A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Shenandoah National Park vs. Juneau for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Juneau?

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 Juneau 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Juneau

Juneau is a historic, scenic, and breathtaking city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Shenandoah National Park and Juneau: 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
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Juneau. Although Shenandoah National Park and Juneau are both popular with visitors, Juneau has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Juneau is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Shenandoah National Park is known for its skiing. Shenandoah National Park is popular for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. Juneau is popular for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. It is also home to the Mendenhall Glacier.

How is Shenandoah National Park different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Shenandoah National Park or Juneau Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park
Juneau

Shenandoah National Park is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Juneau is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Shenandoah National Park is a great destination to visit. 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".

Juneau is not a skiing destination.


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

Shenandoah National Park
Juneau

Juneau 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 Juneau. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.

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 Juneau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shenandoah National Park
Juneau

Juneau 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.

Juneau has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

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 Shenandoah National Park or Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Shenandoah National Park
Juneau

The vibe at night is decent in both Shenandoah National Park and Juneau.

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.

Most people don't head to Juneau specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.


Is Shenandoah National Park or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah National Park
Juneau

Both Shenandoah National Park and Juneau are destinations which offer terrific hiking.

Around Shenandoah National Park visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Juneau is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Shenandoah National Park or Juneau?

Shenandoah National Park
Juneau

Juneau is great for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Juneau. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

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 Juneau Better for Families?

Shenandoah National Park
Juneau

Both Shenandoah National Park and Juneau are excellent to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Shenandoah National Park. 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.

Juneau is a very family-friendly place to visit. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.


Is Shenandoah National Park or Juneau Better for Couples?

Shenandoah National Park
Juneau

Juneau is renowned for couples. Also, Shenandoah National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

Juneau is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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.

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

Shenandoah National Park
Juneau

Shenandoah National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers. Also, Juneau is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Juneau. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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

Shenandoah National Park
Juneau

Juneau 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 Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

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 Juneau a more walkable city?

Shenandoah National Park
Juneau

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

Juneau is a very walkable destination. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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 Juneau Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Shenandoah National Park or Juneau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shenandoah National Park and Juneau. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than in Juneau. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Shenandoah National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Juneau.

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

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


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

One day in Shenandoah National Park or Juneau?

Many travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Shenandoah National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With shopping and museums around the breathtaking city of Juneau, there's plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Juneau?

Shenandoah National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With museums and food around the scenic destination of Juneau, there's plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Juneau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shenandoah National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic city of Juneau. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Shenandoah National Park or Juneau?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the serene destination of Shenandoah National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Juneau is a great place to explore. 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. 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, Juneau 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 Juneau is $160. 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 Juneau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenandoah National Park $53
    Juneau $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenandoah National Park $106
    Juneau $176
Compare Hotels in Shenandoah National Park and Juneau

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


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: Juneau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenandoah National Park $70
    Juneau $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Juneau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Juneau:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Juneau Airport (JNU): $48
  • Private Departure Transfer to Juneau Airport (JNU): $48

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

Prices for flights to both Juneau 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
    Juneau $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenandoah National Park $34
    Juneau $17

Typical Entertainment Prices in Juneau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Juneau are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $25
  • Admission to Alaska State Museum
    $5.00
  • Glacier Gardens
    $22

Tours and Activities in Juneau

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Juneau are as follows:

  • 3 Hours Fishing Experience Class in Juneau: $225
  • 3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau Alaska: $189
  • Alpine Zipline Adventure in Juneau, AK: $245
  • Five-Star Juneau Pedicab Private Tour: $200
  • From Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft Tour: $850
  • From Whale Watching Cruise with Snacks: $132
  • Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure: $99
  • Historic Gold Panning Adventure & Salmon Bake: $139
  • Juneau City Tour: $52
  • Juneau Underground Gold Mine and Panning Experience: $79
  • Juneau Whale Watching Adventure: $189
  • Juneau, The Last Frontier Self Guided (Smart Phone App/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $6.75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenandoah National Park $7.14
    Juneau $16


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



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

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 Shenandoah National Park or Juneau in the Summer?

Both Juneau and Shenandoah National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Juneau in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Shenandoah National Park is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Shenandoah National Park average around 77°F (25°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Shenandoah National Park usually gets less rain in July than Juneau. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shenandoah National Park 77°F (25°C) 
    Juneau 56°F (13°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenandoah National Park and Juneau. Many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Juneau for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Shenandoah National Park is much warmer than Juneau in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Juneau fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).

Juneau receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Shenandoah National Park usually receives less rain than Juneau. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shenandoah National Park 56°F (13°C) 
    Juneau 42°F (6°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Shenandoah National Park as well as Juneau. Most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Juneau because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Juneau can be very cold. Shenandoah National Park can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Shenandoah National Park is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in January average around 32°F (-0°C), and Juneau averages at about 24°F (-4°C).

It's quite rainy in Juneau. Shenandoah National Park usually gets less rain in January than Juneau. Shenandoah National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shenandoah National Park 32°F (-0°C) 
    Juneau 24°F (-4°C)

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

Both Juneau and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Juneau this time of year.

It's quite cold in Juneau in the spring. In April, Shenandoah National Park is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Shenandoah National Park average around 54°F (12°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In April, Shenandoah National Park usually receives more rain than Juneau. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shenandoah National Park 54°F (12°C) 
    Juneau 40°F (4°C)

Typical Weather for Juneau and Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park Juneau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (-0°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 24°F (-4°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Feb 35°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 33°F (0°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 40°F (4°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 56°F (13°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 55°F (13°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 49°F (10°C) 7 inches (179 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 42°F (6°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.9 inches (123 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)