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

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah 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.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a beautiful, scenic, and breathtaking national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, food, and hiking.

Saint Augustine and Shenandoah National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park is more popular for its skiing, 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. Shenandoah National Park is well known for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails.

How is Saint Augustine different from Shenandoah National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shenandoah National Park and Saint Augustine. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Saint Augustine or Shenandoah National Park Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is a nice place to visit for winter skiing. However, Saint Augustine is not a skiing destination.

Shenandoah National Park is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. You'll find skiing and snowboarding at nearby Massanutten Resort, which is near Harrisonburg, Virginia. It's a family-friendly setting with slopes that are classified as "easiest", "more difficult", and "most difficult".

Saint Augustine is not a skiing destination.

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

Saint Augustine is great for its historical sights. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Shenandoah National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people spend their time outdoors enjoying the setting, there are museums in the area, as well as visitor centers that have exhibits and informative displays.

Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or Shenandoah National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Shenandoah National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Shenandoah National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

Is Saint Augustine or Shenandoah National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Shenandoah National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.

Is Saint Augustine or Shenandoah National Park Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine is great for the beach. However, Shenandoah 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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.

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

Saint Augustine is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Shenandoah 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.

Shenandoah National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Shenandoah National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Shenandoah National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are more than 500 miles of trails in the park that pass through varied landscapes and take you to beautiful viewpoints. Visitors range from weekend visitors to long term hikers who come to experience the breathtaking beauty and serene setting.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

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

Saint Augustine is great for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.

Is Saint Augustine or Shenandoah National Park Better for Families?

Saint Augustine and Shenandoah 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, Shenandoah National Park is very family-friendly. There are tons of kid-friendly hikes to overlooks or waterfalls. Kids will love scrambling over the rocks or running through the forest. There are also plenty of campgrounds where families can hang out, toast marshmallows and enjoy some quality time together.

Is Saint Augustine or Shenandoah National Park Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine and Shenandoah 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature will love a visit to the park. There are beautiful views and scenic spots that will make for a wonderful and romantic trip. Hiking, biking, and exploring will fill your time with adventure and fun.

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

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

Shenandoah National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers love the hiking trails and backcountry camping. Many people head to the park to escape into nature and enjoy some low key time in a serene setting.

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

Saint Augustine is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination 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 Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

Is Saint Augustine or Shenandoah National Park a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is great for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination 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.

Shenandoah National Park is not a walkable city. While there are plenty of hiking trails, a car is a must to reach most trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Shenandoah National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint Augustine or Shenandoah National Park?

In either Saint Augustine or Shenandoah National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than Saint Augustine because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 3-5 days is enough time in Shenandoah National Park.

Families should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park?

With food and shopping around the notable city of Saint Augustine, there's plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The breathtaking destination of Shenandoah National Park offers skiing and food. 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 Shenandoah National Park?

With shopping and museums around the notable destination of Saint Augustine, there's plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The national park of Shenandoah National Park offers food and skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Shenandoah National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the notable city of Saint Augustine. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Shenandoah 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. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Saint Augustine or Shenandoah National Park?

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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 length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

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 Shenandoah National Park Expensive?.

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

Both Shenandoah National Park and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Augustine is generally a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 82°F (28°C), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in July than Shenandoah National Park. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Shenandoah National Park. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Augustine is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Shenandoah National Park. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Shenandoah National Park. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Shenandoah National Park can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Shenandoah National Park averages at about 32°F (-0°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in January than Shenandoah National Park. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Shenandoah National Park and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Shenandoah National Park. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Typical Weather for Shenandoah National Park and Saint Augustine