A Travel Price Comparison for Maine Acadia National Park vs. Bangor for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Bangor?

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 Bangor, 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 scenic, picturesque, and beautiful national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking.

Bangor

Bangor is a friendly, laid back, and welcoming town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Acadia National Park and Bangor: 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 shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Acadia National Park or Bangor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Acadia National Park. Although Acadia National Park and Bangor are popular destinations, Acadia National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Acadia National Park is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bangor attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Acadia National Park is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. It is also well known for Cadillac Mountain. Bangor is famous for its history as a lumber town.

How is Acadia National Park different from Bangor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Acadia National Park
Bangor

Bangor 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 Bangor. There are a couple of museums around town that focus on culture and daily life in Maine.

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 Bangor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acadia National Park
Bangor

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

Bangor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

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 Bangor Better for Nightlife?

Acadia National Park
Bangor

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

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bangor. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

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 Bangor Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park
Bangor

Acadia National Park is a national park with good options for the beach. However, Bangor is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Acadia National Park. 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.

Bangor is not a beach destination.


Is Acadia National Park or Bangor Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park
Bangor

Acadia National Park is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Acadia National Park is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Bangor?

Acadia National Park
Bangor

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

Bangor has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

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 Bangor Better for Families?

Acadia National Park
Bangor

Acadia National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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

Bangor is a family-friendly national park. You'll find a number of parks and walking trails nearby. There's also fruit picking and playgrounds to explore.


Is Acadia National Park or Bangor Better for Couples?

Acadia National Park
Bangor

Acadia National Park is a national park with good options for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Acadia National Park is a good national park for couples to visit. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

Bangor is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are local restaurants and several museums in town that couples will enjoy.

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

Acadia National Park
Bangor

Acadia National Park is a national park with good options for backpackers. However, Bangor is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Bangor is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Budget accommodation is available, but most backpackers don't think the visit here.

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

Acadia National Park
Bangor

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Acadia National Park and Bangor.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Bangor. There's a bus system, but visitors usually use their own car to get around.


Is Acadia National Park or Bangor a more walkable city?

Acadia National Park
Bangor

Bangor is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Bangor is a somewhat walkable town. The downtown is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Bangor or Acadia National Park?

How long in Acadia National Park or Bangor?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Acadia National Park or Bangor to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Acadia National Park than Bangor because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Acadia National Park, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bangor.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Acadia National Park than Bangor 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 Acadia National Park.


  • How many days in Acadia National Park or Bangor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Acadia National Park 1-3 
    Bangor 1-2

One day in Acadia National Park or Bangor?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Acadia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bangor. 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 Bangor has to offer.

A weekend in Acadia National Park or Bangor?

Acadia National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bangor is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Acadia National Park or Bangor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acadia National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people visit Bangor for five days. You'll find museums and food around the town of Bangor. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Acadia National Park or Bangor?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the picturesque destination of Acadia National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The laid back destination of Bangor offers food and shopping. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Bangor 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 Bangor is $197. 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 Bangor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acadia National Park $96
    Bangor $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acadia National Park $192
    Bangor $228
Compare Hotels in Acadia National Park and Bangor

Looking for a hotel in Acadia National Park or Bangor? 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 Bangor


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: Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acadia National Park $46
    Bangor $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $69
  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Acadia National Park or Bangor?

Prices for flights to both Bangor 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
    Bangor $54
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
    Bangor $45

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bangor are as follows:


  • Children's Museum (for 4)
    $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acadia National Park $11
    Bangor $23


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



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

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 Bangor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Bangor. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bangor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Acadia National Park is around the same temperature as Bangor in the summer. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Bangor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bangor. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C) 
    Bangor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Bangor in the Autumn?

Both Bangor and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bangor in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Acadia National Park is around the same temperature as Bangor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acadia National Park in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Bangor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In October, Acadia National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bangor. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C) 
    Bangor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Bangor in the Winter?

Both Bangor and Acadia National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bangor for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bangor can be very cold during winter. Acadia National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Acadia National Park is generally around the same temperature as Bangor. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 18°F (-8°C), and Bangor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bangor. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Bangor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Bangor. Most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bangor because of the small town charm.

Acadia National Park is around the same temperature as Bangor in the spring. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Bangor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Acadia National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bangor. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Bangor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C) 
    Bangor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bangor and Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park Bangor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)