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

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Glacier National Park?

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 Glacier National Park, 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 picturesque, beautiful, and scenic national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches and hiking.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a gorgeous, stunning, and breathtaking park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Acadia National Park and Glacier National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Going-to-the-Sun Road


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Glacier National Park than Acadia National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Glacier National Park is better known for its resorts, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Acadia National Park is more popular for its museums and beaches. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Acadia National Park and is popular for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. Also, Glacier National Park is famous for Going-to-the-Sun Road. Acadia National Park is well known for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter.

How is Acadia National Park different from Glacier National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park?

Acadia National Park
Glacier National Park

Acadia National Park is a moderate national park for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.


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

Acadia National Park
Glacier National Park

Foodies will find both Acadia National Park and Glacier National Park both to be respectable destinations.

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

Glacier National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Acadia National Park or Glacier National Park Better for Nightlife?

Acadia National Park
Glacier National Park

Neither Acadia National Park or Glacier National Park offer decent nightlife.

Acadia National Park doesn't offer many options. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Glacier National Park. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Acadia National Park or Glacier National Park Better for Resorts?

Acadia National Park
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

Glacier National Park has a few great resort options. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Acadia National Park or Glacier National Park Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park
Glacier National Park

Acadia National Park is a popular place for its beaches. However, Glacier National Park 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.

Glacier National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Acadia National Park or Glacier National Park Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park
Glacier National Park

Acadia National Park and Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Glacier National Park?

Acadia National Park
Glacier National Park

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

Glacier National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

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 Glacier National Park Better for Families?

Acadia National Park
Glacier National Park

Acadia National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Acadia National Park is 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.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly national park. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Is Acadia National Park or Glacier National Park Better for Couples?

Acadia National Park
Glacier National Park

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

Glacier National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

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 Glacier National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acadia National Park
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Glacier National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

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

Acadia National Park
Glacier National Park

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Acadia National Park and Glacier National Park.

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 Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

Is Acadia National Park or Glacier National Park a more walkable city?

Acadia National Park
Glacier National Park

Acadia National Park is a moderate national park for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its high level of walkability.

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.

Glacier National Park is not a very walkable national park. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

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

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

How long in Acadia National Park or Glacier National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Acadia National Park and Glacier National Park. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Acadia National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Glacier National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park.


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

One day in Acadia National Park or Glacier National Park?

In Acadia National Park, you'll find . Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Acadia National Park, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Glacier 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. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.


A weekend in Acadia National Park or Glacier National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acadia National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park. It offers something for everyone.

Glacier 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 park has to offer. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Acadia National Park or Glacier National Park?

Acadia National Park is a fun place to experience. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people visit Glacier National Park for five days. You'll find around the beautiful park of Glacier 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.

A week in Acadia National Park or Glacier National Park?

You'll find around the beautiful destination of Acadia National Park. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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 gorgeous destination of Glacier 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park is $127. 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 Glacier National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acadia National Park $96
    Glacier National Park $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acadia National Park $192
    Glacier National Park $112
Compare Hotels in Acadia National Park and Glacier National Park

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


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
    Glacier National Park $69

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

Prices for flights to both Glacier National Park 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
    Glacier National Park $28
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glacier National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Glacier National Park.

  • Half Day Whitewater Rafting with Riverside Dinner: $113

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acadia National Park $33
    Glacier National Park $34

Tours and Activities in Glacier National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Glacier National Park are as follows:

  • Combo Tour: Driving and Snowshoe Trek of Glacier National Park: $220
  • Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $220
  • Full Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Adventure - With Lunch!: $152
  • Full Day Whitewater Adventure Trip with Included Lunch: $157
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Half Day Bike and Hike Tour in around Whitefish: $175
  • Half-Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Adventure: $87
  • Self Guided Bike Tour in Glacier National Park : $65
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acadia National Park $11
    Glacier National Park $8.41


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

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 Glacier National Park Expensive?.