A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Bern vs. Sequoia National Park for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit New Bern or Sequoia National Park?

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

Should I visit New Bern or Sequoia 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.

New Bern

New Bern is a laid back, quaint, and charming town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is a impressive, magical, and breathtaking national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking.

New Bern and Sequoia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the General Sherman tree
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in New Bern or Sequoia National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sequoia National Park. Although New Bern and Sequoia National Park are both popular with visitors, Sequoia National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sequoia National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while New Bern is known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Sequoia National Park is more touristy than New Bern and is popular for its spectacularly large sequoia trees and its dramatic beauty. It is also home to the General Sherman tree. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is New Bern different from Sequoia National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Bern or Sequoia National Park?

New Bern
Sequoia National Park

New Bern is a town with good options for its museums and history. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

New Bern is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

Sequoia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The visitor centers have informational exhibits and there's also The Giant Forest Museum.


Is the Food Better in New Bern or Sequoia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Bern
Sequoia National Park

New Bern is a town with good options for its restaurants. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around New Bern. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Sequoia National Park. There are restaurants, cafes, and markets in the park where you can pick up food. Some options are only open seasonally so check in advance to make sure you understand the options.

Is New Bern or Sequoia National Park Better for Nightlife?

New Bern
Sequoia National Park

New Bern is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in New Bern. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Sequoia National Park. Nightlife is limited to stargazing and campfire chats.

Is New Bern or Sequoia National Park Better for Resorts?

New Bern
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is a national park with a few options for its resorts. However, New Bern is not a resort destination.

Sequoia National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. Wuksachi Lodge is the signature hotel option in the park.

New Bern is not a resort destination.


Is New Bern or Sequoia National Park Better for Hiking?

New Bern
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, New Bern is not a hiking destination.

People visit Sequoia National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hiking options range from day hiking to overnight backpacking. The hikes can be easy and accessible or more challenging, but whatever your style, you're sure to be amazed by this spectacular setting. The trails wander through high reaching trees or along steep canyons. Some of the most popular trails include Big Trees Trail, Crescent Meadow Loop Trail, Congress Trail, Tokopah Falls Trail, Hazelwood Nature Trail, Alta Peak Trail, and the High Sierra Trail to Bearpaw Meadow.

New Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Sequoia National Park?

New Bern
Sequoia National Park

New Bern is a town with good options for shopping. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sequoia National Park has some nice offerings. There are markets within the park.

Is New Bern or Sequoia National Park Better for Families?

New Bern
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Sequoia National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy driving through the tunnel log and gazing up at the impressive trees. It feels like a fairytale world where even adults can run around and embrace their inner child. There are also plenty of kid-friendly hikes.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.


Is New Bern or Sequoia National Park Better for Couples?

New Bern
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is well known for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Sequoia National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, hiking, exploring, and camping will embrace the opportunity to visit the spectacular national park. There are beautiful romantic hikes and sunset views that will take your breath away.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

Is New Bern or Sequoia National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New Bern
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, New Bern is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sequoia National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpacking through the park will let you experience places that most visitors don't make it to. This is the best way to truly enjoy the nature, serenity, and beauty of the park.

New Bern is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not popular with backpackers in part because it's a small town that most people breeze through on their way to the beach.

Is New Bern or Sequoia National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New Bern
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is a national park with a few options for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Sequoia National Park. There is a shuttle service, but it's limited to the summer months and other peak travel times.

Public transit is quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.


Is New Bern or Sequoia National Park a more walkable city?

New Bern
Sequoia National Park

New Bern is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

New Bern is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

Sequoia National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are countless hiking trails, you'll need a car to efficiently get around the park.

For even more information, also check out Is New Bern Worth Visiting? and Is Sequoia National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sequoia National Park or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Sequoia National Park?

Both New Bern and Sequoia 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 Sequoia National Park than in New Bern. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for New Bern, and 2-7 days is enough time in Sequoia National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sequoia National Park than New Bern 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 Sequoia National Park.


  • How many days in New Bern or Sequoia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Bern 1-2 
    Sequoia National Park 2-7

One day in New Bern or Sequoia National Park?

Even though New Bern is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New Bern, one day is sufficent for most.

The beautiful national park of Sequoia National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in New Bern or Sequoia National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Bern. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town. It offers something for everyone.

Sequoia National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sequoia National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in New Bern or Sequoia National Park?

New Bern is a fun place to experience. 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.

Sequoia National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sequoia National Park, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in New Bern or Sequoia National Park?

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

Sequoia National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sequoia National Park has to offer. This national park offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sequoia National Park or New Bern?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in New Bern is $140, while the average daily cost in Sequoia National Park is $130. 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 New Bern and Sequoia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Bern $76
    Sequoia National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Bern $152
    Sequoia National Park $128
Compare Hotels in New Bern and Sequoia National Park

Looking for a hotel in New Bern or Sequoia 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 New Bern


Hotels in Sequoia 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: New Bern Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Bern $34
    Sequoia National Park $56

Is it cheaper to fly into New Bern or Sequoia National Park?

Prices for flights to both Sequoia National Park and New Bern 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
    New Bern $41
    Sequoia National Park $31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Bern $26
    Sequoia National Park $31

Tours and Activities in Sequoia National Park

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

  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon Self Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Semi Private Sequoia National Park Tour with lunch.: $299
  • Sequoia National Park Adventure from Tulare: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Bern $30
    Sequoia National Park $7.84


When comparing the travel costs between New Bern and Sequoia National Park, we can see that New Bern is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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