A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Naples vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Naples or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Naples and Joshua Tree National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Naples

Naples is a nature-filled, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a unique, fascinating, and adventurous national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Naples and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • 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
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Naples or Joshua Tree National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples. Although Naples and Joshua Tree National Park are popular destinations, Naples has more sights and attractions for tourists. Naples is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Naples is famous for its white sand, blue water, water sports, and golf resorts. It is also well known for Naples Pier and the miles of sandy beach. Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Naples different from Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Naples or Joshua Tree National Park?

Naples
Joshua Tree National Park

Naples is a beach town with good options for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Naples. While most visitors spend most of their time at the beach, on a rainy day you can check out the town's art museums, history museums, or local spots such as the Palm Cottage.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.


Is the Food Better in Naples or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Naples
Joshua Tree National Park

Naples is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Naples has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood is a favorite around town, but you'll also find plenty of Italian food. Everything from casual to fine dining is available with many local favorites to choose from.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Naples or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Naples
Joshua Tree National Park

Naples is a beach town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Naples. There are live music venues, cocktail bars, and dance clubs around town.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Naples or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Naples
Joshua Tree National Park

Naples is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

In Naples, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels, and a range of prices to choose from. Most have pools and many have oceanfront views with golf facilities available. Many of the major brands such as Marriott are found here.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Naples or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Naples
Joshua Tree National Park

Naples is a beach town with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Naples. Snorkeling and scuba diving are both available in the area, in part because of the impressive artificial reefs that have been constructed. Snorkeling is available at Tigertail Beach, Clam Pass, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Naples or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Naples
Joshua Tree National Park

Naples is renowned for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Naples is considered to be a world-class beach destination. White sand beaches and calm Gulf waters make this an ideal beach destination. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a favorite beach spot in the area, but you should also check out Naples Municipal Beach which is where you'll find the Naples Pier. If you want a more natural setting, head to Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Naples or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Naples
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is renowned for its hiking trails. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Joshua Tree National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

Naples offers some nice hiking trails. The area is filled with state parks and nature reserves where you can explore and enjoy a scenic hike. There are also greenways and coastal paths nearby.


Is the Shopping Better in Naples or Joshua Tree National Park?

Naples
Joshua Tree National Park

Naples is a beach town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Naples has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shopping centers, outlet malls, and plenty of retail space around town. Some of the favorite shopping spots are the Mercato, Coastland Center, and Waterside Shops. For souvenirs and beach items head to Tin City Waterfront Shops.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Naples or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Naples
Joshua Tree National Park

Both Naples and Joshua Tree National Park are great to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Naples. You'll find relaxing beaches, nice parks, plenty of playgrounds, and even the Golisano Childrens Museum for rainy days. There are also nature centers with great walks as well as gardens and wildlife viewpoints.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

Is Naples or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Naples
Joshua Tree National Park

Both Naples and Joshua Tree National Park are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Naples makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches and relaxing spas make this a favorite couples destination. Golf, high end restaurants and plenty of romantic activities will ensure you have the anniversary trip or honeymoon to remember.

Couples visit Joshua Tree National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.


Is Naples or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Joshua Tree National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Plenty of backpackers visit Naples. There's a hostel or two in the area as well as cheaper accommodation than other parts of Florida.

Is Naples or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Naples
Joshua Tree National Park

Naples is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Naples. There's a trolley system as well as a public bus system.

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

Is Naples or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Naples
Joshua Tree National Park

Naples is a beach town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Naples is a somewhat walkable beach town. The downtown area is relatively walkable, but to fully explore the region you'll need your own car.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable beach town. You need a car to truly explore the park.


For even more information, also check out Is Naples Worth Visiting? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Naples?

How long in Naples or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Naples or Joshua Tree National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Naples due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Naples, and 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Naples than Joshua Tree 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 Naples.


  • How many days in Naples or Joshua Tree National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Naples 2-5 
    Joshua Tree National Park 2-4

One day in Naples or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the nature-filled beach town of Naples. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Naples or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Naples. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Most people visit for the beaches. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Naples or Joshua Tree National Park?

Naples is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Joshua Tree National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Naples or Joshua Tree National Park?

Naples is a popular choice for travelers. Most people visit for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the adventurous destination of Joshua Tree National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Joshua Tree National Park or Naples?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Naples is $226, while the average daily cost in Joshua Tree National Park is $152. 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 Naples and Joshua Tree National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Naples $119
    Joshua Tree National Park $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Naples $238
    Joshua Tree National Park $174
Compare Hotels in Naples and Joshua Tree National Park

Looking for a hotel in Naples or Joshua Tree 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 Naples


Hotels in Joshua Tree 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: Naples Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Naples $62
    Joshua Tree National Park $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Naples

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

  • Naples to Southwest Florida Airport (RSW) - Departure Private Transfer: $102

Is it cheaper to fly into Naples or Joshua Tree National Park?

Prices for flights to both Joshua Tree National Park and Naples 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
    Naples $70
    Joshua Tree National Park $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Naples

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

  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class in Naples Florida: $224

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Naples $26
    Joshua Tree National Park $27

Tours and Activities in Naples

For Naples, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 10,000 Islands Excursion Small-Group 3.5 hour Dolphin & Shelling Boat Tour : $160
  • 10000 Islands Everglades Boat Tour : $59
  • 2 Hour Dolphin, Birding and Shelling Tour: $100
  • 2 Hours Cycle Boat Sunset Tour in Marco Island : $59
  • 3 Hour Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco Tour: $120
  • 3 Hour Hobie Kayak Adventure In Bonita Springs: $70
  • 90 Minute Guided Moped Tour in Naples Florida: $62
  • 90 Minute Segway Tour - Explore Naples Florida - Family Fun: $55
  • Backwater Adventure's CraigCat Tours of the 10,000 Islands: $130
  • Barrier Island Shelling Tour: $125
  • Best of Marco Island Tour: $100
  • Bicycle Tour of Naples Florida Scenic Ride: $62

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Naples $38
    Joshua Tree National Park $4.93

Sample the Local Flavors in Naples

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

  • Epic Naples Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12


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

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