A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wilmington vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a welcoming, charming, and historic city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a fascinating, adventurous, and unique national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Wilmington and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Wilmington than Joshua Tree National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Wilmington is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Joshua Tree National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Joshua Tree National Park is more touristy than Wilmington and is known for its unique vegetation and large boulders. Wilmington is well known for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. Also, Wilmington is famous for the Battleship North Carolina.

How is Wilmington different from Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park?

Wilmington is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wilmington. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Is the Food Better in Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wilmington is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Wilmington is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Wilmington is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is a very popular place for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Wilmington attract visitors from all over. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Joshua Tree National Park does not have a historic old town.

Wilmington has an old town worth visiting. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Joshua Tree National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Joshua Tree National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park?

Wilmington is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Wilmington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Wilmington and Joshua Tree National Park are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Wilmington is a very family-friendly destination. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very kid-friendly city. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

Is Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Wilmington and Joshua Tree National Park are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Wilmington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

Is Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Joshua Tree National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.

Is Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Students?

Wilmington is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.

Is Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Wilmington is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Wilmington is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable city. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable city. You need a car to truly explore the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Wilmington Worth Visiting? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wilmington due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Wilmington, and 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Wilmington than Joshua Tree 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 Wilmington.

One day in Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming city of Wilmington. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

With around the unique national park of Joshua Tree National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Wilmington. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

With around the destination of Joshua Tree National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Five days in Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park?

Wilmington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

Joshua Tree National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wilmington or Joshua Tree National Park?

Wilmington is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

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