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

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Zion 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 Zion 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 relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife and beaches.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a breathtaking, stunning, and world-renowned park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking.

Virginia Beach and Zion National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zion National Park. Although Virginia Beach and Zion National Park are popular destinations, Zion National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zion National Park is very popular for its museums, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Zion National Park is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing. It is also well known for Angels Landing. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Zion National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Virginia Beach or Zion National Park?

Zion National Park is adequate for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Zion National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Virginia Beach and Zion 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.

Zion National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

Is Virginia Beach or Zion National Park Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Virginia Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Zion National Park Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

Is Virginia Beach or Zion National Park Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its luxury resorts.

Virginia Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Zion National Park offers a few options. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

Is Virginia Beach or Zion National Park Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Zion National Park is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Zion National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Zion National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Zion National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Zion National Park?

Zion National Park is mediocre for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Zion National Park Better for Families?

Virginia Beach and Zion National Park are both superb 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.

Zion National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

Is Virginia Beach or Zion National Park Better for Couples?

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

Zion National Park is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

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 Zion National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Zion National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Zion National Park Better for Students?

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for students. However, Zion National Park is not popular with students.

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

Zion National Park is not popular with students.

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

Zion 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 Zion National Park offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

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 Zion National Park a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach is a coastal city with a few options for its walkability. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Zion National Park is not a very walkable coastal city. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

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

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

How long in Virginia Beach or Zion National Park?

Both Virginia Beach and Zion National Park have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Zion National Park has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Zion 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 Zion National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zion 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 Zion National Park.

One day in Virginia Beach or Zion National Park?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach. This coastal city offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Virginia Beach is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled coastal city of Virginia Beach. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Zion National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Zion National Park?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Virginia Beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Virginia Beach has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Virginia Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It offers something for everyone. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

In Zion 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.

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