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

Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Monterey?

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 Monterey 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Monterey

Monterey is a nature-oriented, laid back, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Shenandoah National Park and Monterey: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monterey. Although Shenandoah National Park and Monterey are popular destinations, Monterey has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monterey is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Shenandoah National Park attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Shenandoah National Park is famous for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. Monterey is famous for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also well known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

How is Shenandoah National Park different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Shenandoah National Park or Monterey Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Monterey 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".

Monterey is not a skiing destination.

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

Monterey 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 Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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 Monterey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Monterey 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.

Monterey has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is great for its evening party scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Monterey for the nightlife scene. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Shenandoah National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a city with good options for the beach. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Monterey. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Shenandoah National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Monterey Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its hiking trails. However, Monterey is not a hiking destination.

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.

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shenandoah National Park or Monterey?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Shenandoah National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its family-friendly activities.

Monterey is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Monterey Better for Couples?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Monterey are very good 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.

Monterey is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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

Shenandoah National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

Monterey 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 Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

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 Monterey a more walkable city?

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

Monterey is a very walkable destination. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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 Monterey Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Shenandoah National Park or Monterey?

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

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

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

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

One day in Shenandoah National Park or Monterey?

The beautiful national park of Shenandoah National Park offers food and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With nightlife and food around the laid back city of Monterey, 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 Monterey?

Shenandoah National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxing destination of Monterey, 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 Monterey?

Shenandoah National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Shenandoah National Park, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the laid back city of Monterey. 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 Monterey?

Shenandoah National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This national park offers something for everyone.

Monterey 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 Monterey, we can see that Monterey 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 Monterey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Monterey 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 Monterey Expensive?.

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

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 Monterey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenandoah National Park and Monterey. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shenandoah National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Shenandoah National Park is a little warmer than Monterey in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Shenandoah National Park usually receives more rain than Monterey. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Shenandoah National Park as well as Monterey. Many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Monterey in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Shenandoah National Park is cooler than Monterey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Monterey averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Monterey and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Shenandoah National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Shenandoah National Park is generally much colder than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Shenandoah National Park average around 32°F (-0°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Shenandoah National Park usually receives more rain than Monterey. Shenandoah National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Monterey and Shenandoah National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches.

Shenandoah National Park is around the same temperature as Monterey in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Shenandoah National Park