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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Zion 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 Zion 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 under rated, unexpected, and fascinating city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a world-renowned, breathtaking, and stunning park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking.

Saint Louis and Zion National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Zion National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zion National Park. Although Saint Louis and Zion National Park are both popular with visitors, Zion National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zion National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis is known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Zion National Park is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing. It is also home to Angels Landing. Saint Louis is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West.

How is Saint Louis different from Zion National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Saint Louis is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Saint Louis that are not to be missed. 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.

While most people don't head to Zion National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.

Is the Food Better in Saint Louis or Zion National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Louis is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Saint Louis offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Zion National Park. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

Is Saint Louis or Zion National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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 Zion National Park Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

Is Saint Louis or Zion National Park Better for Resorts?

Zion National Park is a park with a few options for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Zion National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Louis or Zion National Park Better for Hiking?

Zion National Park is an amazing park to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Zion National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

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

Saint Louis is well known for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Saint Louis is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Is Saint Louis or Zion National Park Better for Families?

Both Saint Louis and Zion National Park are great 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, Zion National Park is very family-friendly. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

Is Saint Louis or Zion National Park Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Zion National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

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 Zion National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Zion National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

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

Saint Louis is well known for its public transit. Also, Zion National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Saint Louis. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

While Zion National Park offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

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

Saint Louis is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Zion National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

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

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

How long in Saint Louis or Zion National Park?

Both Saint Louis and Zion National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zion National Park than in Saint Louis. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 3-7 days is enough time in Zion National Park.

Families should spend more time in Saint Louis than Zion 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Louis than Zion 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 Louis.

One day in Saint Louis or Zion National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the unexpected destination of Saint Louis. This city offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the museums. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the stunning park of Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Saint Louis is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under rated city of Saint Louis. Most people visit for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Louis has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Saint Louis. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the museums. 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the stunning park of Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Saint Louis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Zion National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this park.

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.

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