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

Should you visit Memphis or Zion 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 Zion 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 soulful, creative, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, museums, and nightlife.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a stunning, world-renowned, and breathtaking park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Memphis and Zion National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Memphis than Zion National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Memphis is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Zion National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Zion National Park is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Memphis 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 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 Zion National Park?

Memphis is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Memphis is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

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

Memphis is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Memphis offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

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 Memphis or Zion National Park Better for Nightlife?

Memphis is well known for nightlife. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Memphis is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

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

Is Memphis or Zion National Park Better for Music?

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

Memphis is a world class music destination. 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.

Zion National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Memphis or Zion National Park Better for Resorts?

Zion National Park is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Zion National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Memphis or Zion National Park Better for Hiking?

Zion National Park is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Zion National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Zion National Park?

Memphis is a city with a few options for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

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

Is Memphis or Zion National Park Better for Families?

Zion National Park is a great park for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Zion National Park. 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.

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Memphis or Zion National Park Better for Couples?

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

Zion National Park is a great park 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.

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 Zion National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zion 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 Zion National Park, as it is a very popular park for 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.

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 Zion National Park Better for Students?

Memphis is a nice place to visit for students. However, Zion National Park is not popular with students.

Memphis is popular with students. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Zion National Park is not popular with students.

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

Zion National Park is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Memphis is not known for its public transit.

While Zion National Park offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 generally limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

Is Memphis or Zion National Park a more walkable city?

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

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

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

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

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

How long in Memphis or Zion National Park?

Both Memphis and Zion National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zion National Park than in Memphis. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Memphis, and 3-7 days is enough time in Zion National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Zion National Park than Memphis. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Zion 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 Zion 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.

One day in Memphis or Zion National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the soulful destination of Memphis. This city offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the live music. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Zion National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Zion National Park?

Memphis is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the soulful city of Memphis. Most people visit for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Memphis has to offer.

In Zion National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Memphis or Zion National Park?

Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Memphis. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the live music. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Zion National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zion National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Memphis or Zion National Park?

Memphis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zion National Park. In Zion National Park, you'll find . One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Memphis and Zion National Park, we can see that Memphis 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 Memphis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Memphis 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 Memphis Expensive? and Is Zion National Park Expensive?.