A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Providence vs. Denali National Park for Backpackers, Food, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Providence or Denali National Park?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Providence and Denali National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Providence

Providence is a fascinating, active, and friendly city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a epic, vast, and rugged park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Providence and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • 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 Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Providence or Denali National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Providence. Although Providence and Denali National Park are both popular with visitors, Providence has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Providence is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Denali National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Denali National Park is more touristy than Providence and is known for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife. Providence is popular for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe. It is also home to WaterFire.

How is Providence different from Denali National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Providence or Denali National Park?

Providence
Denali National Park

Providence is very good for its historical sights. However, Denali National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Providence offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several historical museums around town as well as art museums, zoos, a planetarium and natural history museum, and even a children's museum.

Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.


Is the Food Better in Providence or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Providence
Denali National Park

Providence is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Providence has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene around town has grown and diversified in recent years. You'll find a mix of international and local options and for such a small city, it really has a lot to offer.

Denali National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is Providence or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Providence
Denali National Park

Providence is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities Providence has a few options to choose from. Comedy clubs, bars, and clubs keep the energy high during the evening hours. It's not hard to find something to do, particularly on weekend nights.

People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is Providence or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Providence
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

Denali National Park has a few great resort options. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.

Providence is not a resort destination.


Is Providence or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Providence
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a good destination for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

Denali National Park offers some nice hiking trails. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Denali National Park?

Providence
Denali National Park

Providence is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Providence. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Denali National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.

Is Providence or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Providence
Denali National Park

Both Providence and Denali National Park are good family-friendly destinations.

Providence offers lots of family activities. There are opportunities for kids to interact with animals at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, as well as plenty of places for kids to run around like Rocky Point Park or Goddard Memorial State Park. There's also the Providence Children's Museum, go carting, and entertainment centers.

Denali National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.


Is Providence or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Providence
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a great park for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Denali National Park is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

Providence is a nice destination for couples. You can see a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center or visit some of the city's historic buildings and museums. There are also parks and coastal walks as well as many great restaurants.

Is Providence or Denali National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Providence
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Denali National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

Providence is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town for those who want an affordable place to stay.

Is Providence or Denali National Park Better for Students?

Providence
Denali National Park

Providence is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Denali National Park is not popular with students.

Providence is very popular with students. There's a college town vibe to this small city because it's home to Brown University, which is a member of the Ivy League.

Denali National Park is not popular with students.


Is Providence or Denali National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Providence
Denali National Park

Providence is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Denali National Park is not known for its public transit.

While Providence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.

Is Providence or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Providence
Denali National Park

Providence is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

Providence is a very walkable city. It's a walkable city and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

Denali National Park is not a walkable city. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Providence Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or Providence?

How long in Providence or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Providence or Denali National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Denali National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Providence, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Providence than Denali 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 Providence.


  • How many days in Providence or Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Providence 2-3 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in Providence or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Providence. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With around the rugged park of Denali National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Providence or Denali National Park?

Providence is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With around the destination of Denali National Park, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this park.

Five days in Providence or Denali National Park?

Many people visit Providence for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Providence. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Denali National Park, a popular park, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Providence or Denali National Park?

The friendly destination of Providence offers nightlife and food. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Denali National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Providence?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Providence is $210, while the average daily cost in Denali National Park is $218. 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 Providence and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Providence $114
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Providence $228
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Providence and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Providence or Denali 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 Providence


Hotels in Denali 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: Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Providence $46
    Denali National Park $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

Also for Providence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • New York’s JFK International Airport to Providence – Departure Private Transfer: $272
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $170
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $49
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $46
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $46
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denali National Park

Also for Denali National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shuttle Transfer: Anchorage ↔ Denali National Park: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Providence or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Providence 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
    Providence $48
    Denali National Park $57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Providence

For Providence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Downcity Providence Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Providence $26
    Denali National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Providence

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Providence.

  • Boat Tour of Green Jacket Shoal: $58
  • Brews Cruise with Narragansett Beer: $60
  • Creative Capital: Art and Architecture Tour of Providence: $40
  • Discover Providence Guided Sightseeing Tour: $40
  • Downtown Providence Self-Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Haunted Boat Tours: $49
  • Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence: $30
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Providence, RI: $15
  • Narrated Boat Tours: $36
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Power and Politics: The Struggle for the Soul of Providence Tour: $35
  • Providence Architecture Boat Tour: $65

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.

  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $79
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $119
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $199
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in Denali: $169
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $150
  • Authentical Denali Tour from Denali Park and Fairbanks: $260
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $150
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $114
  • Denali National Park Walking Tour: $125
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $165
  • Denali Self-Guided Jeep Adventure: $244
  • Half-Day Denali River Rafting Experience: $229

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Providence $13
    Denali National Park $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Providence

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Providence:

  • Vineyard Voyages - Floating Wine Tasting: $65


When comparing the travel costs between Providence and Denali National Park, we can see that Denali National Park 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 Providence Expensive? and Is Denali National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Providence or Denali National Park?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Providence or Denali National Park in the Summer?

Both Denali National Park and Providence are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Denali National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Providence is generally a little warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 73°F (23°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In July, Providence usually receives less rain than Denali National Park. Providence gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Providence 73°F (23°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Providence or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

Both Denali National Park and Providence during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Providence in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Denali National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Denali National Park can be very cold during autumn. Providence is much warmer than Denali National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Providence usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Denali National Park. Providence gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Providence 53°F (12°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Providence or Denali National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Denali National Park. Most visitors come to Providence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. Providence can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Providence is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Providence in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 11°F (-12°C).

In January, Providence usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Providence gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Providence 28°F (-2°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit Providence or Denali National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Providence as well as Denali National Park. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the spring. In April, Providence is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 48°F (9°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

Providence usually gets more rain in April than Denali National Park. Providence gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Providence 48°F (9°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Providence

Providence Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)


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