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

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Sacramento?

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 Sacramento, 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. Visitors also love the beaches and hiking.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a undiscovered, laid back, and relaxed city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Acadia National Park and Sacramento: 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 nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Acadia National Park. Although Acadia National Park and Sacramento are both popular with visitors, Acadia National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Acadia National Park is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sacramento is known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Acadia National Park is more touristy than Sacramento and is known for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. It is also home to Cadillac Mountain. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Acadia National Park different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Acadia National Park
Sacramento

Sacramento 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 Sacramento can be an interesting and educational experience. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.

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 Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acadia National Park
Sacramento

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

Sacramento is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

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 Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Acadia National Park
Sacramento

Sacramento 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 Sacramento. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

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 Sacramento Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park
Sacramento

Acadia National Park is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.


Is Acadia National Park or Sacramento Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park
Sacramento

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

Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Sacramento?

Acadia National Park
Sacramento

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

Sacramento has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.

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 Sacramento Better for Families?

Acadia National Park
Sacramento

Acadia National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Acadia National Park is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Sacramento. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.


Is Acadia National Park or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Acadia National Park
Sacramento

Acadia National Park is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

Acadia National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

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

Acadia National Park
Sacramento

Acadia National Park is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options 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.

Sacramento is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although most backpackers skip this town for more popular destinations, there are a couple of hostels in town.

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

Acadia National Park
Sacramento

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Acadia National Park and Sacramento.

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 Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.


Is Acadia National Park or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Acadia National Park
Sacramento

Acadia National Park and Sacramento are decent when it comes to walkability.

Acadia National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

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

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

How long in Acadia National Park or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Acadia National Park or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Acadia National Park than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Acadia National Park, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Acadia National Park than Sacramento 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 Acadia National Park.


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

One day in Acadia National Park or Sacramento?

With around the picturesque national park of Acadia National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Sacramento. 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 Sacramento has to offer.

A weekend in Acadia National Park or Sacramento?

With around the destination of Acadia National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Sacramento 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 Sacramento?

Acadia National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

A week in Acadia National Park or Sacramento?

Acadia National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The relaxed destination of Sacramento 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 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, Sacramento 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 Sacramento is $281. 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 Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acadia National Park $96
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acadia National Park $192
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Acadia National Park and Sacramento

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


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: Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acadia National Park $46
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $222
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $111
  • Round Trip Private Transfer in Sacramento Airport to Calistoga: $296

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

Prices for flights to both Sacramento 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
    Sacramento $53
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 Sacramento

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

  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $95
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Midtown Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Italian Cooking and Dance Class Experience: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acadia National Park $33
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

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

  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $12
  • Davis Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Delta's History and Wine: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Downtown Sacramento Mural and Art Walking Tour : $45
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Full-Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,orKneeboard: $850
  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Half Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,or Kneeboard: $425
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acadia National Park $11
    Sacramento $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Sacramento

Also in Sacramento, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sacramento Bar Hunt: Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl: $12
  • Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125


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



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

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 Sacramento in the Summer?

Both Sacramento and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Sacramento this time of year.

In July, Acadia National Park is generally cooler than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 69°F (21°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

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

Both Sacramento and Acadia National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Sacramento for the shopping scene.

Acadia National Park is much colder than Sacramento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Sacramento. Many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Sacramento in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Acadia National Park. In the winter, Acadia National Park is much colder than Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Acadia National Park in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Sacramento averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In January, Acadia National Park usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Sacramento. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Acadia National Park is generally much colder than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 43°F (6°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)