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

Should you visit Williamsburg or Denali 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 Denali 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.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a spectacular, epic, and vast park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Williamsburg and Denali 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
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Denali National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Williamsburg. Although Williamsburg and Denali 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 Denali National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. 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. Denali National Park is popular for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife.

How is Williamsburg different from Denali National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Williamsburg
Denali National Park

Williamsburg is a great town for its historical sights. However, Denali 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.

Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.


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

Williamsburg
Denali National Park

Williamsburg is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali 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.

Denali National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is Williamsburg or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Williamsburg
Denali National Park

Williamsburg is adequate for nightlife and partying. However, Denali 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 Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is Williamsburg or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Williamsburg
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a good destination for its resorts. However, Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

Denali National Park has a few great resort options. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.


Is Williamsburg or Denali National Park Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg
Denali National Park

Williamsburg is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Denali National Park does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Williamsburg can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Denali National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Williamsburg or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Williamsburg
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Denali National Park offers some nice hiking trails. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Denali National Park?

Williamsburg
Denali National Park

Williamsburg is a great town for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali 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.

Denali National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.


Is Williamsburg or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Williamsburg
Denali National Park

Williamsburg is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Denali 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.

Denali National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.

Is Williamsburg or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Williamsburg
Denali National Park

Williamsburg and Denali 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.

Denali National Park is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

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

Williamsburg
Denali National Park

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

Denali National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

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 Denali National Park Better for Students?

Williamsburg
Denali National Park

Williamsburg is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Denali 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.

Denali National Park is not popular with students.

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

Williamsburg
Denali National Park

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Williamsburg and Denali 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 Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.

Is Williamsburg or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Williamsburg
Denali National Park

Williamsburg is adequate for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. 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.

Denali National Park is not a walkable town. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.


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

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Williamsburg or Denali National Park. In our opinion, Williamsburg has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Williamsburg than Denali 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 Denali 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 Denali 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 Denali 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 Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Williamsburg 2-4 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in Williamsburg or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Williamsburg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Denali National Park, many people enjoy the that this spectacular park offers. 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 Denali National Park?

Williamsburg is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Denali National Park is a fun place to experience. 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 Denali National Park?

Many people visit Williamsburg for five days. You'll find museums and food around the town of Williamsburg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the spectacular destination of Denali National Park. 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 Denali National Park?

The well-preserved destination of Williamsburg offers food and shopping. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Denali National Park is a popular place to visit. 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, Denali 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 Denali National Park is $218. 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 Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Williamsburg $66
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Williamsburg $132
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Williamsburg and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Williamsburg or Denali 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 Denali 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
    Denali National Park $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denali National Park

Also for Denali National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shuttle Transfer: Anchorage ↔ Denali National Park: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Williamsburg or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali 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
    Denali National Park $57

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
    Denali 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 Denali National Park

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

  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $79
  • Midnight Sun ATV Adventure 2.5 Hour Tour: $79
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $114
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $119
  • Denali National Park Walking Tour: $125
  • Wilds of Alaska Classic ATV Adventure: $140
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $150
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $150
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $165
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in Denali: $169
  • Half-Day Sled Dog Experience: $175
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Williamsburg -
    Denali National Park $12

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 Denali National Park, we can see that Denali 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 Denali National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Denali 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 Denali National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Williamsburg or Denali National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Denali National Park in the Summer?

Both Denali National Park and Williamsburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Williamsburg for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Denali National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Williamsburg is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 78°F (26°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. Williamsburg usually gets more rain in July than Denali National Park. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Williamsburg 78°F (26°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Denali National Park. Many visitors come to Williamsburg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Denali National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Denali National Park can be very cold during autumn. Williamsburg is much warmer than Denali National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 61°F (16°C) in October, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In October, Williamsburg usually receives less rain than Denali National Park. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Williamsburg 61°F (16°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Denali National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Denali National Park. Most visitors come to Williamsburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. Williamsburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Williamsburg is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Williamsburg in January average around 38°F (4°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 11°F (-12°C).

Williamsburg usually gets more rain in January than Denali National Park. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Williamsburg 38°F (4°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Denali National Park in the Spring?

Both Denali National Park and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the spring. In April, Williamsburg is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 57°F (14°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

In April, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Williamsburg 57°F (14°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Williamsburg

Williamsburg Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 49°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 57°F (14°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)