A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Shenandoah National Park vs. Cleveland for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Cleveland?

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 Cleveland 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 serene, beautiful, and scenic national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include skiing, food, and hiking.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a authentic, under-rated, and diverse city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Shenandoah National Park and Cleveland: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Shenandoah National Park than Cleveland, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Shenandoah National Park is better known for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cleveland is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and shopping. Shenandoah National Park is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. Also, Shenandoah National Park is famous for Skyline Drive. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Shenandoah National Park different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Shenandoah National Park or Cleveland Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park
Cleveland

Shenandoah National Park is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cleveland 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".

Cleveland is not a skiing destination.


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

Shenandoah National Park
Cleveland

Cleveland 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 Cleveland. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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 Shenandoah National Park or Cleveland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shenandoah National Park
Cleveland

Shenandoah National Park is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Shenandoah National Park. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cleveland. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Shenandoah National Park
Cleveland

Cleveland 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 Cleveland has a few options to choose from. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

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 Cleveland Better for Music?

Shenandoah National Park
Cleveland

Cleveland is great for its music scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Cleveland draws a good crowd. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Shenandoah National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Cleveland Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah National Park
Cleveland

Shenandoah National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cleveland 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.

Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shenandoah National Park or Cleveland?

Shenandoah National Park
Cleveland

Cleveland is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for shopping.

Cleveland has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

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 Shenandoah National Park or Cleveland Better for Families?

Shenandoah National Park
Cleveland

Shenandoah National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Shenandoah National Park is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cleveland. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Shenandoah National Park
Cleveland

Shenandoah National Park is a very popular place for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Shenandoah National Park makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.

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

Shenandoah National Park
Cleveland

Shenandoah National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Shenandoah National Park. 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.

Cleveland is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There's little in the area that attracts the backpacker crowd.


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

Shenandoah National Park
Cleveland

Cleveland 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 Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

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 Cleveland a more walkable city?

Shenandoah National Park
Cleveland

Cleveland is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its walkability.

Cleveland is generally not a very walkable city. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.

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 Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Shenandoah National Park or Cleveland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shenandoah National Park and Cleveland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than in Cleveland. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Shenandoah National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cleveland.

Families should spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than Cleveland. 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.

Couples should spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than Cleveland. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Shenandoah National Park 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland? Ideal Length of Stay
    Shenandoah National Park 3-5 
    Cleveland 1-3

One day in Shenandoah National Park or Cleveland?

You'll find skiing and food around the national park of Shenandoah National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With live music and shopping around the under-rated city of Cleveland, there's plenty to do. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A weekend in Shenandoah National Park or Cleveland?

You'll find food and skiing around the serene destination of Shenandoah National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With shopping and museums around the diverse destination of Cleveland, there's plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this city 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 Cleveland?

You'll find skiing and food around the scenic national park of Shenandoah National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse city of Cleveland. This city 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 Cleveland?

Shenandoah National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Cleveland 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, Cleveland 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 Cleveland is $132. 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 Cleveland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenandoah National Park $53
    Cleveland $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenandoah National Park $106
    Cleveland $150
Compare Hotels in Shenandoah National Park and Cleveland

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


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: Cleveland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenandoah National Park $70
    Cleveland $19

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cleveland are as follows:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland

Also for Cleveland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $180
  • CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland: $135
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer : $90
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $89
  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64

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

Prices for flights to both Cleveland 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
    Cleveland $36

Typical Food Prices in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $1.79
  • Sandwich
    $9.75
  • Large Pizza
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • West Side Market Food Tour: $49
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $74
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $91

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenandoah National Park $34
    Cleveland $40

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • CLE Mini Bus Group Tour: $55
  • Cleveland Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Cleveland Ghosts Tour: $32
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $28
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $471
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $241
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Eerie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Escape Room Game Entry Ticket with Host: $39
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
  • Enchanted Cleveland Holiday Walking Tour: $296

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenandoah National Park $7.14
    Cleveland $45

Typical Alcohol Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:


  • A Night of Shots
    $36


When comparing the travel costs between Shenandoah National Park and Cleveland, we can see that Cleveland is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Cleveland Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park or Cleveland?

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 Shenandoah National Park or Cleveland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenandoah National Park and Cleveland. Most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Shenandoah National Park is around the same temperature as Cleveland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Cleveland averages at about 75°F (24°C).

Cleveland receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Shenandoah National Park usually receives less rain than Cleveland. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shenandoah National Park 77°F (25°C) 
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Cleveland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shenandoah National Park as well as Cleveland. The autumn months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year.

In October, Shenandoah National Park is generally around the same temperature as Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Shenandoah National Park average around 56°F (13°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets more rain in October than Cleveland. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shenandoah National Park 56°F (13°C) 
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Cleveland in the Winter?

Both Cleveland and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shenandoah National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cleveland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cleveland. It's quite cold in Shenandoah National Park in the winter. Shenandoah National Park is much warmer than Cleveland in the winter. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 32°F (-0°C) in January, and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In January, Shenandoah National Park usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Shenandoah National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shenandoah National Park 32°F (-0°C) 
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Cleveland in the Spring?

Both Cleveland and Shenandoah National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Shenandoah National Park is a little warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Cleveland averages at about 51°F (10°C).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets more rain in April than Cleveland. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shenandoah National Park 54°F (12°C) 
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park Cleveland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (-0°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Feb 35°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Mar 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)