A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Acadia National Park vs. Adirondack Mountains for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a beautiful, scenic, and picturesque national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a pristine, scenic, and serene region. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Acadia National Park and Adirondack Mountains: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • 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
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Adirondack Mountains. Although Acadia National Park and Adirondack Mountains are both popular with visitors, Adirondack Mountains has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Adirondack Mountains is more popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Acadia National Park is known for its beaches. Acadia National Park is popular for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Adirondack Mountains is popular for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. It is also home to Whiteface Mountain.

How is Acadia National Park different from Adirondack Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains Better for Skiing?

Acadia National Park
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Acadia National Park is not a skiing destination.

Head to Adirondack Mountains for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Acadia National Park is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains?

Acadia National Park
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Acadia 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 Adirondack Mountains. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

Acadia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.

Is the Food Better in Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acadia National Park
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Adirondack Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Acadia National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There's one restaurant in the park, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner between mid-May and October. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food and enjoy meals at one of the six picnic areas.

Is Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Acadia National Park
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Acadia National Park. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.


Is Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains Better for Resorts?

Acadia National Park
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park
Adirondack Mountains

Acadia National Park is a popular place for the beache. However, Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.

Acadia National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. There is one oceanside beach in the park, Sand Beach, as well as two lakefront beaches, Echo Lake Beach and Lake Wood. Many visitors enjoy swimming during the warmer months.

Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park
Adirondack Mountains

Acadia National Park and Adirondack Mountains are both places where visitors can find very good hiking trails.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Acadia National Park. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Adirondack Mountains. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.


Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains?

Acadia National Park
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Adirondack Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

Acadia National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.

Is Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains Better for Families?

Acadia National Park
Adirondack Mountains

Acadia National Park and Adirondack Mountains are both very good destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and games that kids will enjoy. There are also Ranger Programs and hiking trails that are great for kids of all ages.

Adirondack Mountains is a very family-friendly place to visit. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

Is Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains Better for Couples?

Acadia National Park
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Adirondack Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

Acadia National Park is a nice destination for couples. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.


Is Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acadia National Park
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Adirondack Mountains. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

Acadia National Park is a good national park to visit for backpackers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Is Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Acadia National Park
Adirondack Mountains

Acadia National Park is a moderate national park for its public transit. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.

Public transit is quite limited in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.

Is Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains a more walkable city?

Acadia National Park
Adirondack Mountains

Acadia National Park is a moderate national park for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

Acadia National Park is generally not very walkable. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable national park. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Adirondack Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Adirondack Mountains or Acadia National Park?

How long in Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains?

Both Acadia National Park and Adirondack Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than in Acadia National Park. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Acadia National Park, and 3-7 days is enough time in Adirondack Mountains.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than Acadia 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 Adirondack Mountains.


  • How many days in Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Acadia National Park 1-3 
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7

One day in Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Acadia 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. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Acadia National Park has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Adirondack Mountains. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains?

Acadia National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Adirondack Mountains is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains?

Many people visit Acadia National Park for five days. You'll find around the beautiful national park of Acadia National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people visit Adirondack Mountains for five days. Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful region of Adirondack Mountains. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer.


A week in Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains?

The picturesque destination of Acadia National Park offers . Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the serene destination of Adirondack Mountains. Many people spend one week here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Adirondack Mountains, one week is sufficent for most.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Adirondack Mountains or Acadia National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Acadia National Park is $173, while the average daily cost in Adirondack Mountains is $166. 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 Acadia National Park and Adirondack Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acadia National Park $96
    Adirondack Mountains $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acadia National Park $192
    Adirondack Mountains $194
Compare Hotels in Acadia National Park and Adirondack Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains? 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 Acadia National Park


Hotels in Adirondack Mountains


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acadia National Park $46
    Adirondack Mountains $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Adirondack Mountains and Acadia National Park 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
    Acadia National Park $45
    Adirondack Mountains $49
Typical Food Prices in Acadia National Park

For Acadia National Park, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    $32

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acadia National Park $33
    Adirondack Mountains $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acadia National Park $11
    Adirondack Mountains $19


When comparing the travel costs between Acadia National Park and Adirondack Mountains, we can see that Acadia 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 Acadia National Park Expensive? and Is Adirondack Mountains Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Adirondack Mountains. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Acadia National Park is generally around the same temperature as Adirondack Mountains. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 69°F (21°C), and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in July than Adirondack Mountains. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Adirondack Mountains because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Acadia National Park is around the same temperature as Adirondack Mountains in the autumn. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In October, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Adirondack Mountains. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains in the Winter?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Acadia National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Adirondack Mountains this time of year.

It's quite cold in Adirondack Mountains in the winter. The weather in Acadia National Park can be very cold. In the winter, Acadia National Park is around the same temperature as Adirondack Mountains. Typically, the winter temperatures in Acadia National Park in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Adirondack Mountains averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in January than Adirondack Mountains. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Adirondack Mountains in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Adirondack Mountains. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Adirondack Mountains for the natural beauty.

In April, Acadia National Park is generally cooler than Adirondack Mountains. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 43°F (6°C), and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

In April, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Adirondack Mountains. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 46°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Adirondack Mountains and Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park Adirondack Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)