A Travel Price Comparison for California Yosemite National Park vs. Redwood National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Yosemite National Park or Redwood National Park?

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

Should I visit Yosemite National Park or Redwood 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.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a world-famous, stunning, and breathtaking national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a monumental, grand, and impressive park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking.

Yosemite National Park and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yosemite National Park. Although Yosemite National Park and Redwood National Park are popular destinations, Yosemite National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yosemite National Park is very popular for its food and resorts, while Redwood National Park attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and shopping. Yosemite National Park is more touristy than Redwood National Park and is known for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. It is also well known for El Capitan. Redwood National Park is famous for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

How is Yosemite National Park 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 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 Redwood National Park?

Redwood National Park is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Redwood National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. 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.

Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Yosemite National Park is a national park with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Yosemite National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

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 Yosemite National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Redwood National Park is not a good place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

People don't go to Redwood National Park for the nightlife. The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Yosemite National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Resorts?

Yosemite National Park is well known for its resorts. However, Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

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

Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Yosemite National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Redwood National Park is a popular place for the beach. However, Yosemite National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Yosemite National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Yosemite National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Yosemite National Park and Redwood National Park both have amazing trails.

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

Many people visit Redwood National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Yosemite National Park or Redwood National Park?

Redwood National Park is not a good place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Redwood National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yosemite National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Yosemite National Park or Redwood National Park.

Yosemite National Park is known to be 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.

Redwood National Park is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Yosemite National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Yosemite National Park and Redwood National Park make for a superb place to visit.

Yosemite National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Redwood National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Yosemite National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Yosemite National Park and Redwood National Park are amazing destinations for backpackers.

Yosemite National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

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.

Is Yosemite National Park or Redwood National Park 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, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Yosemite National Park, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

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

Is Yosemite National Park or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Yosemite National Park is a national park with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

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

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

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

How long in Yosemite National Park or Redwood National Park?

In either Yosemite National Park or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Yosemite National Park than Redwood National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Yosemite National Park, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Redwood National Park than Yosemite 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 Redwood National Park.

One day in Yosemite National Park or Redwood National Park?

In Yosemite National Park, you'll find . You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

The park of Redwood National Park offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yosemite National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

The monumental destination of Redwood National Park offers . This park offers something for everyone. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Yosemite National Park or Redwood National Park?

Yosemite National Park is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this national park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Redwood National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Redwood National Park?

In Yosemite National Park, you'll find . It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.

Redwood National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Redwood National Park. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yosemite National Park and Redwood National Park, we can see that Yosemite National Park 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 Yosemite National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yosemite National Park 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 Yosemite National Park Expensive? and Is Redwood National Park Expensive?.