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

Should you visit Tallahassee or Shenandoah National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tallahassee and Shenandoah National Park 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.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a lively, vibrant, and youthful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

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.

Tallahassee and Shenandoah National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
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


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shenandoah National Park. Although Tallahassee and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations, Shenandoah National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Shenandoah National Park is very popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Tallahassee attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Shenandoah National Park is more touristy than Tallahassee and is known for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. It is also well known for Skyline Drive. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities.

How is Tallahassee different from Shenandoah National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tallahassee or Shenandoah National Park Better for Skiing?

Tallahassee
Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a national park with good options for skiing. However, Tallahassee 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".

Tallahassee is not a skiing destination.


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

Tallahassee
Shenandoah National Park

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital 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 Tallahassee or Shenandoah National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tallahassee
Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a national park with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Tallahassee or Shenandoah National Park Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Shenandoah National Park

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

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 Tallahassee or Shenandoah National Park Better for Hiking?

Tallahassee
Shenandoah National Park

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

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.

Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Shenandoah National Park?

Tallahassee
Shenandoah National Park

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

Tallahassee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

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 Tallahassee or Shenandoah National Park Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Tallahassee is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.


Is Tallahassee or Shenandoah National Park Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is great for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

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

Tallahassee
Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 backpackers visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

Is Tallahassee or Shenandoah National Park Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Shenandoah National Park

Tallahassee is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Shenandoah National Park is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Tallahassee. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Shenandoah National Park is not popular with students.


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

Tallahassee
Shenandoah National Park

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

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

Is Tallahassee or Shenandoah National Park a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Shenandoah National Park

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

Tallahassee is generally not a very walkable city. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

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

How long in Tallahassee or Shenandoah National Park?

In either Tallahassee or Shenandoah National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than Tallahassee because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Tallahassee, and 3-5 days is enough time in Shenandoah National Park.

Families should spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Shenandoah National Park 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee or Shenandoah National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    Shenandoah National Park 3-5

One day in Tallahassee or Shenandoah National Park?

With shopping and museums around the vibrant city of Tallahassee, 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the serene national park of Shenandoah National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Tallahassee or Shenandoah National Park?

With museums and nightlife around the youthful destination of Tallahassee, 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the serene destination of Shenandoah National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Tallahassee or Shenandoah National Park?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the lively city of Tallahassee. 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the breathtaking national park of Shenandoah National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Tallahassee or Shenandoah National Park?

Tallahassee 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.

Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Shenandoah National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Shenandoah National Park or Tallahassee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tallahassee is $156, while the average daily cost in Shenandoah National Park is $125. 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 Tallahassee and Shenandoah National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Shenandoah National Park $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Shenandoah National Park $106
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Shenandoah National Park

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


Hotels in Shenandoah National Park


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: Tallahassee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Shenandoah National Park $70

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

Prices for flights to both Shenandoah National Park and Tallahassee 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
    Tallahassee $47
    Shenandoah National Park $28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    Shenandoah National Park $34

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tallahassee.

  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $245
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $483
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $192
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $376

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Shenandoah National Park $7.14


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



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

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 Tallahassee or Shenandoah National Park in the Summer?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Tallahassee because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shenandoah National Park this time of year.

Tallahassee is a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in Tallahassee. In July, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Shenandoah National Park. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tallahassee 82°F (28°C) 
    Shenandoah National Park 77°F (25°C)

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

Both Shenandoah National Park and Tallahassee during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Tallahassee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tallahassee is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallahassee in October average around 69°F (20°C), and Shenandoah National Park averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Tallahassee usually gets less rain in October than Shenandoah National Park. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Shenandoah National Park 56°F (13°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Shenandoah National Park. Many travelers come to Tallahassee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In January, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Shenandoah National Park. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Shenandoah National Park 32°F (-0°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Shenandoah National Park. Also, most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Tallahassee is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Tallahassee receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in April than Shenandoah National Park. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Shenandoah National Park 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Shenandoah National Park and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Shenandoah National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)