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

Should you visit Nantucket or Redwood 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 Nantucket and Redwood National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a peaceful, upscale, and charming island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

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.

Nantucket and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
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 museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Redwood National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Redwood National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse. Redwood National Park is well known for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

How is Nantucket 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 Nantucket. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Nantucket
Redwood National Park

Nantucket is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Nantucket. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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 Nantucket or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantucket
Redwood National Park

Nantucket is an amazing island to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Nantucket, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket
Redwood National Park

Nantucket is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Nantucket has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

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

Is Nantucket or Redwood National Park Better for Resorts?

Nantucket
Redwood National Park

Nantucket is well known for its resorts. However, Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Nantucket to choose from. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Nantucket or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Nantucket
Redwood National Park

Nantucket is well known for the beach. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Many people visit Nantucket for it's beautiful beaches. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

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.

Is Nantucket or Redwood National Park Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket
Redwood National Park

Nantucket is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Redwood National Park does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Redwood National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Nantucket
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is renowned for hiking. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Nantucket is a popular spot for hiking. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.


Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Redwood National Park?

Nantucket
Redwood National Park

Nantucket is well known for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Nantucket
Redwood National Park

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Nantucket or Redwood National Park.

Nantucket is a very family-friendly destination. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Redwood National Park is a very kid-friendly island. 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 Nantucket or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Nantucket
Redwood National Park

Nantucket is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Nantucket is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

Redwood National Park is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Nantucket or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nantucket
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantucket is not known 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.

Nantucket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's known for its upscale atmosphere that isn't particularly accommodating for backpackers.

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

Nantucket
Redwood National Park

Nantucket is a good destination for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Nantucket, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Nantucket or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Nantucket
Redwood National Park

Nantucket is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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


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

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

How long in Nantucket or Redwood National Park?

In either Nantucket or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Redwood National Park than Nantucket because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Nantucket, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantucket than Redwood 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 Nantucket.


  • How many days in Nantucket or Redwood National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nantucket 2-4 
    Redwood National Park 3-5

One day in Nantucket or Redwood National Park?

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

You'll find around the park of Redwood National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nantucket or Redwood National Park?

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

You'll find around the grand destination of Redwood National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nantucket or Redwood National Park?

Nantucket is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find around the grand park of Redwood National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer.


A week in Nantucket or Redwood National Park?

Nantucket is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Redwood National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Redwood National Park or Nantucket?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nantucket is $350, 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 Nantucket and Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantucket $237
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantucket $474
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Nantucket and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Nantucket 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 Nantucket


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: Nantucket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantucket $47
    Redwood National Park $53

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

Prices for flights to both Redwood National Park and Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $81
    Redwood National Park $33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nantucket $34
    Redwood National Park $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nantucket $35
    Redwood National Park $11


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



When is the best time to visit Nantucket or Redwood National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nantucket or Redwood National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Redwood National Park. Many visitors come to Nantucket in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Nantucket is generally a little warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 68°F (20°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Nantucket usually gets more rain in July than Redwood National Park. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C) 
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Redwood National Park in the Autumn?

Both Redwood National Park and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nantucket for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Redwood National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Nantucket is around the same temperature as Redwood National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. In October, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C) 
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Redwood National Park in the Winter?

Both Redwood National Park and Nantucket during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nantucket can be very cold. In the winter, Nantucket is much colder than Redwood National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nantucket in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Redwood National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. Nantucket usually gets less rain in January than Redwood National Park. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C) 
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Redwood National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Redwood National Park. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Redwood National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Nantucket is generally cooler than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 45°F (7°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C) 
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Nantucket

Nantucket Redwood National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Feb 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Apr 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Aug 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Sep 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm)


Related Articles for Redwood National Park