
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

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.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Denali National Park?

Memphis
Denali National Park

If you're looking to go shopping, Memphis and Denali National Park both offer plenty of decent spots.

Memphis has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Denali National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.


Is Memphis or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Memphis
Denali National Park

Memphis and Denali National Park are both good destinations for the whole family.

Memphis offers lots of family activities. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

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.

Is Memphis or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Memphis
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a great park for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Denali National Park is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

Memphis is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

Is Memphis or Denali National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Memphis
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Memphis is not known 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).

Memphis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.


Is Memphis or Denali National Park Better for Students?

Memphis
Denali National Park

Memphis is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Denali National Park is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Denali National Park is not popular with students.

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

Memphis
Denali National Park

Memphis and Denali National Park both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

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.

Is Memphis or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Memphis
Denali National Park

Memphis is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

Memphis is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

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 Memphis Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Memphis or Denali National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Denali National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Memphis, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Memphis 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 Memphis.


  • How many days in Memphis or Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Memphis 2-3 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in Memphis or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Memphis. 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.

In Denali National Park, you'll find . This park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Memphis or Denali National Park?

Memphis is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Denali National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Denali National Park has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Denali National Park?

Many people visit Memphis for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Memphis. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Denali National Park is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Memphis or Denali National Park?

The creative destination of Memphis offers nightlife and live music. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Denali National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Denali National Park. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Memphis?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Memphis is $167, 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 Memphis and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Memphis $84
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Memphis $168
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Memphis and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Memphis 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.

Hotels in Memphis


Hotels in Denali 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: Memphis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Memphis $59
    Denali National Park $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

  • Guided Tour with Riverboat Cruise & Hotel Transfers: $339
  • Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $285
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denali National Park

Also for Denali National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shuttle Transfer: Anchorage ↔ Denali National Park: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Memphis or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Memphis 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
    Memphis $43
    Denali National Park $57
Typical Food Prices in Memphis

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Memphis:


  • Baskin Robins (for 2)
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Memphis

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

  • Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Memphis $45
    Denali National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Memphis

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Memphis.

  • 2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour: $72
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure - Memphis: $44
  • Beale Street & Sun Studio: Private Half-Day Walking Tour: $160
  • Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Best of Memphis Walking Tour: $149
  • Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Party Experience - Public: $35
  • Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Private Party Experience: $430
  • Elvis Presley's Childhood Home Sightseeing Daytrip from Memphis: $111
  • Elvis Unleashed: Private Elvis Walking Tour: $150
  • From Tupelo Elvis Presley's Upbringing Tour: $102
  • Guided Memphis City Tour with Riverboat Cruise along Mississippi River: $85

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.

  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $79
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $119
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $199
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in Denali: $169
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $150
  • Authentical Denali Tour from Denali Park and Fairbanks: $260
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $150
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $114
  • Denali National Park Walking Tour: $125
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $165
  • Denali Self-Guided Jeep Adventure: $244
  • Half-Day Denali River Rafting Experience: $229

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Memphis $26
    Denali National Park $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Memphis

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

  • Drinking Spirits with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis: $27
  • Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69
  • Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69


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

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



When is the best time to visit Memphis or Denali 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 Memphis or Denali National Park in the Summer?

Both Denali National Park and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Memphis for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Memphis is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 83°F (29°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In July, Memphis usually receives less rain than Denali National Park. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Memphis 83°F (29°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

Both Denali National Park and Memphis during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the autumn. Memphis is much warmer than Denali National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Memphis usually gets less rain in October than Denali National Park. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Denali National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Denali National Park. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Denali National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Denali National Park. It's quite cold in Memphis in the winter. In the winter, Memphis is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Memphis in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 11°F (-12°C).

In January, Memphis usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Memphis 40°F (5°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Denali National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Denali National Park. Many travelers come to Memphis for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Denali National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Denali National Park can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Memphis is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 64°F (18°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

Memphis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Denali National Park. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Memphis

Memphis Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)


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