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

Should you visit Providence or Redwood 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 Redwood 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a monumental, grand, and impressive park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Providence and Redwood 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
  • Popular beach
  • 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 Redwood National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Redwood National Park. Although Providence and Redwood National Park are popular destinations, Redwood National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Redwood National Park is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Providence attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Redwood National Park is more touristy than Providence and is popular for being the home of the world's tallest trees. It is also well known for Stout Grove. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Providence different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Redwood 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 Redwood National Park?

Providence
Redwood National Park

Providence is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.


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

Providence
Redwood National Park

Providence is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Providence is an experience not to be missed. 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 Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Providence or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Providence
Redwood National Park

Providence is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Providence has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Providence or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Providence
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a good destination for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Redwood National Park offers a nice beach destination. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Providence is not a beach destination.


Is Providence or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Providence
Redwood National Park

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

Redwood National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Redwood National Park?

Providence
Redwood National Park

Providence is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Providence to go shopping. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Providence or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Providence
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a great 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 Redwood National Park. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Providence
Redwood National Park

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

Redwood National Park is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Providence
Redwood National Park

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

A large number of backpackers visit Redwood National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Students?

Providence
Redwood National Park

Providence is well known for students. However, Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Redwood National Park is not popular with students.


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

Providence
Redwood National Park

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

You'll find some public transit in Providence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Providence or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Providence
Redwood National Park

Providence is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

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

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

How long in Providence or Redwood National Park?

In either Providence or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Redwood National Park than Providence because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Providence, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Providence than Redwood 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 Redwood National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Providence 2-3 
    Redwood National Park 3-5

One day in Providence or Redwood National Park?

In Providence, you'll find shopping and museums. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With around the monumental park of Redwood 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 Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Providence. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

With around the destination of Redwood National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Providence or Redwood National Park?

Providence is a fun place to experience. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Redwood National Park, a popular park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Providence or Redwood National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the active destination of Providence. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Redwood 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, Redwood 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 Redwood National Park is $111. 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 Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Providence $114
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Providence $228
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Providence and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Providence or Redwood 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 Redwood 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
    Redwood National Park $53

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

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

Prices for flights to both Redwood 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
    Redwood National Park $33

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
    Redwood National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Providence

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

  • Providence Scavenger Hunt: Providence Adventure: $12
  • Self-Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Providence, RI: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Downtown Providence Self-Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Providence, RI: $15
  • Ghosts, Phantoms and Poltergeists Walking Tour: $26
  • Providence Ghosts Phantoms and Poltergeists Tour: $30
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence: $30
  • Providence Mob Walking Tour: $33
  • The Creative Capital: An Art and Architecture Tour of Providence: $35
  • Power and Politics: The Struggle for the Soul of Providence Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Providence $13
    Redwood National Park $11

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 Redwood National Park, we can see that Providence is more expensive. And not only is Redwood National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Redwood National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Redwood 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 Redwood 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 Redwood National Park Expensive?.



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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

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

The summer brings many poeple to Providence as well as Redwood National Park. The summer months attract visitors to Providence because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

Providence is much warmer than Redwood National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In the summer, Providence often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park. Providence gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 274 hours of full sun.

Providence usually gets more rain in July than Redwood National Park. Providence gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Providence 73°F (23°C) 
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C)

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

Both Redwood National Park and Providence are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Providence this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Providence is around the same temperature as Redwood National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Providence in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. Providence usually receives more sunshine than Redwood National Park during autumn. Providence gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Providence usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Providence gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Providence 53°F (12°C) 
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C)

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

Both Redwood National Park and Providence during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Providence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Providence. In January, Providence is generally much colder than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 28°F (-2°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Providence often gets more sunshine than Redwood National Park. Providence gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 135 hours of full sun.

Redwood National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Providence usually gets less rain in January than Redwood National Park. Providence gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Providence 28°F (-2°C) 
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Redwood National Park. Furthermore, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Providence is cooler than Redwood National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Redwood National Park this time of the year. In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. Providence usually receives less sunshine than Redwood National Park during spring. Providence gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Providence usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Providence gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Providence 48°F (9°C) 
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Providence

Providence Redwood National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm)


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