A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Williamsburg vs. Bryce Canyon National Park for Families, Backpackers, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Williamsburg and Bryce Canyon National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a well-preserved, historic, and charming town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a breathtaking, spectacular, and other-worldly park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Williamsburg and Bryce Canyon National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Williamsburg. Although Williamsburg and Bryce Canyon National Park are both popular with visitors, Williamsburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Williamsburg is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bryce Canyon National Park is more touristy than Williamsburg and is popular for its striking hoodoos and grand natural amphitheaters. Williamsburg is popular for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. It is also home to Colonial Williamsburg.

How is Williamsburg different from Bryce Canyon National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Williamsburg
Bryce Canyon National Park

Williamsburg is a great town for its historical sights. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Williamsburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

Bryce Canyon National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. While information is available at the visitor center, there are no real museums within the park.


Is the Food Better in Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Williamsburg
Bryce Canyon National Park

Williamsburg is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Williamsburg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Bryce Canyon 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 couple of restaurants within the park. Just outside the park there are a number of options as well, including large buffets that cater to large tour groups and the tourist crowds. It's best to arrive early for these buffets.

Is Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Nightlife?

Williamsburg
Bryce Canyon National Park

Williamsburg is adequate for nightlife and partying. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

People don't go to Bryce Canyon National Park for the nightlife. There's no full service bar in town, so plan ahead if you want to have drinks.

Is Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Resorts?

Williamsburg
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a park with a few options for its resorts. However, Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Bryce Canyon National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There's a lodge within the park and the hotels outside the park are mostly operated by Ruby's Inn and Bryce Canyon Resort.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.


Is Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg
Bryce Canyon National Park

Williamsburg is very popular for its old town. However, Bryce Canyon National Park does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg has a world-famous historical area. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Bryce Canyon National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Hiking?

Williamsburg
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Bryce Canyon National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hiking through the iconic hoodoos is a truly magical experience. There are shorter hikes such as the Mossy Cave Trail or the Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail. There are also more intense hikes and even a number of backcountry trails that will let you experience the park on a more personal level.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Williamsburg
Bryce Canyon National Park

Williamsburg is a great town for its shopping opportunities. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Williamsburg is well-known for its shopping. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Bryce Canyon National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops and markets where you can pick up necessities. There are also a couple of gift shops.


Is Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Families?

Williamsburg
Bryce Canyon National Park

Williamsburg is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bryce Canyon National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its family-friendly activities.

Williamsburg is one of the most popular family destinations. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

Bryce Canyon National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The kids will be as mesmerized as the adults with this spectacular park. There are great hikes for the whole family as well as horseback riding and ranger programs. For the best horseback riding experience, it's best to book your ride within the park. There are also private vendors that offer options outside the park.

Is Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Couples?

Williamsburg
Bryce Canyon National Park

Williamsburg and Bryce Canyon National Park both high quality destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Williamsburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The spectacular sunset views make this a truly romantic destination. The colors and setting are surreal and the hikes are spectacular. Couples will find a range of accommodation options that include large resort hotels just outside the park and camping within the park.

Is Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Williamsburg
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. For most visitors, this park is a short stop, but for those who want to experience it in depth, there are many backcountry hikes that let you enjoy a very different side to the park. You'll need a permit, but the backcountry lets you enjoy a peaceful solitude that you won't find in the more touristy areas.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.


Is Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Students?

Williamsburg
Bryce Canyon National Park

Williamsburg is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Williamsburg. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Bryce Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

Is Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Williamsburg
Bryce Canyon National Park

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Williamsburg and Bryce Canyon National Park.

Public transit is generally limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Public transit is mostly limited in Bryce Canyon National Park. The Bryce Canyon Shuttle travels to the most popular overlooks. It doesn't operate during the winter months.

Is Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park a more walkable city?

Williamsburg
Bryce Canyon National Park

Williamsburg and Bryce Canyon National Park both are decent when exploring on foot.

Williamsburg is generally not very walkable. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

Bryce Canyon National Park is generally not a very walkable town. Most of the trails require a car to access. If you're staying outside the park, you'll also want a private vehicle.


For even more information, also check out Is Williamsburg Worth Visiting? and Is Bryce Canyon National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bryce Canyon National Park or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In either Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bryce Canyon National Park than Williamsburg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Williamsburg, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bryce Canyon National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Williamsburg than Bryce Canyon 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 Williamsburg.


  • How many days in Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Williamsburg 2-4 
    Bryce Canyon National Park 2-5

One day in Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In Williamsburg, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bryce Canyon National Park, many people enjoy the that this spectacular park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In Williamsburg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Williamsburg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This town offers something for everyone.

In Bryce Canyon National Park, many people enjoy the that this other-worldly destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A week in Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the town of Williamsburg. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bryce Canyon National Park or Williamsburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Williamsburg is $112, while the average daily cost in Bryce Canyon National Park is $135. 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 Williamsburg and Bryce Canyon National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Williamsburg $66
    Bryce Canyon National Park $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Williamsburg $132
    Bryce Canyon National Park $134
Compare Hotels in Williamsburg and Bryce Canyon National Park

Looking for a hotel in Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon 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 Williamsburg


Hotels in Bryce Canyon 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: Williamsburg Hotel Prices and Bryce Canyon National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Williamsburg $11
    Bryce Canyon National Park $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Williamsburg or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Prices for flights to both Bryce Canyon National Park and Williamsburg 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
    Williamsburg $31
    Bryce Canyon National Park $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Williamsburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Williamsburg.

  • Taste of Williamsburg Food Tour by Junket: $79
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $84

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Williamsburg $34
    Bryce Canyon National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Williamsburg

Here are a few actual costs in Williamsburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Stories and Walking Tour: $25
  • 1 Hour Christmastide Walking Tour in Virginia Past and Present : $25
  • 2-Hour Private Guided The best of Williamsburg Walking Tour: $175
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg Admission Ticket: $62
  • Colonial Ghosts Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Colonial Ghosts Ultimate Dead of Night Haunted Ghost Tour: $35
  • Colonial History Tour in Williamsburg Virginia: $25
  • Colonial Williamsburg & Yorktown Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: $25
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $20
  • Colonial Colonial History Guided Walking Tour: $25
  • Colonial Self-Guided Walking Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bryce Canyon National Park.

  • The Beauty of Full-Day Audio Driving Private Tour: $7.19
  • Full-Day Private Scenic Byway 12 Audio Driving Tour : $8.99
  • Bryce Canyon National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks Self-Driving Bundle Tour : $25
  • Scenic Tour of Bryce Canyon: $69
  • Ruby's Horseback Adventures Utah 1.5 Hour Ride: $80
  • Horseback Riding Experience through Red Canyon with a Guide: $105
  • Bryce Canyon E-bike Tour : $105
  • Ruby's Horseback Adventures Utah Half Day Ride: $110
  • Hiking Experience in Bryce Canyon National Park: $120
  • Ruby's Horseback Adventures Utah Thunder Mt. 4 Hour Ride: $120
  • Peekaboo, Spooky and Dry Fork Slot Canyon Tour: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Williamsburg -
    Bryce Canyon National Park $6.78

Sample the Local Flavors in Williamsburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Williamsburg:

  • Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
  • The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Williamsburg and Bryce Canyon National Park, we can see that Bryce Canyon National Park is more expensive. And not only is Williamsburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Williamsburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Williamsburg 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 Bryce Canyon National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bryce Canyon National Park than you might in Williamsburg.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Williamsburg Expensive? and Is Bryce Canyon National Park Expensive?.