A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Winston-Salem vs. Death Valley National Park for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a friendly, under-rated, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Winston-Salem and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Winston-Salem. Although Winston-Salem and Death Valley National Park are popular destinations, Winston-Salem has more sights and attractions for tourists. Winston-Salem is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Death Valley National Park is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses. It is also well known for Old Salem.

How is Winston-Salem different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Death Valley National Park and Winston-Salem. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park?

Winston-Salem
Death Valley National Park

Winston-Salem is very good for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Winston-Salem. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

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


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

Winston-Salem
Death Valley National Park

Winston-Salem is very good for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Winston-Salem area. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

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

Is Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Death Valley National Park

Winston-Salem is very good for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

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

Is Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Winston-Salem
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a moderate national park for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

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

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.


Is Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
Death Valley National Park

Winston-Salem is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Death Valley National Park does not have a historic old town.

Winston-Salem offers a nice historic old town area. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

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

Is Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Winston-Salem
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

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

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park?

Winston-Salem
Death Valley National Park

Winston-Salem is very good for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to go shopping. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

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


Is Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly city. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Winston-Salem
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is renowned for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.


Is Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Death Valley National Park

Winston-Salem is very good for students. However, Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

Winston-Salem is a good city to visit for students. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

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

Winston-Salem
Death Valley National Park

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

Public transit is generally limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

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

Is Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Death Valley National Park

Winston-Salem is a moderate city for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Winston-Salem is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Death Valley National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Winston-Salem than Death Valley National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Winston-Salem.


  • How many days in Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Winston-Salem 1-2 
    Death Valley National Park 2-4

One day in Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park?

In Winston-Salem, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this friendly destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the dramatic destination of Death Valley National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park?

In Winston-Salem, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Death Valley National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Winston-Salem. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the striking destination of Death Valley National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


A week in Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Winston-Salem. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the beautiful national park of Death Valley National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Death Valley National Park or Winston-Salem?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Winston-Salem is $150, while the average daily cost in Death Valley National Park is $87. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Winston-Salem and Death Valley National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Death Valley National Park $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Death Valley National Park $74
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Death Valley National Park

Looking for a hotel in Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Winston-Salem


Hotels in Death Valley National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Winston-Salem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Death Valley National Park $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Winston-Salem or Death Valley National Park?

Prices for flights to both Death Valley National Park and Winston-Salem 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
    Winston-Salem $42
    Death Valley National Park $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Death Valley National Park $36

Tours and Activities in Winston-Salem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Winston-Salem are as follows:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winston-Salem by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour: $26

Tours and Activities in Death Valley National Park

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Death Valley National Park $8.57


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Winston-Salem and Death Valley National Park, we can see that Winston-Salem is more expensive. And not only is Death Valley National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Death Valley National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Death Valley National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Winston-Salem would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Winston-Salem than you might in Death Valley National Park.

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