A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Providence vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Providence or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 active, friendly, and fascinating city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a unique, fascinating, and adventurous national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Providence and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Providence. Although Providence and Joshua Tree National Park are popular destinations, Providence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Providence is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Joshua Tree National Park is more touristy than Providence and is known for its unique vegetation and large boulders. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe. It is also well known for WaterFire.

How is Providence 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 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Providence
Joshua Tree National Park

Providence is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Providence. 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.

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.


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

Providence
Joshua Tree National Park

Providence is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Providence has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

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 Providence or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Providence
Joshua Tree National Park

Providence is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Providence. 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.

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 Providence or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Providence
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

Joshua Tree National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Providence is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Joshua Tree National Park?

Providence
Joshua Tree National Park

Providence is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Providence has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

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 Providence or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Providence
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a great national park for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Joshua Tree National Park. 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.

Providence is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Providence or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Providence
Joshua Tree National Park

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

Joshua Tree National Park is a great national park 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.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Providence
Joshua Tree National Park

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

A large number of backpackers visit Joshua Tree National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Students?

Providence
Joshua Tree National Park

Providence 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 Providence. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

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

Providence
Joshua Tree National Park

Providence is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Providence has some public transit options. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

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


Is Providence or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Providence
Joshua Tree National Park

Providence is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

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

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

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

How long in Providence or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Providence or Joshua Tree National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

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

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

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


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

One day in Providence or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly city of Providence. 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.

With around the adventurous national park of Joshua Tree National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Providence or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Providence. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

With around the destination of Joshua Tree National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.


Five days in Providence or Joshua Tree National Park?

Providence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Joshua Tree National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Providence is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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, Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park is $152. 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 Joshua Tree National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Providence $114
    Joshua Tree National Park $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Providence $228
    Joshua Tree National Park $174
Compare Hotels in Providence and Joshua Tree National Park

Looking for a hotel in Providence or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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
    Joshua Tree National Park $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Providence or Joshua Tree National Park?

Prices for flights to both Joshua Tree 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
    Joshua Tree National Park $35

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
    Joshua Tree National Park $27

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Providence $13
    Joshua Tree National Park $4.93

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Providence and Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Providence 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 Providence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Providence 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 Providence Expensive? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.


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