A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Acadia National Park vs. Berkeley for Attractions, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Berkeley?

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 Berkeley, 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.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a diverse, quirky, and progressive city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Acadia National Park and Berkeley: 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 food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Berkeley. Although Acadia National Park and Berkeley are popular destinations, Berkeley has more sights and attractions for tourists. Berkeley is very popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Acadia National Park attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Acadia National Park is famous for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Berkeley is famous for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. It is also well known for University of California Botanical Garden.

How is Acadia National Park different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Berkeley 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 Berkeley?

Acadia National Park
Berkeley

Berkeley is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Berkeley can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science 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 Berkeley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acadia National Park
Berkeley

Berkeley is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Berkeley has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

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 Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Acadia National Park
Berkeley

Berkeley is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Berkeley has a large number of nightlife venues. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

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 Berkeley Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park
Berkeley

Acadia National Park is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Berkeley is not a beach destination.

Acadia National Park has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Berkeley is not a beach destination.


Is Acadia National Park or Berkeley Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park
Berkeley

Acadia National Park is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Berkeley?

Acadia National Park
Berkeley

Berkeley is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Berkeley. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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 Berkeley Better for Families?

Acadia National Park
Berkeley

Acadia National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Berkeley is a family-friendly national park. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.


Is Acadia National Park or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Acadia National Park
Berkeley

Acadia National Park and Berkeley are both nice to visit as a couple.

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.

Berkeley is a nice destination for couples. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

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

Acadia National Park
Berkeley

Berkeley 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 Berkeley. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

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 Berkeley Better for Students?

Acadia National Park
Berkeley

Berkeley is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Acadia National Park is not popular with students.

Berkeley is a great city to visit as a student. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

Acadia National Park is not popular with students.


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

Acadia National Park
Berkeley

Berkeley is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Berkeley can get you around easily. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

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

Is Acadia National Park or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Acadia National Park
Berkeley

Berkeley is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Berkeley. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

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 Berkeley Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Acadia National Park or Berkeley?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Acadia National Park and Berkeley. In our opinion, Berkeley has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Berkeley than Acadia National Park. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Acadia National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Berkeley.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berkeley 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 Berkeley.


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

One day in Acadia National Park or Berkeley?

The beautiful national park of Acadia National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Berkeley. 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 Berkeley?

Acadia National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Acadia National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Berkeley 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Acadia National Park or Berkeley?

Acadia National Park is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Acadia National Park or Berkeley?

Acadia National Park is a great place to explore. 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. This national park offers something for everyone.

The diverse destination of Berkeley offers nightlife and food. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley 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 Berkeley is $190. 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 Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acadia National Park $96
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acadia National Park $192
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Acadia National Park and Berkeley

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


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: Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acadia National Park $46
    Berkeley $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Private Transfer: Oakland International Airport to Hotel: $200
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK: $81
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland: $93
  • Oakland hotel or address to Oakland Airport (OAK) - Departure Private Transfer: $45
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $65
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $90
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $45
  • Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to San Francisco by SUV: $232

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

Prices for flights to both Berkeley 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
    Berkeley $36
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

Typical Food Prices in Berkeley

Some typical examples of dining costs in Berkeley are as follows:


  • Chocolates at Sweet Dreams
    $4.46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berkeley

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Berkeley.

  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $130
  • Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acadia National Park $33
    Berkeley $30

Tours and Activities in Berkeley

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Berkeley are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135
  • Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $20
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $12
  • Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $120
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $12
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $16
  • Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
  • Small Group East Bay Beer Tour: $105
  • Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour of Napa-via San Francisco Ferry: $155

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acadia National Park $11
    Berkeley $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Berkeley

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Berkeley:

  • Guided Wine Tasting at Berkeley Wineries with Local Sommelière : $175
  • Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175


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



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

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 Berkeley in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Berkeley. The summer months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.

Acadia National Park is a little warmer than Berkeley in the summer. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in July than Berkeley. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

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

Both Berkeley and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Berkeley for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Acadia National Park is much colder than Berkeley. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acadia National Park in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In October, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

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

Both Berkeley and Acadia National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Berkeley in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Acadia National Park. In January, Acadia National Park is generally much colder than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 18°F (-8°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets less rain in January than Berkeley. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Berkeley. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Berkeley for the natural beauty during these months.

Acadia National Park is much colder than Berkeley in the spring. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)