A Travel Price Comparison for California Palm Springs vs. Sequoia National Park for Resorts, Hiking, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Palm Springs or Sequoia 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 Palm Springs and Sequoia National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a outdoorsy, ritzy, and chic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is a breathtaking, surreal, and impressive national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking.

Palm Springs and Sequoia National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palm Springs or Sequoia National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sequoia National Park. Although Palm Springs 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 hiking and impressive beauty, while Palm Springs is known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping. Palm Springs is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. Sequoia National Park is popular for its spectacularly large sequoia trees and its dramatic beauty. It is also home to the General Sherman tree.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palm Springs or Sequoia National Park?

Palm Springs is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Palm Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

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 Palm Springs or Sequoia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palm Springs is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palm Springs. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

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 Palm Springs or Sequoia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Palm Springs has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

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

Is Palm Springs or Sequoia National Park Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Palm Springs is a world class resort vacation destination. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Sequoia National Park offers a few options. Wuksachi Lodge is the signature hotel option in the park.

Is Palm Springs or Sequoia National Park Better for Hiking?

Sequoia National Park is an amazing national park to visit for the nearby hiking options. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

Many people visit Sequoia National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Palm Springs. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Palm Springs or Sequoia National Park?

Palm Springs is a very popular place for shopping. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Palm Springs. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

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

Is Palm Springs or Sequoia National Park Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Palm Springs or Sequoia National Park.

Palm Springs is a very family-friendly place to visit. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Sequoia National Park is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Palm Springs or Sequoia National Park Better for Couples?

Both Palm Springs and Sequoia National Park are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Palm Springs is a very popular place to visit for couples. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

Sequoia National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Palm Springs or Sequoia National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sequoia National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers. However, Palm Springs is a mediocre city 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.

Palm Springs is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While the city is more famous for its upscale clientele, there's actually a hostel in town for backpackers.

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

Both Palm Springs and Sequoia National Park offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

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

Is Palm Springs or Sequoia National Park a more walkable city?

Palm Springs is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Palm Springs is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

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 Palm Springs Worth Visiting? and Is Sequoia National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sequoia National Park or Palm Springs?

How long in Palm Springs or Sequoia National Park?

Both Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Palm Springs, and 2-7 days is enough time in Sequoia National Park.

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

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

One day in Palm Springs or Sequoia National Park?

In Palm Springs, you'll find shopping and museums. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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.

In Sequoia National Park, many people enjoy the that this magical national park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Palm Springs or Sequoia National Park?

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

Sequoia National Park is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Palm Springs or Sequoia National Park?

Palm Springs is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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.

In Sequoia National Park, many people enjoy the that this magical destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Palm Springs or Sequoia National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of Palm Springs. 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.

Sequoia National Park is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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