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

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Newport?

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 Newport, 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.

Newport

Newport is a seaside, historical, and charming town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Acadia National Park and Newport: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • 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
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newport. Although Acadia National Park and Newport are popular destinations, Newport has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newport is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, 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. Newport is famous for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. It is also well known for Thames Street.

How is Acadia National Park different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Acadia National Park
Newport

Newport 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 Newport can be an interesting and educational experience. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

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 Newport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acadia National Park
Newport

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

Newport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport Better for Nightlife?

Acadia National Park
Newport

Newport 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 Newport. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

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 Newport Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park
Newport

Newport is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Newport. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

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.


Is Acadia National Park or Newport Better for its Old Town?

Acadia National Park
Newport

Newport is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Acadia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Newport to see the historical old town. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Acadia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Acadia National Park or Newport Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park
Newport

Acadia National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Newport 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.

Newport is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Newport?

Acadia National Park
Newport

Newport 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 Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

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 Newport Better for Families?

Acadia National Park
Newport

Acadia National Park and Newport are both excellent 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.

Newport is a very family-friendly place to visit. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

Is Acadia National Park or Newport Better for Couples?

Acadia National Park
Newport

Newport is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Newport has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples 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 Newport Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acadia National Park
Newport

Acadia National Park is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Newport is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Acadia National Park is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Newport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a beautiful town, but accommodation tends to be expensive and there aren't any hostels to attract the budget crowd.


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

Acadia National Park
Newport

Newport is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Newport has some public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

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 Newport a more walkable city?

Acadia National Park
Newport

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

Newport is a very walkable destination. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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 Newport Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Acadia National Park or Newport?

In either Acadia National Park or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Newport than Acadia National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Acadia National Park, and 2-5 days is enough time in Newport.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Acadia National Park or Newport? Ideal Length of Stay
    Acadia National Park 1-3 
    Newport 2-5

One day in Acadia National Park or Newport?

In Acadia National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Newport. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Newport?

In Acadia National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Acadia National Park has to offer.

Newport is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Newport?

Acadia National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people visit Newport for five days. Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the town of Newport. Visiting the old town is also a must. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Acadia National Park or Newport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acadia National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Acadia National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The seaside destination of Newport offers nightlife and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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, Newport 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 Newport is $159. 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 Newport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acadia National Park $96
    Newport $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acadia National Park $192
    Newport $184
Compare Hotels in Acadia National Park and Newport

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


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: Newport Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newport

Also for Newport, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence city Hotels: $61
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence Airport (PVD): $49
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Boston Logan Airport (BOS) : $88
  • Private Transfer from Newport Cruise Port to Boston city hotels: $88

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

Prices for flights to both Newport 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
    Newport $45
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 Newport

For Newport, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Newport Neighborhood Food Tour: $89

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

Tours and Activities in Newport

For Newport, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour: $27
  • Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $38
  • Discover Newport's Grandeur: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Downtown Westerly Ghost Tour: $30
  • Evening Voyage with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $45
  • Historic Highlights with the Gilded Age Private Van Tour: $225
  • Lighthouse and Mimosa Cruise of Narragansett Bay from Newport: $42
  • Morning Mimosa Cruise with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $38
  • Morning Mimosa Sightseeing Sail on Schooner Madeleine in Newport: $45
  • Newport Afternoon Sightseeing Sail on Classic Sailboat: $45
  • Newport Beach Private Tour & Whale Watching Cruise: $395
  • Newport Cliff Walk & Ocean Drive Self-Guided Tours Bundle: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acadia National Park $11
    Newport $14


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



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

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 Newport in the Summer?

Both Newport and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Newport because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Acadia National Park is cooler than Newport in the summer. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Newport fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In July, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Newport. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C) 
    Newport 73°F (23°C)

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

Both Newport and Acadia National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Newport this time of year.

In the autumn, Acadia National Park is cooler than Newport. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acadia National Park in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Newport averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Newport. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C) 
    Newport 53°F (12°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Newport. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Newport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Newport. It's quite cold in Acadia National Park in the winter. In January, Acadia National Park is generally much colder than Newport. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 18°F (-8°C), and Newport fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In January, Acadia National Park usually receives less rain than Newport. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C) 
    Newport 28°F (-2°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Newport. Many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Newport in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Acadia National Park is much colder than Newport in the spring. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Newport fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets less rain in April than Newport. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C) 
    Newport 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Newport and Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park Newport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)