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

Should you visit Wilmington or Redwood 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 Redwood 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. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a grand, impressive, and monumental park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking.

Wilmington and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
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 nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Wilmington or Redwood National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Wilmington than Redwood 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 Redwood National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Redwood National Park is more touristy than Wilmington and is popular for being the home of the world's tallest trees. 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 Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Wilmington
Redwood National Park

Wilmington is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

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 Wilmington or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wilmington
Redwood National Park

Wilmington is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Wilmington area. 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 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 Wilmington or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Wilmington
Redwood National Park

Wilmington is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Wilmington has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

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

Is Wilmington or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Wilmington
Redwood National Park

Wilmington is well known for the beach. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Many people visit Wilmington for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Redwood National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.


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

Wilmington
Redwood National Park

Wilmington is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Redwood National Park does not have a historic old town.

Wilmington offers a nice historic old town area. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Redwood National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Wilmington or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Wilmington
Redwood National Park

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

Known for its hiking, Redwood National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Redwood National Park?

Wilmington
Redwood National Park

Wilmington is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Wilmington to go shopping. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

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 Wilmington or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Wilmington
Redwood National Park

Wilmington and Redwood National Park are both great 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.

Redwood National Park is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Wilmington or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Wilmington
Redwood National Park

Wilmington and Redwood National Park are both great 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.

Redwood National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Wilmington or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wilmington
Redwood National Park

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

Many backpackers frequent Redwood National Park. 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.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Students?

Wilmington
Redwood National Park

Wilmington is a good destination for students. However, Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

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

Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

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

Wilmington
Redwood National Park

Wilmington is a city 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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Wilmington or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Wilmington
Redwood National Park

Wilmington is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known 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.

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


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

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

How long in Wilmington or Redwood National Park?

In either Wilmington or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Wilmington has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Wilmington than Redwood National Park. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Wilmington, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

Families should spend more time in Wilmington than Redwood 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 Redwood 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 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 Wilmington.


  • How many days in Wilmington or Redwood National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Wilmington 2-5 
    Redwood National Park 3-5

One day in Wilmington or Redwood National Park?

In Wilmington, you'll find shopping and museums. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

With around the impressive park of Redwood 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 Redwood National Park?

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

With around the destination of Redwood National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Wilmington or Redwood National Park?

Wilmington is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Redwood National Park, a popular park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Wilmington or Redwood National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Wilmington. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Redwood 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.


Which place is cheaper, Redwood National Park or Wilmington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Wilmington is $204, 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 Wilmington and Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wilmington $120
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wilmington $240
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Wilmington and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Wilmington 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 Wilmington


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: Wilmington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wilmington $47
    Redwood National Park $53

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

Prices for flights to both Redwood National Park and Wilmington 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
    Wilmington $56
    Redwood National Park $33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wilmington $17
    Redwood National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Wilmington

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Wilmington.

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Wilmington Pirate Walking Tour: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Wilmington by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Eagles Island 50 minute Narrated Boat Cruise: $21
  • History and Architecture Walking Tour : $25
  • Wilmington History and Architecture Tour: $25
  • Ghosts of the Port City Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Craft Beer and History Crawl Shared Experience in Wilmington: $30
  • Wilmington Ghosts: Phantoms of Pirates and Patriots Tour: $33
  • Black Water Adventure Cruise: $33
  • Trolley Pub Public Tour: $49
  • Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wilmington $39
    Redwood National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Wilmington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Wilmington:

  • 2-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Bar Crawl: $55
  • 2-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Bar Crawl: $55


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wilmington and Redwood National Park, we can see that Wilmington is more expensive. And not only is Redwood National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Redwood National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Redwood 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 Redwood 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 Redwood National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Wilmington or Redwood 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 Wilmington or Redwood National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Redwood National Park. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Wilmington is generally much warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 81°F (27°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°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 Wilmington this time of the year. In the summer, Wilmington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 274 hours of full sun.

Wilmington receives a lot of rain in the summer. Wilmington usually gets more rain in July than Redwood National Park. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Wilmington 81°F (27°C) 
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C)

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

Both Redwood National Park and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Wilmington is a little warmer than Redwood National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Redwood National Park during autumn. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Redwood National Park. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Wilmington 65°F (18°C) 
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C)

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

Both Redwood National Park and Wilmington during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Wilmington is cooler than Redwood National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wilmington in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Redwood National Park. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 135 hours of full sun.

Redwood National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Wilmington usually gets less rain in January than Redwood National Park. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Wilmington 45°F (7°C) 
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Redwood National Park. The spring months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the beaches. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

In April, Wilmington is generally much warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 63°F (17°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Redwood National Park this time of the year. In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Redwood National Park during spring. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Redwood National Park. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Wilmington 63°F (17°C) 
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Wilmington

Wilmington Redwood National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Feb 47°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 56°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm)