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

Should you visit Williamsburg or Redwood 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 Redwood 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 quaint, well-preserved, and historic town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a monumental, grand, and impressive park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking.

Williamsburg and Redwood 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
  • Popular beach
  • 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 Redwood National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Williamsburg. Although Williamsburg and Redwood 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 Redwood National Park attracts visitors for its beaches, 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. Redwood National Park is famous for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

How is Williamsburg different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Williamsburg
Redwood National Park

Williamsburg is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Williamsburg. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.


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

Williamsburg
Redwood National Park

Williamsburg is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Williamsburg or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Williamsburg
Redwood National Park

Williamsburg is a town with a few options for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Williamsburg is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Williamsburg or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Williamsburg
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a good destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Redwood National Park offers a nice beach destination. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.


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

Williamsburg
Redwood National Park

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Redwood National Park does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Redwood National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Williamsburg or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Williamsburg
Redwood National Park

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

Redwood National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Redwood National Park?

Williamsburg
Redwood National Park

Williamsburg is well known for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known 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 Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.


Is Williamsburg or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Williamsburg
Redwood National Park

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Williamsburg is very family-friendly. 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.

Redwood National Park is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

Is Williamsburg or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Williamsburg
Redwood National Park

Williamsburg and Redwood National Park both excellent 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.

Redwood National Park is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

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

Williamsburg
Redwood National Park

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

Redwood National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Students?

Williamsburg
Redwood National Park

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for students. However, Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for students. 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.

Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

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

Williamsburg
Redwood National Park

Williamsburg is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known 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 Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Williamsburg or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Williamsburg
Redwood National Park

Williamsburg is a town with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known 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.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.


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

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

How long in Williamsburg or Redwood National Park?

In either Williamsburg or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Redwood 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 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

Families should spend more time in Williamsburg than Redwood 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 Redwood 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 Redwood 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 Redwood National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Williamsburg 2-4 
    Redwood National Park 3-5

One day in Williamsburg or Redwood National Park?

In Williamsburg, you'll find shopping and museums. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Redwood National Park, many people enjoy the that this grand 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 Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Williamsburg. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town. It offers something for everyone.

Redwood National Park is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Williamsburg or Redwood National Park?

Williamsburg is a fun place to experience. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Redwood National Park, many people enjoy the that this monumental 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 Redwood National Park?

You'll find shopping and museums around the well-preserved destination of Williamsburg. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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.

Redwood 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, Redwood 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 Redwood National Park is $111. 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 Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Williamsburg $66
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Williamsburg $132
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Williamsburg and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Williamsburg or Redwood 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 Redwood 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
    Redwood National Park $53

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

Prices for flights to both Redwood 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
    Redwood 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
    Redwood National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Williamsburg

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

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Williamsburg by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Williamsburg West Tour: $15
  • 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
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $20
  • The Original Ghost of Williamsburg Candlelight Walking Tour: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Williamsburg by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • The Original Ghosts of Williamsburg Tour: $20
  • Yorktown Hallowed Ground Candlelight Walking Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Williamsburg -
    Redwood National Park -

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 comparing the travel costs between Williamsburg and Redwood National Park, we can see that Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg Expensive? and Is Redwood National Park Expensive?.



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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

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

Both Redwood National Park and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

Williamsburg is much warmer than Redwood National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Redwood National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. Williamsburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park during summer. Williamsburg gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 274 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Williamsburg. In July, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Williamsburg 78°F (26°C) 
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C)

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

Both Redwood National Park and Williamsburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Williamsburg is a little warmer than Redwood National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Williamsburg in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. In the autumn, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Redwood National Park. Williamsburg gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 177 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Redwood National Park. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Williamsburg 61°F (16°C) 
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Redwood National Park. Many travelers come to Williamsburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Williamsburg. In January, Williamsburg is generally much colder than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 38°F (4°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Redwood National Park during winter. Williamsburg gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

Redwood National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Williamsburg usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Williamsburg 38°F (4°C) 
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Redwood National Park. Many visitors come to Williamsburg in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Williamsburg is a little warmer than Redwood National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 57°F (14°C) in April, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In the spring, Williamsburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park. Williamsburg gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 254 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Redwood National Park. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Williamsburg 57°F (14°C) 
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Williamsburg

Williamsburg Redwood National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm) 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 49°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Apr 57°F (14°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm)