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

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Olympic 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 Olympic 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 beautiful, scenic, and picturesque national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a stunning, vast, and pristine park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Olympic National Park. Although Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park are both popular with visitors, Olympic National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Olympic National Park is more popular for its museums, food, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Acadia National Park is known for its beaches. Acadia National Park is popular for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Olympic National Park is popular for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. It is also home to the Hoh Rain Forest.

How is Acadia National Park different from Olympic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Acadia National Park
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.

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 Olympic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acadia National Park
Olympic National Park

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

Olympic National Park is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Acadia National Park
Olympic National Park

Neither Acadia National Park or Olympic 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 Olympic National Park. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

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

Acadia National Park
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

Olympic National Park is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.


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

Acadia National Park
Olympic National Park

Acadia National Park is a popular place for the beache. However, Olympic 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.

Olympic National Park is not a beach destination. The park has a rugged coastline with sandy beaches. Many people enjoy exploring the tidal pools or watching the sun set. Some of the best beaches include Kalaloch Beach, Beach 4, and Ruby Beach.

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

Acadia National Park
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Olympic National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hiking trails will take you through the diverse range of landscapes. There are mountain climbs, coastal trails, and routes that wander through old growth forests. You'll also find a mix of day hikes and backcountry wilderness hikes. Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls, and the High Divide are favorite hikes in the park, but there are countless others.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

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

Acadia National Park
Olympic National Park

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

Olympic National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Acadia National Park
Olympic National Park

Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park are both very good 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.

Olympic National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

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

Acadia National Park
Olympic National Park

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

Olympic National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acadia National Park
Olympic National Park

Olympic 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 Olympic National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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

Acadia National Park
Olympic National Park

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Acadia National Park and Olympic 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 Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

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

Acadia National Park
Olympic National Park

Acadia National Park is a moderate national park for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

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.

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable national park. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

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

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

How long in Acadia National Park or Olympic National Park?

In either Acadia National Park or Olympic National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park.

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

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

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


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

One day in Acadia National Park or Olympic 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 museums and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Olympic 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 Olympic 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.

Olympic National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Olympic 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 Olympic National Park for five days. Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the beautiful park of Olympic National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer.

A week in Acadia National Park or Olympic 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 stunning destination of Olympic National Park offers food and museums. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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, Olympic 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 Olympic National Park is $124. 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 Olympic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acadia National Park $96
    Olympic National Park $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acadia National Park $192
    Olympic National Park $98
Compare Hotels in Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Acadia National Park or Olympic 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 Olympic 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
    Olympic National Park $68

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

Prices for flights to both Olympic 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
    Olympic National Park $35
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
    Olympic National Park $26

Tours and Activities in Olympic National Park

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

  • Olympic Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Olympic Full Day Small Group Tour: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acadia National Park $11
    Olympic National Park $5.57


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park, we can see that Acadia National Park is more expensive. And not only is Olympic National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Olympic National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Olympic 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 Olympic 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 Olympic National Park Expensive?.



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

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 Olympic National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Olympic National Park. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Acadia National Park is generally a little warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 69°F (21°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in July than Olympic National Park. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C) 
    Olympic National Park 60°F (15°C)

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

Both Olympic National Park and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Acadia National Park is cooler than Olympic National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. In October, Acadia National Park usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C) 
    Olympic National Park 51°F (10°C)

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

Both Olympic National Park and Acadia National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Olympic National Park in the winter. The weather in Acadia National Park can be very cold. In the winter, Acadia National Park is much colder than Olympic National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Acadia National Park in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 41°F (5°C).

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Acadia National Park usually gets less rain in January than Olympic National Park. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C) 
    Olympic National Park 41°F (5°C)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Olympic National Park. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the natural beauty.

In April, Acadia National Park is generally cooler than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 43°F (6°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Acadia National Park usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C) 
    Olympic National Park 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park Olympic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 41°F (5°C) 13.7 inches (349 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 43°F (6°C) 12.2 inches (311 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 44°F (7°C) 11.6 inches (294 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 47°F (8°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 52°F (11°C) 5.6 inches (142 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 58°F (14°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 51°F (10°C) 10.4 inches (263 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 45°F (7°C) 14 inches (355 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 41°F (5°C) 15 inches (380 mm)