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

Should you visit Panama City or Yosemite 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 Yosemite 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. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a world-famous, stunning, and breathtaking 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 Yosemite National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to El Capitan


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

Both Yosemite National Park and Panama City have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Panama City is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, beaches, and shopping, while Yosemite National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Panama City is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Yosemite National Park is popular for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome.

How is Panama City different from Yosemite National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Panama City
Yosemite National Park

Panama City is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Panama City area. 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.

Yosemite National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.


Is Panama City or Yosemite National Park Better for Nightlife?

Panama City
Yosemite National Park

Panama City is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Panama City offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Panama City or Yosemite National Park Better for Music?

Panama City
Yosemite National Park

Panama City is a popular place for its music scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Panama City is active and vibrant. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Yosemite National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Yosemite National Park Better for Resorts?

Panama City
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Yosemite National Park is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

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.


Is Panama City or Yosemite National Park Better for Beaches?

Panama City
Yosemite National Park

Panama City is a well-known place for the beach. However, Yosemite National Park is not a beach destination.

Panama City is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Yosemite National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Panama City or Yosemite National Park Better for Hiking?

Panama City
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite 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, Yosemite National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Yosemite National Park?

Panama City
Yosemite National Park

Panama City is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Panama City to go shopping. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Panama City or Yosemite National Park Better for Families?

Panama City
Yosemite National Park

Panama City is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Yosemite National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Panama City is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Yosemite National Park is a very family-friendly destination. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

Is Panama City or Yosemite National Park Better for Couples?

Panama City
Yosemite National Park

Panama City and Yosemite National Park are both very good 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.

Yosemite National Park is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

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

Panama City
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Panama City or Yosemite National Park Better for Students?

Panama City
Yosemite National Park

Panama City is a well-known place for students. However, Yosemite National Park is not popular with students.

Panama City is a very popular beach town for students and younger travelers. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Yosemite National Park is not popular with students.

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

Panama City
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Yosemite National Park, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

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.

Is Panama City or Yosemite National Park a more walkable city?

Panama City
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a national park with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Yosemite National Park is generally not very walkable. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.

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 Yosemite National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Panama City or Yosemite National Park?

Both Panama City and Yosemite National Park have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Panama City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Panama City than Yosemite National Park. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Panama City than Yosemite 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 Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park than Panama City 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 Yosemite National Park.


  • How many days in Panama City or Yosemite National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Panama City 3-7 
    Yosemite National Park 3-7

One day in Panama City or Yosemite National Park?

The beach town of Panama City offers shopping and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking national park of Yosemite National Park. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Yosemite National Park?

The active destination of Panama City offers nightlife and live music. This beach town offers something for everyone. It's also a great beach destination, too. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the popular destination of Yosemite National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Panama City or Yosemite National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Panama City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking national park of Yosemite National Park. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Panama City or Yosemite National Park?

Panama City is a fun place to experience. The destination of Panama City offers food and shopping. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach town.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Yosemite National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this national park.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Yosemite National Park or Panama City?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Panama City is $224, while the average daily cost in Yosemite National Park is $129. 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 Panama City and Yosemite National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Panama City $128
    Yosemite National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Panama City $256
    Yosemite National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Yosemite National Park

Looking for a hotel in Panama City or Yosemite 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 Panama City


Hotels in Yosemite 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: Panama City Hotel Prices and Yosemite National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Panama City $48
    Yosemite National Park $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Panama City or Yosemite National Park?

Prices for flights to both Yosemite National Park and Panama City 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
    Panama City $66
    Yosemite National Park $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Panama City $19
    Yosemite National Park $19

Tours and Activities in Panama City

Here are a few actual costs in Panama City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Panama City Beach: SkyWheel Ticket with Sunset Option: $19
  • SkyWheel Panama City Beach Sunset Ticket: $23
  • Panama City Beach: SkyWheel Ticket and Mini Golf Combo: $26
  • Self-Guided Bike Tour: Pedal At Your Pace: $28
  • Bike Rental with Smartphone Tour: $28
  • Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay: $29
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $35
  • Panama City Beach Dolphin Sightseeing Sail: $40
  • Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time: $42
  • Panama City Beach: Sunset Catamaran Cruise: $45
  • Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time : $52
  • Sunset Speedboat Tour with Dolphin Watching: $60

Tours and Activities in Yosemite National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yosemite National Park are as follows:

  • Yosemite National Park Audio Driving Tour: $14
  • Yosemite Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Yosemite: Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Yosemite Panorama Trail Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Yosemite: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Yosemite Valley Tour with Transport from Oakhurst: $130
  • Full-Day Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour Including Hotel Pickup: $169
  • Big Trees Hike & Riverside Cookout Adventure: $180
  • Yosemite’s High Country Adaptive Tour: $180
  • Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour: $180
  • Yosemite Winter Highlights Small Group Tour: $190
  • Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Panama City $56
    Yosemite National Park $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Panama City and Yosemite National Park, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Yosemite National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yosemite National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yosemite 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 Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park Expensive?.