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

Should you visit Richmond or Denali National Park?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Richmond and Denali National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Richmond

Richmond is a growing, friendly, and historical city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a vast, rugged, and spectacular park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Richmond and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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 nightlife
  • Less walkable


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Richmond. Although Richmond and Denali National Park are both popular with visitors, Richmond has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Richmond 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 Richmond and is popular for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife. Richmond is popular for its cultural and historical sights. It is also home to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

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

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

Richmond
Denali National Park

Richmond is a great city for its historical sights. However, Denali National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Richmond specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

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 Richmond or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Richmond
Denali National Park

Richmond is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Richmond has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

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 Richmond or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Richmond
Denali National Park

Richmond 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 Richmond has a few options to choose from. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

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 Richmond or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Richmond
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is very good for its resorts. However, Richmond 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.

Richmond is not a resort destination.


Is Richmond or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Richmond
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Richmond is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Denali National Park. 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.

Richmond is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Richmond or Denali National Park?

Richmond
Denali National Park

Richmond 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 Richmond. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

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 Richmond or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Richmond
Denali National Park

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Richmond or Denali National Park.

Richmond is a family-friendly place to visit. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Denali National Park is a family-friendly city. 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 Richmond or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Richmond
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is notable for couples. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Denali National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

Richmond is a nice destination for couples. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

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

Richmond
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Richmond is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular backpacker destination, and most people breeze through town.

Is Richmond or Denali National Park Better for Students?

Richmond
Denali National Park

Richmond is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Denali National Park is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Richmond. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Denali National Park is not popular with students.


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

Richmond
Denali National Park

Both Richmond and Denali National Park offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

Public transit is mostly 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 Richmond or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Richmond
Denali National Park

Richmond is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

Richmond is a somewhat walkable place. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

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 Richmond Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Richmond or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Richmond 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, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Richmond, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Richmond or Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Richmond 1-2 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in Richmond or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Richmond. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Richmond has to offer.

The beautiful park of Denali National Park offers . With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Richmond or Denali National Park?

Richmond 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.

Denali National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this park makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Denali National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Richmond or Denali National Park?

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

Denali National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Richmond or Denali National Park?

The growing destination of Richmond 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This park offers something for everyone.


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


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Richmond?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Richmond is $161, 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 Richmond and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Richmond $101
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Richmond $202
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Richmond and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Richmond 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 Richmond


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: Richmond Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Richmond $72
    Denali National Park $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72
  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $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 Richmond or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Richmond 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
    Richmond $21
    Denali National Park $57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Richmond

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Richmond.

  • The Carytown Food Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour: $80
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $80
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond: $85
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $90
  • Pizza & Ice Cream Tour: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Richmond $13
    Denali National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Richmond

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Richmond are as follows:

  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond: $44
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $25
  • Church Hill Segway Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Discover Downtown Richmond Bike Tour: $125
  • Guided Walking Tour of Richmond: $38
  • Haunted Capitol Hill Ghost Tour: $30
  • Historic Trolley Tour: $38
  • Hollywood Cemetery Segway Tour in Richmond: $76
  • Hollywood Cemetery Tour Richmond Lore and Civil War: $24
  • Phantoms of Franklin Ghost Tour: $30
  • RVATukTuk Sightseeing Tour of Richmond: $187
  • Richmond Downtown Walking Tour: $38

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
  • Midnight Sun ATV Adventure 2.5 Hour Tour: $79
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $114
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $119
  • Denali National Park Walking Tour: $125
  • Wilds of Alaska Classic ATV Adventure: $140
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $150
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $150
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $165
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in Denali: $169
  • Half-Day Sled Dog Experience: $175
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Richmond -
    Denali National Park $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Richmond

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

  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Drink Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl: $74
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $74
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Richmond and Denali National Park, we can see that Denali National Park is more expensive. And not only is Richmond much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Richmond would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Richmond 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 Denali National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Denali National Park than you might in Richmond.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Richmond Expensive? and Is Denali National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Richmond or Denali 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 Richmond or Denali National Park in the Summer?

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

In July, Richmond is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Richmond average around 78°F (26°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

Richmond receives a lot of rain in the summer. Richmond usually gets more rain in July than Denali National Park. Richmond gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Richmond 78°F (26°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

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

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Denali National Park. Richmond is much warmer than Denali National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Richmond averages around 59°F (15°C) in October, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In October, Richmond usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Richmond gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Richmond 59°F (15°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

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

Both Denali National Park and Richmond during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Richmond for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Denali National Park in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Denali National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Richmond. In the winter, Richmond is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Richmond in January average around 36°F (2°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 11°F (-12°C).

Richmond usually gets more rain in January than Denali National Park. Richmond gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Richmond 36°F (2°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

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

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

Denali National Park can be very cold during spring. In April, Richmond is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Richmond average around 58°F (14°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

In April, Richmond usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Richmond gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Richmond 58°F (14°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Richmond

Richmond Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)


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