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

Should you visit Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a grand, impressive, and monumental park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for beaches and hiking.

Saint Louis 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 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 Saint Louis or Redwood National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Louis than Redwood National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Louis is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Redwood National Park is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Redwood National Park is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for being the home of the world's tallest trees. Saint Louis is well known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. Also, Saint Louis is famous for the Gateway Arch.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Louis or Redwood National Park?

Saint Louis
Redwood National Park

Saint Louis is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Saint Louis on the map. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

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 Saint Louis or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Louis
Redwood National Park

Saint Louis is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Saint Louis area. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

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 Saint Louis or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Redwood National Park

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

Saint Louis has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

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

Is Saint Louis or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Saint Louis
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a good destination for its beaches. However, Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Louis or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Saint Louis
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is an amazing park to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Redwood National Park?

Saint Louis
Redwood National Park

Saint Louis is well known for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

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 Saint Louis or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Redwood National Park

Both Saint Louis and Redwood National Park are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Saint Louis is a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

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


Is Saint Louis or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is well known for romance. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Redwood National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Saint Louis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

Is Saint Louis or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Louis
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Redwood National Park is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Saint Louis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of affordable motels around town but no real hostels.

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

Saint Louis
Redwood National Park

Saint Louis is well known for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Saint Louis. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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


Is Saint Louis or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Redwood National Park

Saint Louis is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

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 Saint Louis Worth Visiting? and Is Redwood National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Redwood National Park or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Redwood National Park?

In either Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

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


  • How many days in Saint Louis or Redwood National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Redwood National Park 3-5

One day in Saint Louis or Redwood National Park?

In Saint Louis, you'll find shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Louis, one day is sufficent for most.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the grand park of Redwood National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Saint Louis or Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Louis. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the impressive destination of Redwood National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This park offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Saint Louis or Redwood National Park?

Saint Louis is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the impressive park of Redwood National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Saint Louis or Redwood National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the fascinating destination of Saint Louis. 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.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Redwood National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Redwood National Park or Saint Louis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Louis is $184, 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 Saint Louis and Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis


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: Saint Louis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Redwood National Park $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Louis

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:

  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $115
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $115
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $76
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $65
  • Private Transfers for Departure from Queens to JFK Airport: $29
  • St. Louis City to St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Redwood National Park?

Prices for flights to both Redwood National Park and Saint Louis 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 Louis $54
    Redwood National Park $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Louis

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

  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - St. Louis, MO: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Louis $46
    Redwood National Park $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint Louis

Here are a few typical costs in Saint Louis for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Gateway Arch parking
    $6.00

Tours and Activities in Saint Louis

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

  • Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $5.20
  • St Louis Cardinals Baseball Game Ticket at Busch Stadium: $8.66
  • Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour: $15
  • Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in St. Louis by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour: $25
  • True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard Neighbourhood: $30
  • St. Louis Narrated Trolley Tour: $30
  • Private Gastronomy Barbecue Tour in St. Louis: $125
  • St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour: $144
  • Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise: $174
  • Romantic Tour in The City of Love: $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Redwood National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Louis

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Louis:

  • The Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour: $25


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Louis and Redwood National Park, we can see that Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis Expensive? and Is Redwood National Park Expensive?.



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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Redwood National Park in the Summer?

Both Redwood National Park and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Louis 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.

In July, Saint Louis is generally much warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 81°F (27°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Redwood National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Redwood National Park during summer. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 274 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Redwood National Park in the Autumn?

Both Redwood National Park and Saint Louis during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Louis is a little warmer than Redwood National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the autumn, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Redwood National Park. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 177 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Redwood National Park. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Redwood National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Redwood National Park. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Louis. In the winter, Saint Louis is much colder than Redwood National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Redwood National Park during winter. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

Redwood National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Redwood National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Redwood National Park. Also, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Saint Louis is generally a little warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 58°F (15°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°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 Saint Louis this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Louis often gets less sunshine than Redwood National Park. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 254 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint Louis usually gets more rain in April than Redwood National Park. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Redwood National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm)


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