A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Shenandoah National Park vs. Avon for Hiking, Backpackers, Skiing, and Families

Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Avon?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenandoah National Park and Avon can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Shenandoah National Park

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

Avon

Avon is a active, outdoorsy, and scenic town. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Shenandoah National Park and Avon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Skyline Drive
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Shenandoah National Park or Avon?

Both Avon and Shenandoah National Park have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Shenandoah National Park is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Avon is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, and resorts. Shenandoah National Park is well known for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. Avon is well known for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort.

How is Shenandoah National Park different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Shenandoah National Park or Avon Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park
Avon

Avon is great for skiing. Also, Shenandoah National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for snow skiing.

Avon draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

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".


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

Shenandoah National Park
Avon

You'll find a number of respectable museums and attractions in both Avon and Shenandoah National Park.

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.

Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

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

Shenandoah National Park
Avon

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Shenandoah National Park and Avon.

Shenandoah National Park is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

Avon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Avon Better for Nightlife?

Shenandoah National Park
Avon

Avon is a town 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 Avon has a few options to choose from. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.

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 Shenandoah National Park or Avon Better for Resorts?

Shenandoah National Park
Avon

Avon is a town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a resort destination.

Avon has a few great resort options. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Shenandoah National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Avon Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah National Park
Avon

Shenandoah National Park is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Shenandoah National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Avon is a good destination for hiking. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Is the Shopping Better in Shenandoah National Park or Avon?

Shenandoah National Park
Avon

If you're looking to go shopping, Shenandoah National Park and Avon both offer plenty of respectable spots.

Shenandoah National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.

Avon is a good destination for shopping. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.


Is Shenandoah National Park or Avon Better for Families?

Shenandoah National Park
Avon

Shenandoah National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Shenandoah National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Avon is a family-friendly national park. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Avon Better for Couples?

Shenandoah National Park
Avon

Shenandoah National Park is notable for romance. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Shenandoah National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

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

Shenandoah National Park
Avon

Shenandoah National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Avon is a mediocre town 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.

Avon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers prefer to stay closer to the ski facilities.


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

Shenandoah National Park
Avon

Avon is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Avon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Avon a more walkable city?

Shenandoah National Park
Avon

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

Avon is a somewhat walkable town. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Avon or Shenandoah National Park?

How long in Shenandoah National Park or Avon?

It's fun to spend time in either Shenandoah National Park or Avon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shenandoah National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Shenandoah National Park, and 2-4 days is enough time in Avon.

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

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


  • How many days in Shenandoah National Park or Avon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Shenandoah National Park 3-5 
    Avon 2-4

One day in Shenandoah National Park or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Shenandoah National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With nightlife and food around the scenic town of Avon, there's plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A weekend in Shenandoah National Park or Avon?

Shenandoah National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With food and skiing around the active destination of Avon, there's plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this town 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.

Five days in Shenandoah National Park or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the scenic destination of Shenandoah National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the outdoorsy town of Avon. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Shenandoah National Park or Avon?

The breathtaking national park of Shenandoah National Park offers skiing and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Avon is a great place to explore. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Avon or Shenandoah National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenandoah National Park is $125, while the average daily cost in Avon is $277. 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 Shenandoah National Park and Avon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenandoah National Park $53
    Avon $177
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenandoah National Park $106
    Avon $354
Compare Hotels in Shenandoah National Park and Avon

Looking for a hotel in Shenandoah National Park or Avon? 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 Shenandoah National Park


Hotels in Avon


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: Avon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenandoah National Park $70
    Avon $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenandoah National Park or Avon?

Prices for flights to both Avon and Shenandoah National Park 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
    Shenandoah National Park $28
    Avon $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenandoah National Park $34
    Avon $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenandoah National Park $7.14
    Avon $38


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