A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Virginia Beach vs. Yosemite National Park for Resorts, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a stunning, breathtaking, and popular national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking.

Virginia Beach and Yosemite National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to El Capitan


Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yosemite National Park. Although Virginia Beach and Yosemite National Park are both popular with visitors, Yosemite National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Yosemite National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Virginia Beach is known for its nightlife and beaches. Yosemite National Park is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. It is also home to El Capitan. Virginia Beach is popular for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Yosemite National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Virginia Beach
Yosemite National Park

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Virginia Beach and Yosemite National Park.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Virginia Beach. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Yosemite National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.


Is Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Yosemite National Park

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Virginia Beach. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Yosemite National Park is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Is Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Yosemite National Park

Virginia Beach is a popular place for the beach. However, Yosemite National Park is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Yosemite National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park Better for Hiking?

Virginia Beach
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is terrific for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Yosemite National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Yosemite National Park

Virginia Beach and Yosemite National Park are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

Yosemite National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

Is Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

Yosemite National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.


Is Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Virginia Beach
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Yosemite National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Yosemite National Park

Virginia Beach is a popular place for students. However, Yosemite National Park is not popular with students.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city to visit for students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Yosemite National Park is not popular with students.

Is Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Virginia Beach
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Yosemite National Park offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.


Is Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Yosemite National Park

Virginia Beach and Yosemite National Park are decent when it comes to walkability.

Virginia Beach is generally not a very walkable coastal city. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

Yosemite National Park is generally not very walkable. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Virginia Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Yosemite National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yosemite National Park or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park?

Both Virginia Beach and Yosemite National Park have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Yosemite National Park has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Yosemite National Park than Virginia Beach. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 3-7 days is enough time in Yosemite National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yosemite National Park than Virginia Beach 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 Yosemite National Park.


  • How many days in Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Virginia Beach 5-7 
    Yosemite National Park 3-7

One day in Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park?

The coastal city of Virginia Beach offers nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Yosemite National Park, you'll find . Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park?

The fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach offers nightlife. This coastal city offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Yosemite National Park is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.


Five days in Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Virginia Beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yosemite National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park?

Virginia Beach is a fun place to experience. The destination of Virginia Beach offers nightlife. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

In Yosemite National Park, you'll find . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.


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, Yosemite National Park or Virginia Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Virginia Beach is $126, while the average daily cost in Yosemite National Park is $129. 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 Virginia Beach and Yosemite National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Yosemite National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Yosemite National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Yosemite National Park

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach or Yosemite 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 Virginia Beach


Hotels in Yosemite 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: Virginia Beach Hotel Prices and Yosemite National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Yosemite National Park $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Virginia Beach or Yosemite National Park?

Prices for flights to both Yosemite National Park and Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $30
    Yosemite National Park $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Yosemite National Park $19

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

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

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: $59
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $65
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours | Must Know How to Swim: $78
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87

Tours and Activities in Yosemite National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yosemite National Park are as follows:

  • Big Trees Hike & Riverside Cookout Adventure: $180
  • Family Fun Private Half Day Fly Fishing Adventure: $215
  • Full-Day Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour Including Hotel Pickup: $169
  • Private Guided Hiking Tour in Yosemite: $293
  • Semi Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch and Hotel Pickup: $250
  • Waterfalls of Yosemite: Customizable Private Tour: $495
  • Yosemite Full Day Small Group High Country / Mariposa Tour: $299
  • Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour: $200
  • Yosemite National Park Audio Driving Tour: $11
  • Yosemite Panorama Trail Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Yosemite Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour: $180

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Virginia Beach $11
    Yosemite National Park $11


When comparing the travel costs between Virginia Beach and Yosemite National Park, we can see that Yosemite National Park 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 Virginia Beach Expensive? and Is Yosemite National Park Expensive?.