A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Yosemite National Park vs. Las Vegas for Food, Resorts, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas?

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

Should I visit Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas? 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.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a breathtaking, popular, and world-famous national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a ritzy, colorful, and sinful entertainment capital. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Yosemite National Park and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Las Vegas than Yosemite National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Las Vegas is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Yosemite National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Yosemite National Park is well known for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. Las Vegas is well known for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. Also, Las Vegas is famous for The Strip.

How is Yosemite National Park different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Las Vegas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.

Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its shows and theatre. However, Yosemite National Park is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Las Vegas draw crowds from around the world. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Yosemite National Park is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

For foodies, Las Vegas is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

Yosemite National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.

Is Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

People head to Las Vegas just to party. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a live music destination.

In Las Vegas you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Yosemite National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Yosemite National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Las Vegas is a great choice. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Yosemite National Park. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

Is Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas Better for Hiking?

Yosemite National Park is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Yosemite National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Las Vegas is a world class destination for shoppers. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Yosemite National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

Yosemite National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Las Vegas is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Yosemite National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for romance.

Las Vegas makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

Yosemite National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

Is Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yosemite National Park is very popular for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.

Yosemite National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.

Is Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Yosemite National Park is a good destination for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for times when you don't have a car.

Yosemite National Park has a few public transit options. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

Public transit is mostly limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

Is Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Las Vegas is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable entertainment capital. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

Yosemite National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Yosemite National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Yosemite National Park?

How long in Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas?

Both Yosemite National Park and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Las Vegas has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Las Vegas than Yosemite National Park. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Yosemite National Park, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

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

One day in Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas?

You'll find around the national park of Yosemite National Park. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Las Vegas is a big city with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas?

You'll find around the breathtaking destination of Yosemite National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Las Vegas is a big city with plenty to do. This entertainment capital offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas?

You'll find around the stunning national park of Yosemite National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Las Vegas. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Yosemite National Park or Las Vegas?

Yosemite National Park is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yosemite National Park, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Las Vegas is a fun place to experience. Las Vegas is a big city with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this entertainment capital.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

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

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