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

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Monterey?

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 Monterey, 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. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Monterey

Monterey is a nature-oriented, laid back, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Acadia National Park and Monterey: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monterey. Although Acadia National Park and Monterey are popular destinations, Monterey has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monterey is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Acadia National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Acadia National Park is famous for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Monterey is famous for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also well known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

How is Acadia National Park different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Monterey 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 Monterey can be an interesting and educational experience. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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 Monterey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Monterey has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey Better for Nightlife?

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

Monterey has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Acadia National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Acadia National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acadia National Park or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Both Acadia National Park and Monterey have nice beaches worth visiting.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Monterey. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Is Acadia National Park or Monterey Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Monterey is not a hiking destination.

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.

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Monterey?

Monterey 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 Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Monterey is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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.

Is Acadia National Park or Monterey Better for Couples?

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

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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 Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acadia National Park and Monterey are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Monterey is a good national park to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

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

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 Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Acadia National Park or Monterey a more walkable city?

Monterey is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Monterey is a very walkable destination. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around 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 Monterey Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Acadia National Park or Monterey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Acadia National Park and Monterey. In our opinion, Monterey has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Monterey than Acadia National Park. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Acadia National Park or Monterey?

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 scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Monterey. 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 Monterey has to offer.

A weekend in Acadia National Park or Monterey?

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.

Monterey 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 Monterey?

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

A week in Acadia National Park or Monterey?

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 laid back destination of Monterey offers museums and nightlife. 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Acadia National Park and Monterey, 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 Monterey Expensive?.

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In July, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Monterey. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Monterey and Acadia National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Acadia National Park is much colder than Monterey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acadia National Park in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Monterey averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Monterey. Most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Monterey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Acadia National Park can be very cold during winter. In January, Acadia National Park is generally much colder than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 18°F (-8°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Monterey. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Monterey. The spring months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

Acadia National Park is much colder than Monterey in the spring. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Acadia National Park