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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Joshua Tree 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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a unique, fascinating, and adventurous national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Winston-Salem and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • 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


Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Joshua Tree National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Winston-Salem. Although Winston-Salem and Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Joshua Tree National Park is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its unique vegetation and large boulders. 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 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 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Winston-Salem
Joshua Tree National Park

Winston-Salem 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 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.

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 Winston-Salem or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
Joshua Tree National Park

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

Winston-Salem is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

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 Winston-Salem or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Joshua Tree National Park

Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

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 Winston-Salem or Joshua Tree National Park Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
Joshua Tree National Park

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

Winston-Salem has an old town worth visiting. 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.

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


Is Winston-Salem or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Winston-Salem
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

People visit Joshua Tree National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Joshua Tree National Park?

Winston-Salem
Joshua Tree National Park

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

Winston-Salem has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

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 Winston-Salem or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Joshua Tree National Park

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

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.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Winston-Salem
Joshua Tree National Park

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

Joshua Tree National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Joshua Tree National Park

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

Joshua Tree National Park is not popular with students.


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

Winston-Salem
Joshua Tree National Park

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

Is Winston-Salem or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Joshua Tree National Park

Winston-Salem is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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.

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 Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Winston-Salem or Joshua Tree National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

Couples should spend more time in Winston-Salem than Joshua Tree 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 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 Winston-Salem.


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

One day in Winston-Salem or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming city of Winston-Salem. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the adventurous destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Winston-Salem. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Joshua Tree National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Winston-Salem is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the adventurous destination of Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Winston-Salem 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.

You'll find around the beautiful national park of Joshua Tree 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, Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park is $152. 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 Joshua Tree National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Joshua Tree National Park $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Joshua Tree National Park $174
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Joshua Tree National Park

Looking for a hotel in Winston-Salem or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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
    Joshua Tree National Park $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Winston-Salem or Joshua Tree National Park?

Prices for flights to both Joshua Tree 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
    Joshua Tree National Park $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Joshua Tree National Park $27

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Joshua Tree National Park $4.93


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