A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Moab vs. Redwood National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Moab or Redwood National Park?

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

Should I visit Moab or Redwood National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Moab

Moab is a scenic, adventurous, and active town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and hiking.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a grand, impressive, and monumental park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking.

Moab and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Moab or Redwood National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Moab than Redwood National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Moab is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Redwood National Park is more popular for its beaches. Moab is more touristy than Redwood National Park and is popular for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. Also, Moab is famous for Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. Redwood National Park is well known for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

How is Moab different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Moab or Redwood National Park?

Moab
Redwood National Park

Moab is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Moab offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that will teach you about the geology and history. You can pop in the Moab Museum or the Film Museum at Red Cliffs Ranch, as well as the galleries around town.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.


Is the Food Better in Moab or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Moab
Redwood National Park

Moab is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Moab area. The town has grown over the years and now you'll find a diverse selection of restaurants that serve decent food. There are steakhouses, pizzerias, and even a couple ice cream shops.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Moab or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Moab
Redwood National Park

Moab is a town with a few options for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Moab is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The town has grown significantly and you'll find bars, taverns, and breweries where you can hang out in the evening, but it's still a quiet place with a laid back atmosphere.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Moab or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Moab
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a popular place for its beaches. However, Moab is not a beach destination.

Redwood National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Moab is not a beach destination.


Is Moab or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Moab
Redwood National Park

If you're looking to go hiking, Moab and Redwood National Park both have amazing trails.

People visit Moab specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The area is filled with hiking trails, both inside the nearby national parks as well as outside. Canyonlands National Park is large with impressive overlooks, while Arches National Park has fun hikes that take you by diverse arches and include many opportunities for scrambling. Outside of the park, hikers can visit Corona Arch or search for dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Tracks Trail.

Many people visit Redwood National Park specifically for its hiking. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Moab or Redwood National Park?

Moab
Redwood National Park

Moab is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Moab to go shopping. There are gift shops, places to buy outdoor equipment, and convenient stores around town. There are also a number of art galleries that sell local items or impressive photography.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Moab or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Moab
Redwood National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Moab or Redwood National Park.

Moab is a very family-friendly destination. It's a world of outdoor adventures. You'll find river rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and many kid-friendly trails. There's also the Tracks Museum, where kids can learn about dinosaurs as well as swimming pools or swimming holes in the area.

Redwood National Park is a very kid-friendly town. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.


Is Moab or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Moab
Redwood National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Moab and Redwood National Park make for a superb place to visit.

Moab is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The area is filled with adventurous fun, with everything from world-class hikes to impressive rafting trips. The dramatic landscape provides the backdrop for a truly spectacular trip.

Redwood National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

Is Moab or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Moab
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Moab is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Redwood National Park. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Moab is a great town to visit for backpackers. The town has many campgrounds and even a few hostels. Arches National Park has only a few backcountry overnight camping sites. Terrain is rough and most areas aren't accessible by trail.

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

Moab
Redwood National Park

Neither Moab or Redwood National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Moab. There are efforts to create a transportation program within town, but there are limited transportation options available. If you book a tour, they usually provide transportation.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.


Is Moab or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Moab
Redwood National Park

Moab is a town with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Moab is generally not very walkable. While it's possible to walk around within the town, most visitors don't come to visit they town, they come to explore the area. You'll need a car to access most points of interest in the area.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Redwood National Park or Moab?

How long in Moab or Redwood National Park?

In either Moab or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Moab has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Moab than Redwood National Park. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Moab, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

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

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


  • How many days in Moab or Redwood National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Moab 2-5 
    Redwood National Park 3-5

One day in Moab or Redwood National Park?

In Moab, you'll find food and shopping. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 destination of Redwood National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Moab or Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Moab. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town. It offers something for everyone.

Redwood National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Moab or Redwood National Park?

Moab is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the monumental destination of Redwood National Park. This park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Moab or Redwood National Park?

You'll find shopping and food around the adventurous destination of Moab. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The grand park of Redwood National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Redwood National Park or Moab?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Moab is $388, while the average daily cost in Redwood National Park is $111. 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 Moab and Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moab $336
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moab $672
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Moab and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Moab or Redwood 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 Moab


Hotels in Redwood 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: Moab Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moab $17
    Redwood National Park $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Moab or Redwood National Park?

Prices for flights to both Redwood National Park and Moab 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
    Moab $37
    Redwood National Park $33
Typical Food Prices in Moab

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


  • Moab Brewery
    $42
  • Breakfast for Two
    $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Moab

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

  • Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show: $99
  • Colorado River Sunset Boat Tour with Optional Dinner: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moab $3.13
    Redwood National Park $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moab

For Moab, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Slickrock Trail Pass
    $5.00

Tours and Activities in Moab

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

  • La Sal Mountain Loop: Scenic Self-Driving App Tour: $8.99
  • La Sal Mountain Loop Scenic Drive: Half-Day Audio Driving Private Tour : $8.99
  • Canyonlands National Park: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $8.99
  • Arches National Park: Driving Tour with Audio Guide: $8.99
  • La Sal Mountain: Scenic Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $12
  • Canyonlands National Park Self-Driving Tour: $13
  • Arches National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
  • Explore Arches, Canyonlands & La Sal Audio Tour Guide: $19
  • Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks Self-Driving Bundle Tour: $25
  • Moab Giants Dinosaur Park and Museum Entrance Ticket: $28
  • Ultimate Utah Combo Self-Driving Audio Tour: $40
  • Utah: The Grand Circle Self-Guided Driving Tour Bundle: $42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moab $66
    Redwood National Park $11


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

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