A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Williamsburg vs. Death Valley National Park for Families, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Williamsburg or Death Valley 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 Death Valley 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 historic, charming, and quaint town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Williamsburg and Death Valley 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 Death Valley National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Williamsburg. Although Williamsburg and Death Valley National Park are popular destinations, Williamsburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Williamsburg is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Williamsburg is famous for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. It is also well known for Colonial Williamsburg. Death Valley National Park is famous for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is Williamsburg different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Death Valley 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 Death Valley National Park?

Williamsburg
Death Valley National Park

Williamsburg is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.


Is the Food Better in Williamsburg or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Williamsburg
Death Valley National Park

Williamsburg is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Dining out in Williamsburg is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Williamsburg or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Williamsburg
Death Valley National Park

Williamsburg is a moderate town for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

Most people don't head to Williamsburg specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. 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.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Williamsburg or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Williamsburg
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a national park with a few options for its resorts. However, Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Death Valley National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.


Is Williamsburg or Death Valley National Park Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg
Death Valley National Park

Williamsburg is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Death Valley National Park does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Williamsburg is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Death Valley National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Williamsburg or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Williamsburg
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Death Valley National Park. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Death Valley National Park?

Williamsburg
Death Valley National Park

Williamsburg is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Williamsburg. 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.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.


Is Williamsburg or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Williamsburg
Death Valley National Park

Williamsburg is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Death Valley National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its kid-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.

Death Valley National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Is Williamsburg or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Williamsburg
Death Valley National Park

Williamsburg and Death Valley 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.

Death Valley National Park is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

Is Williamsburg or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Williamsburg
Death Valley National Park

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

Death Valley National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

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 Death Valley National Park Better for Students?

Williamsburg
Death Valley National Park

Williamsburg is renowned for students. However, Death Valley 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.

Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

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

Williamsburg
Death Valley National Park

Williamsburg is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Williamsburg or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Williamsburg
Death Valley National Park

Williamsburg is a moderate town for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

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.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable town. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.


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

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Williamsburg or Death Valley National Park. In our opinion, Williamsburg has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Williamsburg than Death Valley National Park. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Williamsburg than Death Valley 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 Death Valley 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 Death Valley 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 Death Valley National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Williamsburg 2-4 
    Death Valley National Park 2-4

One day in Williamsburg or Death Valley National Park?

In Williamsburg, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this well-preserved 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 Death Valley National Park, many people enjoy the that this dramatic national 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 Death Valley 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.

Death Valley 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. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Williamsburg or Death Valley 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.

You'll find around the vast destination of Death Valley National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


A week in Williamsburg or Death Valley 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.

Death Valley 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, Death Valley 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 Death Valley National Park is $87. 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 Death Valley National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Williamsburg $66
    Death Valley National Park $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Williamsburg $132
    Death Valley National Park $74
Compare Hotels in Williamsburg and Death Valley National Park

Looking for a hotel in Williamsburg or Death Valley 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 Death Valley 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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Williamsburg $11
    Death Valley National Park $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Williamsburg or Death Valley National Park?

Prices for flights to both Death Valley 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
    Death Valley National Park $20

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
    Death Valley National Park $36

Tours and Activities in Williamsburg

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

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Williamsburg by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Colonial Self-Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Williamsburg East Ghost Tour: $16
  • Yorktown Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
  • The Original Ghosts of Williamsburg Tour: $20
  • The Original Ghost of Williamsburg Candlelight Walking Tour: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Williamsburg by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $20
  • Yorktown Hallowed Ground Candlelight Walking Tour: $20
  • Colonial Williamsburg & Yorktown Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: $25

Tours and Activities in Death Valley National Park

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

  • Death Valley Self Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Death Valley on Mojave Desert VIP Small Group Tour from Las Vegas: $219

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Williamsburg -
    Death Valley National Park $8.57

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 Death Valley National Park, we can see that Williamsburg is more expensive. And not only is Death Valley National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Death Valley National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Death Valley 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 Williamsburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Williamsburg than you might in Death Valley National Park.

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