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

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 colonial, historic, and notable city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a fascinating, adventurous, and unique national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking.

Saint Augustine and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Joshua Tree National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Joshua Tree National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Saint Augustine is well known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter. Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Saint Augustine 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 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Saint Augustine. 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.

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 Saint Augustine or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Saint Augustine has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

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 Saint Augustine or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

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 Saint Augustine or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Saint Augustine attract visitors from all over. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

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

Saint Augustine is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Joshua Tree National Park does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Saint Augustine is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Joshua Tree National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Joshua Tree National Park?

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Augustine. 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 Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Saint Augustine and Joshua Tree National Park are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Joshua Tree National Park is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine and Joshua Tree National Park are both high quality 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a great city 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.

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

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

Joshua Tree National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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

Saint Augustine is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

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

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. 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.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint Augustine or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Augustine or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

Families should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 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 Saint Augustine.

One day in Saint Augustine or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic city of Saint Augustine. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

The adventurous destination of Joshua Tree National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint Augustine. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The national park of Joshua Tree National Park offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Saint Augustine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This national 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Saint Augustine 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.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Augustine and Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Saint Augustine is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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