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

Should you visit Saint Simons or Shenandoah National Park?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Shenandoah National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a scenic, relaxing, and laid back island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, 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 Simons and Shenandoah National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Simons than Shenandoah National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Simons is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Shenandoah National Park is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Saint Simons is well known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Also, Saint Simons is famous for East Beach. Shenandoah National Park is well known for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails.

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

Is Saint Simons or Shenandoah National Park Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Saint Simons 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 Simons is not a skiing destination.

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

Both Saint Simons and Shenandoah National Park have respectable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Saint Simons offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

While most people don't head to Shenandoah National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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 Simons or Shenandoah National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Simons 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 Simons has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

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 Simons or Shenandoah National Park Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Simons or Shenandoah National Park has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Simons is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Shenandoah National Park doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.

Is Saint Simons or Shenandoah National Park Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a island with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a resort destination.

Saint Simons has a few great resort options. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Shenandoah National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or Shenandoah National Park Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons is great for the beach. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Saint Simons attract visitors from all over. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Shenandoah National Park Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Shenandoah National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint Simons. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

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

Saint Simons 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 Simons. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

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 Simons or Shenandoah National Park Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Saint Simons or Shenandoah National Park.

Saint Simons is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

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 Simons or Shenandoah National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Saint Simons and Shenandoah National Park make for a excellent place to visit.

Couples visit Saint Simons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

Shenandoah National Park is a great island 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 Simons or Shenandoah National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shenandoah National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Saint Simons is a island 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 Simons is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds in the area that offer access to the island.

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

Neither Saint Simons or Shenandoah National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Public transit is quite limited in Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

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

Saint Simons is a island with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its walkability.

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable island. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

Shenandoah National Park is not a walkable island. 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 Simons Worth Visiting? and Is Shenandoah National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint Simons or Shenandoah National Park?

In either Saint Simons 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 Simons because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Simons, and 3-5 days is enough time in Shenandoah National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than Saint Simons 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 Shenandoah National Park.

One day in Saint Simons or Shenandoah National Park?

Saint Simons is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Shenandoah National Park, many people enjoy the food and skiing that this serene national park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Shenandoah National Park?

Saint Simons is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Shenandoah National Park is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Saint Simons or Shenandoah National Park?

Saint Simons is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people come for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Shenandoah National Park, many people enjoy the food and skiing that this breathtaking destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Saint Simons or Shenandoah National Park?

Saint Simons is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Both Shenandoah National Park and Saint Simons during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint Simons is generally a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons 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 Simons. Saint Simons usually gets more rain in July than Shenandoah National Park. Saint Simons 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 Simons or Shenandoah National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Shenandoah National Park. Most visitors come to Saint Simons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In October, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than Shenandoah National Park. Saint Simons 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.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Shenandoah National Park. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shenandoah National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Shenandoah National Park in the winter. In the winter, Saint Simons is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Simons in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Shenandoah National Park averages at about 32°F (-0°C).

Saint Simons usually gets more rain in January than Shenandoah National Park. Saint Simons 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 Simons or Shenandoah National Park in the Spring?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the natural beauty.

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

In April, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than Shenandoah National Park. Saint Simons 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.

Typical Weather for Shenandoah National Park and Saint Simons