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

Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Lancaster?

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 Lancaster 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 scenic, breathtaking, and serene national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a picturesque, scenic, and traditional town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Shenandoah National Park and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shenandoah National Park. Although Shenandoah National Park and Lancaster are popular destinations, Shenandoah National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Shenandoah National Park is very popular for its skiing and hiking, while Lancaster attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Shenandoah National Park is more touristy than Lancaster and is known for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. It is also well known for Skyline Drive. Lancaster is famous for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Shenandoah National Park different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Shenandoah National Park or Lancaster Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Lancaster is not a skiing destination.

Head to Shenandoah National Park for some great skiing and other winter activities. 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".

Lancaster is not a skiing destination.

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

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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 Lancaster? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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.

Lancaster offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is reasonable in both Shenandoah National Park and Lancaster.

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 Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Lancaster Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah National Park is an amazing national park to visit for hiking. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shenandoah National Park or Lancaster?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lancaster. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

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 Lancaster Better for Families?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Lancaster are high quality 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.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly place to visit. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Lancaster are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Shenandoah National Park is a great national park 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.

Lancaster is a very popular place to visit for couples. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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

Shenandoah National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lancaster is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Shenandoah National Park, as it is a very popular national park for 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.

Lancaster is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by backpackers, the region offers a unique cultural experience.

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

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

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 Lancaster a more walkable city?

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

Lancaster is generally not a very walkable town. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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 Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Shenandoah National Park or Lancaster?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than Lancaster 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 Shenandoah National Park or Lancaster?

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 shopping and museums around the picturesque town of Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

You'll find food and skiing around the scenic 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 museums and food around the picturesque destination of Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

You'll find skiing and food around the serene 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 food and shopping around the picturesque town of Lancaster. 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 Lancaster?

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.

Lancaster 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.

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

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

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 Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the family-friendly experiences.

Shenandoah National Park is around the same temperature as Lancaster in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In July, Shenandoah National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lancaster. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Lancaster and Shenandoah National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

In the autumn, Shenandoah National Park is around the same temperature as Lancaster. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Lancaster averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets more rain in October than Lancaster. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenandoah National Park and Lancaster. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shenandoah National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lancaster for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lancaster. It's quite cold in Shenandoah National Park in the winter. In January, Shenandoah National Park is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Shenandoah National Park average around 32°F (-0°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In January, Shenandoah National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lancaster. Shenandoah National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Shenandoah National Park as well as Lancaster. Many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Lancaster in the spring for the natural beauty.

Shenandoah National Park is around the same temperature as Lancaster in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lancaster. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Shenandoah National Park