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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Grand Canyon National Park?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Grand Canyon 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 under-rated, welcoming, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a world-renowned, gorgeous, and striking national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Winston-Salem and Grand Canyon 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
  • Home to the sunset views


Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Grand Canyon National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Grand Canyon National Park than Winston-Salem, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Grand Canyon National Park is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Winston-Salem is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Grand Canyon National Park is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its iconic beauty, layers of color, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned geological history. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is famous for the sunset views. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Grand Canyon National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Winston-Salem
Grand Canyon National Park

Winston-Salem is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Winston-Salem is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Winston-Salem
Grand Canyon National Park

Winston-Salem is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Winston-Salem. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Grand Canyon National Park. There are several markets, restaurants, and cafes in the park but, in general, the options are expensive and not the best. If possible, bring your own food and plan for a picnic with a view.

Is Winston-Salem or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Grand Canyon National Park

Winston-Salem is a good destination for nightlife. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Winston-Salem or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Resorts?

Winston-Salem
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a popular place for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Grand Canyon National Park has a few great resort options. There are several options within and near the park that range from luxury to affordable. Reservations should be made well in advance for most hotels within the park. Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim) and Phantom Ranch are all unique places to stay.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.


Is Winston-Salem or Grand Canyon National Park Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
Grand Canyon National Park

Winston-Salem is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Grand Canyon National Park does not have a historic old town.

Winston-Salem is a good destination for visiting its old town. 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.

Grand Canyon National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Winston-Salem or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Hiking?

Winston-Salem
Grand Canyon National Park

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

Grand Canyon National Park is a popular spot for hiking. Hiking options at the Grand Canyon include an easy walk along the rim or a hike into the canyon. If you're planning to enjoy a view from the rim and then stroll along the rim walk, a day or two is plenty. Hiking into the canyon is a thrilling experience, but it does require more preparation and planning. You should also check out the weather before you depart as temperatures within the canyon can become dangerously hot.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Grand Canyon National Park?

Winston-Salem
Grand Canyon National Park

Winston-Salem is a good destination for shopping. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Winston-Salem. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Winston-Salem or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Grand Canyon National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Winston-Salem or Grand Canyon National Park.

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

Grand Canyon National Park is a family-friendly city. This park is a spectacular landmark with a number of nature programs that kids can enjoy. There's also a simple rim walk along the edge of the canyon that is perfect for little legs.

Is Winston-Salem or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is renowned for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Grand Canyon National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy beauty, nature, and adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are amazing hikes and breathtaking views that make this a truly romantic destination. There are also several hotels and lodges that make for a truly romantic getaway (book well in advance!).

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 Grand Canyon National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Winston-Salem
Grand Canyon National Park

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

Grand Canyon National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Backpackers and budget travelers can take in one of America's most notable landmarks while camping at the large and affordable national park campground.

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 Grand Canyon National Park Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Grand Canyon National Park

Winston-Salem is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

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

Grand Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

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

Winston-Salem
Grand Canyon National Park

Both Winston-Salem and Grand Canyon National Park offer respectable public transit options.

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 mostly limited in Grand Canyon National Park. There are free shuttle buses that run along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Is Winston-Salem or Grand Canyon National Park a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Grand Canyon National Park is a somewhat walkable national park. There's a nice rim walk that is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, but to reach many parts of the park you'll want to have a car or plan to take some form of transit.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Grand Canyon National Park or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Grand Canyon National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Winston-Salem or Grand Canyon National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Grand Canyon 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 1-4 days is enough time in Grand Canyon National Park.

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

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


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

One day in Winston-Salem or Grand Canyon National Park?

In Winston-Salem, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this welcoming 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 striking destination of Grand Canyon National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 gorgeous destination of Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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, Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon National Park is $168. 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 Grand Canyon National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Grand Canyon National Park $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Grand Canyon National Park $178
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Grand Canyon National Park

Looking for a hotel in Winston-Salem or Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 and Grand Canyon National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Grand Canyon National Park $43

Is it cheaper to fly into Winston-Salem or Grand Canyon National Park?

Prices for flights to both Grand Canyon 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
    Grand Canyon National Park $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Grand Canyon National Park $35

Tours and Activities in Winston-Salem

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

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

Tours and Activities in Grand Canyon National Park

For Grand Canyon National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Grand Canyon South & East Rim Self-Driving, Walking & Shuttling Tour: $17
  • Grand Canyon and Sedona Self-Guided Driving Tour Bundle: $25
  • Ultimate Arizona Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour Bundle: $30
  • Take a Scottsdale/Valley Tour in a Retro Party Bus - Old Town/Scottsdale: $69
  • Ultimate American Southwest Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $85
  • Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views: $121
  • Grand Entrance Grand Canyon Tour - Pink Jeep: $122
  • 3 Hour Off-Road Sunset Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate Detour : $123
  • Desert View Grand Canyon Tour - Pink Jeep: $143
  • 4 Hour Grand Canyon Biblical Creation Morning Rim Tour: $149
  • 4-Hour Biblical Creation + Sunset Tour • Grand Canyon National Park South Rim: $149
  • Hermits Rest Hiking Tour from Tusayan: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Grand Canyon National Park $11


When comparing the travel costs between Winston-Salem and Grand Canyon National Park, we can see that Grand Canyon National Park 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 Winston-Salem Expensive? and Is Grand Canyon National Park Expensive?.