A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Yosemite National Park for Food, Resorts, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Miami or Yosemite National Park?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Miami and Yosemite National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a glamorous, exciting, and diverse beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a world-famous, stunning, and breathtaking national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking.

Miami and Yosemite National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to El Capitan
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Miami or Yosemite National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Miami than Yosemite National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Miami is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Yosemite National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Miami is well known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Yosemite National Park is well known for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome.

How is Miami different from Yosemite National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Miami or Yosemite National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Miami
Yosemite National Park

Miami is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

For foodies, Miami is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

Yosemite National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.


Is Miami or Yosemite National Park Better for Nightlife?

Miami
Yosemite National Park

Miami is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

People head to Miami just to party. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Miami or Yosemite National Park Better for Music?

Miami
Yosemite National Park

Miami is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a live music destination.

In Miami you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Yosemite National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Yosemite National Park Better for Resorts?

Miami
Yosemite National Park

Miami is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Yosemite National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Miami is a great choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Yosemite National Park. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.


Is Miami or Yosemite National Park Better for Beaches?

Miami
Yosemite National Park

Miami is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Yosemite National Park is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Miami. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Yosemite National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Miami or Yosemite National Park Better for Hiking?

Miami
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Yosemite National Park specifically for its hiking. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

Miami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Yosemite National Park?

Miami
Yosemite National Park

Miami is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Miami is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Miami or Yosemite National Park Better for Families?

Miami
Yosemite National Park

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Miami or Yosemite National Park.

Miami is a very family-friendly place to visit. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Yosemite National Park is very family-friendly. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

Is Miami or Yosemite National Park Better for Couples?

Miami
Yosemite National Park

Both Miami and Yosemite National Park are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Miami frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Yosemite National Park is a great beach city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

Is Miami or Yosemite National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Yosemite National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

It's common for backpackers to visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.


Is Miami or Yosemite National Park Better for Students?

Miami
Yosemite National Park

Miami is a popular place for students. However, Yosemite National Park is not popular with students.

Miami is a good beach city to visit for students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Yosemite National Park is not popular with students.

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

Miami
Yosemite National Park

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Miami and Yosemite National Park.

You'll find some public transit in Miami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

While Yosemite National Park offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

Is Miami or Yosemite National Park a more walkable city?

Miami
Yosemite National Park

Miami is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Miami is a very walkable destination. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

Yosemite National Park is generally not a very walkable beach city. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.


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

Should I spend more time in Yosemite National Park or Miami?

How long in Miami or Yosemite National Park?

Both Miami and Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park than in Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 3-7 days is enough time in Yosemite National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Miami than Yosemite 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 Miami.


  • How many days in Miami or Yosemite National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Miami 7 
    Yosemite National Park 3-7

One day in Miami or Yosemite National Park?

Miami is a big city with plenty to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Yosemite National Park, many people enjoy the that this breathtaking destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the hiking. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Miami or Yosemite National Park?

Miami is a big city with plenty to do. This beach city offers something for everyone. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yosemite National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Miami or Yosemite National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Yosemite National Park is a fun place to experience. In Yosemite National Park, many people enjoy the that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A week in Miami or Yosemite National Park?

Miami is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Miami. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

In Yosemite National Park, many people enjoy the that this popular destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Yosemite National Park or Miami?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $206, while the average daily cost in Yosemite National Park is $129. 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 Miami and Yosemite National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $132
    Yosemite National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $264
    Yosemite National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Miami and Yosemite National Park

Looking for a hotel in Miami or Yosemite 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 Miami


Hotels in Yosemite 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: Miami Hotel Prices and Yosemite National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $38
    Yosemite National Park $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:


  • Car Rental for a Day
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:

  • Train Transfer to South Florida Cities: $20
  • Miami International Airport: One-Way Transfer to Miami: $24
  • Transfers Airports Miami, Ft. Lauderdale Port Mía Everglades: $25
  • 50 min Everglades Airboat, Photo & Transfer: $33
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Hotel or Port of Miami: $35
  • Miami or Ft Lauderdale: Train Transfer to Orlando Airport: $39
  • From Everglades Wildlife Show, Airboat & Bus Transfer: $40
  • Miami Int'l Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Miami Port: $48
  • From Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer: $55
  • Private One Way Transfer: Miami Airport (MIA) to/from Miami: $55
  • Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Experience with roundtrip transfer: $59
  • Key West Transfer with Hotel Pickup and Upgrades: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Yosemite National Park?

Prices for flights to both Yosemite National Park and Miami 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
    Miami $41
    Yosemite National Park $40
Typical Food Prices in Miami

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:


  • Lunch with Drinks (for 2)
    $45
  • David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.

  • Little Havana- Family Friendly Walking Food Tour : $52
  • Little Havana Ultimate Food Tour : $64
  • The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $64
  • A Taste of South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • Taste of Little Havana Food Tour in Miami with Cuban Street Food: $75
  • Food Tour of Miami's South Beach: $79
  • Mango's Dinner and Show Ticket: $98
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
  • Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100
  • Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $124
  • 3 Hour Regional Indian Cooking Class and Dining Experience in Miami: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Miami $31
    Yosemite National Park $19

Tours and Activities in Miami

Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Haunted a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour : $5.97
  • Little Havana Smartphone guided Audio App Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Miami Marlins Baseball Game Ticket at loandepot Park: $7.19
  • Haunted Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $7.31
  • Miami Beach: Self-Guided Walking Tour With Audio Guide: $7.31
  • Sights of Downtown a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Private Sightseeing Audio Walking Tour in Miami Beach: $7.99
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Miami: $8.72
  • Miami Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Big Cypress National Preserve Audio Tour Guide: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Little Havana: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Miami by Wacky Walks: $10

Tours and Activities in Yosemite National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yosemite National Park are as follows:

  • Yosemite National Park Audio Driving Tour: $14
  • Yosemite Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Yosemite: Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Yosemite Panorama Trail Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Yosemite: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Yosemite Valley Tour with Transport from Oakhurst: $130
  • Full-Day Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour Including Hotel Pickup: $169
  • Big Trees Hike & Riverside Cookout Adventure: $180
  • Yosemite’s High Country Adaptive Tour: $180
  • Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour: $180
  • Yosemite Winter Highlights Small Group Tour: $190
  • Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $22
    Yosemite National Park $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Miami

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:

  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Small-Group Brewery Golf Cart Tour of Wynwood with a Local Guide: $59
  • Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Bar Crawl: $100


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

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