A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Panama City vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Families and Couples

Should you visit Panama City or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 cosmopolitan, fun-filled, and active beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a adventurous, unique, and fascinating national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Panama City and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Joshua Tree National Park are both popular with visitors, Panama City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Panama City is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Joshua Tree National Park is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Joshua Tree National Park and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also home to Pier Park. Joshua Tree National Park is popular for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

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

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

Joshua Tree National Park is a national park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Panama City is a beach town with good options for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Panama City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

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 Panama City or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for 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.

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 Panama City or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Music?

Panama City is a beach town with good options for its music scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Panama City is a beach town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Panama City has a few great resort options. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Panama City is a very popular place for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Panama City attract visitors from all over. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Panama City or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Joshua Tree National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

Panama City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

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 Panama City or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

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

Panama City is an extremely popular beach town to visit for families. 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.

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 Panama City or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Panama City and Joshua Tree National Park are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Panama City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Panama City or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

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

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

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

Is Panama City or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Panama City or Joshua Tree National Park are walkable places.

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

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

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

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

How long in Panama City or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Panama City or Joshua Tree 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 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Panama City 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 Panama City.

One day in Panama City or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fun-filled beach town of Panama City. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the adventurous national park of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Panama City. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the fascinating destination of Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Panama City 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

The unique national park of Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Panama City is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Joshua Tree National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Panama City and Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Panama City 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 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 Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.