A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Denali National Park for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Denali National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Denali 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a notable, colonial, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a spectacular, epic, and vast park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking.

Saint Augustine and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • 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 popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Denali National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Denali National Park are popular destinations, Saint Augustine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Augustine is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Denali National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Saint Augustine is famous for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also well known for the Colonial Quarter. Denali National Park is famous for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife.

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

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

Saint Augustine
Denali National Park

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

Many visitors head to Saint Augustine specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime 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 Saint Augustine or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Denali National Park

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

Saint Augustine has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Denali National Park

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

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 Saint Augustine or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Saint Augustine
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Denali National Park has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Denali National Park Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Denali National Park

Saint Augustine is a great city for the beache. However, Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

Saint Augustine is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Denali National Park Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Denali National Park

Saint Augustine is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Denali National Park does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Saint Augustine can be explored in its historical center. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Denali National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Saint Augustine
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Denali National Park has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Denali National Park?

Saint Augustine
Denali National Park

Saint Augustine is a great city for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Saint Augustine is well-known for its shopping. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la ConstituciĆ³n is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Denali National Park

Saint Augustine is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Augustine is very family-friendly. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Denali National Park

Saint Augustine and Denali National Park are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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


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

Saint Augustine
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is very popular for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

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

Saint Augustine
Denali National Park

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Denali National Park.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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 Saint Augustine or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Denali National Park

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

Saint Augustine is a very walkable city. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Augustine or Denali National Park. In our opinion, Saint Augustine has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Saint Augustine than Denali National Park. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.


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

One day in Saint Augustine or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Saint Augustine. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The vast destination of Denali National Park offers . Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Denali National Park?

Saint Augustine is a fun place to experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The park of Denali National Park offers . A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Denali National Park?

Many people visit Saint Augustine for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Saint Augustine. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Denali National Park is a great place to explore. This park offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Saint Augustine or Denali National Park?

The colonial destination of Saint Augustine offers nightlife and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Denali National Park. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Saint Augustine?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $159, 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 Saint Augustine and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine


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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Denali National Park $76

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 Saint Augustine or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine $49
    Denali National Park $57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

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

  • Feast of Saint Augustine Walking Food Tour: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Denali National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

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

  • Arcimoto Electric Vehicle Adventure Rental in St. Augustine: $96
  • 1-Hour Your Studiyo Admission Ticket: $34
  • : Step back in time with pastime private historical tours: $38
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $20
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Ghost Boat - Boo Cruise: $40
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Sunset Water Tour in St. Augustine: $38
  • Adventure Meets History Tour in St Augustine: $89
  • Afterlife Tours- Beyond the Grave Tour: $25
  • Airboat Adventure in Saint Augustine with a Guide: $80
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Bay to City Nights of Lights Tour by Boat and Cart: $150
  • Best of St. Augustine with Scenic Cruise: $193

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
    Saint Augustine $25
    Denali National Park $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • The Original Haunted Pub Tour: $24
  • Ghosts and Spirits of St Augustine Pub Crawl Tour: $39
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63


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

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



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

Both Denali National Park and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Augustine in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 60°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in July than Denali National Park. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Augustine 82°F (28°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Denali National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the autumn. In October, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 70°F (21°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Denali National Park. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Augustine 70°F (21°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Denali National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Denali National Park. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Denali National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Denali National Park. Saint Augustine is much warmer than Denali National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 11°F (-12°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in January than Denali National Park. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 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
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Denali National Park in the Spring?

Both Denali National Park and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Denali National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Denali National Park can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Augustine in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 34°F (1°C).

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Augustine 68°F (20°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)