A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Panama City vs. Grand Canyon National Park for Families, Couples, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Panama City

Panama City is a fun-filled, active, and cosmopolitan beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and beaches.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a striking, breathtaking, and stunning national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Panama City and Grand Canyon National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Grand Canyon National Park are popular destinations, Panama City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Panama City is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, beaches, and shopping, while Grand Canyon National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Panama City is famous for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also well known for Pier Park. Grand Canyon National Park is famous for its iconic beauty, layers of color, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned geological history.

How is Panama City different from Grand Canyon National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Panama City is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Panama City. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Grand Canyon National Park. There are several markets, restaurants, and cafes in the park but, in general, the options are expensive and not the best. If possible, bring your own food and plan for a picnic with a view.

Is Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Panama City has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Music?

Panama City is a good destination for live music. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, nice resorts can be found in both Panama City and Grand Canyon National Park.

With a selection of resorts, Panama City makes a nice vacation spot. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Grand Canyon National Park has a few great resort options. There are several options within and near the park that range from luxury to affordable. Reservations should be made well in advance for most hotels within the park. Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim) and Phantom Ranch are all unique places to stay.

Is Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Beaches?

Panama City is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Panama City for it's beautiful beaches. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Hiking?

Grand Canyon National Park is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Panama City is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Grand Canyon National Park. Hiking options at the Grand Canyon include an easy walk along the rim or a hike into the canyon. If you're planning to enjoy a view from the rim and then stroll along the rim walk, a day or two is plenty. Hiking into the canyon is a thrilling experience, but it does require more preparation and planning. You should also check out the weather before you depart as temperatures within the canyon can become dangerously hot.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park?

Panama City is a good destination for shopping. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Panama City. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Families?

Panama City is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Panama City is very family-friendly. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Grand Canyon National Park. This park is a spectacular landmark with a number of nature programs that kids can enjoy. There's also a simple rim walk along the edge of the canyon that is perfect for little legs.

Is Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Couples?

Grand Canyon National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Grand Canyon National Park has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy beauty, nature, and adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are amazing hikes and breathtaking views that make this a truly romantic destination. There are also several hotels and lodges that make for a truly romantic getaway (book well in advance!).

Panama City is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

Is Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grand Canyon National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers. However, Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Grand Canyon National Park. Backpackers and budget travelers can take in one of America's most notable landmarks while camping at the large and affordable national park campground.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Students?

Panama City is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

Many students visit Panama City. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Grand Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

Is Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Panama City and Grand Canyon National Park.

Public transit is generally limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

Public transit is mostly limited in Grand Canyon National Park. There are free shuttle buses that run along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Is Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park a more walkable city?

Grand Canyon National Park is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Grand Canyon National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There's a nice rim walk that is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, but to reach many parts of the park you'll want to have a car or plan to take some form of transit.

Panama City is not a very walkable beach town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

For even more information, also check out Is Panama City Worth Visiting? and Is Grand Canyon National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Grand Canyon National Park or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Panama City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 1-4 days is enough time in Grand Canyon National Park.

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

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

One day in Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park?

In Panama City, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this cosmopolitan destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the striking national park of Grand Canyon National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park?

In Panama City, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this destination offers. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the gorgeous destination of Grand Canyon National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park?

In Panama City, many people enjoy the live music and food that this fun-filled destination offers. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This beach town offers something for everyone.

The gorgeous national park of Grand Canyon National Park offers . 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Panama City or Grand Canyon National Park?

In Panama City, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beach town offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Grand Canyon National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

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