A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Acadia National Park vs. Santa Barbara for Beaches, Hiking, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara, 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. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a stunning, wealthy, and opulent coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Acadia National Park and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Acadia National Park or Santa Barbara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Barbara. Although Acadia National Park and Santa Barbara are popular destinations, Santa Barbara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Acadia National Park is famous for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Santa Barbara is famous for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also well known for The Old Mission Santa Barbara.

How is Acadia National Park different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea 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 Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Santa Barbara has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

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

Santa Barbara is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Acadia National Park or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Acadia National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Acadia National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acadia National Park or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches in Santa Barbara are among the best in the world. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

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 Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Acadia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Santa Barbara has an old town worth visiting. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Acadia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Acadia National Park or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara 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, Santa Barbara draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

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 Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to Santa Barbara specifically to go shopping. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Acadia National Park and Santa Barbara 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.

Santa Barbara is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

Is Acadia National Park or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

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

Santa Barbara has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acadia National Park is a popular place for backpackers. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Santa Barbara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city isn't really known as a budget friendly destination, but there are a couple of hostels in the area. There's also a large student population with a fun nightlife scene.

Is Acadia National Park or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Acadia National Park is not popular with students.

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town to visit as a student. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Acadia National Park is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara 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.

Santa Barbara has some public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

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 Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

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

Santa Barbara is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored 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 Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Acadia National Park?

How long in Acadia National Park or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Acadia National Park and Santa Barbara. In our opinion, Santa Barbara has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Barbara than Acadia National Park. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Acadia National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Santa Barbara.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.

One day in Acadia National Park or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the picturesque destination of Acadia National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Santa Barbara. 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 Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acadia 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. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Santa Barbara 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 coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Acadia National Park or Santa Barbara?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the picturesque destination of Acadia National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Many people visit Santa Barbara for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful coastal town of Santa Barbara. 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 Santa Barbara?

You'll find around the beautiful national park of Acadia National Park. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The pristine destination of Santa Barbara offers nightlife and food. 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.

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

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

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 Santa Barbara in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Santa Barbara. 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 Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Acadia National Park is around the same temperature as Santa Barbara in the summer. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

Both Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In October, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

Both Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara this time of year.

The weather in Acadia National Park can be very cold. In January, Acadia National Park is generally much colder than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 18°F (-8°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Santa Barbara. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

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

Acadia National Park is much colder than Santa Barbara in the spring. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In April, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Acadia National Park