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

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Seattle?

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 Seattle, 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.

Seattle

Seattle is a laid-back, bustling, and progressive city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and beaches.

Acadia National Park and Seattle: 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 food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Space Needle


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seattle. Although Acadia National Park and Seattle are popular destinations, Seattle has more sights and attractions for tourists. Seattle is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Acadia National Park attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Acadia National Park is famous for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Seattle is famous for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also well known for The Space Needle.

How is Acadia National Park different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Acadia National Park
Seattle

Seattle 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 Seattle can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art 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 Acadia National Park or Seattle Better for Theater?

Acadia National Park
Seattle

Seattle is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Acadia National Park is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Acadia National Park is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Acadia National Park or Seattle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acadia National Park
Seattle

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

Seattle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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 Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Acadia National Park
Seattle

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

Seattle has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

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 Seattle Better for Music?

Acadia National Park
Seattle

Seattle is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Acadia National Park is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Seattle while you're in town. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Acadia National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Acadia National Park or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park
Seattle

Both Acadia National Park and Seattle 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 Seattle. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Is Acadia National Park or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park
Seattle

Acadia National Park and Seattle are both places where visitors can find superb hiking trails.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.


Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Seattle?

Acadia National Park
Seattle

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

Seattle has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

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 Seattle Better for Families?

Acadia National Park
Seattle

Acadia National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Acadia National Park is known to be 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly national park. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Acadia National Park or Seattle Better for Couples?

Acadia National Park
Seattle

Acadia National Park and Seattle are both nice to visit as a couple.

Acadia National Park is a good national park for couples to visit. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.


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

Acadia National Park
Seattle

Acadia National Park and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a good national park to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Acadia National Park or Seattle Better for Students?

Acadia National Park
Seattle

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

Seattle is a great city to visit as a student. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Acadia National Park is not popular with students.

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

Acadia National Park
Seattle

Seattle 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.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and 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 Seattle a more walkable city?

Acadia National Park
Seattle

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

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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 Seattle Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Acadia National Park or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Acadia National Park and Seattle. In our opinion, Seattle has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Seattle 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 Seattle.

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

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


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

One day in Acadia National Park or Seattle?

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.

Seattle is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Seattle?

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.

Seattle is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle for five days. You'll find theater and nightlife around the city of Seattle. 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 Seattle?

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 progressive big city of Seattle offers nightlife and live music. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Seattle 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 Seattle is $205. 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 Seattle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acadia National Park $96
    Seattle $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acadia National Park $192
    Seattle $240
Compare Hotels in Acadia National Park and Seattle

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


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: Seattle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acadia National Park $46
    Seattle $30

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seattle

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:


  • Lightrail from Airport (for 2)
    $5.50
  • Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:

  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Seattle Airport (SEA)- Seattle Downtown: $86
  • Smith Cove Terminal: Private Transfer to Seattle hotels: $308
  • Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
  • Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $74
  • Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Hotels Arrival Private Transfer : $74
  • Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Airport (SEA) - Departure Transfer: $74
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Seattle Airport: $76
  • Seattle, WA: Seaplane transfer to Vancouver, BC: $283
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport(SEA): Transfer to Smith Cove Terminal: $308
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport to Summit at Snoqualmie Arrival Transfer: $153
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA): Private Transfer to Seattle: $265

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

Prices for flights to both Seattle 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
    Seattle $51
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

Typical Food Prices in Seattle

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:


  • Expresso & cookie at Pier 70
    $7.00
  • Cashews at Pike Place Market
    $6.00
  • 6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market
    $3.25
  • Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)
    $21
  • Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)
    $32
  • Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)
    $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.

  • Seattle : Fun Cooking Classes With Chef Seamus: $60
  • Secret Food Tours Seattle: $65
  • Seattle Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours: $67
  • Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour: $67
  • Eat Around the World Seattle Food Tour: $69
  • International District Food Tour: $69
  • Street Food Tour of South Lake Union: $75
  • Secret Food Tours: Seattle Pike Place Market: $85
  • Pike Place Market Food Tour: $99
  • Small Group Cooking Class: $138
  • Private Seattle Cooking Class with a Chef in Her Home: $198

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acadia National Park $33
    Seattle $16

Tours and Activities in Seattle

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:

  • 3 Hour Seattle City Tour: $90
  • 2 Hour Seattle City Snapshots Tour: $85
  • 2 Hour Sound Tour: $98
  • 2-Hour Seattle Sailing Harbor Tour: $45
  • 3 Hours Electric Bike Tour of Seattle's Waterways, Nature and Neighborhoods: $87
  • 5-hour Seattle and Suburbs Attractions Tour: $185
  • Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour: $29
  • Best of Seattle Small Group Walking Tour W/ Space Needle: $244
  • Boeing Factory Tour with Guided Transport from Seattle: $125
  • Chef Guided Happy Hour Tour - Cocktails, Bubbles and Bites: $140
  • CitySightseeing Seattle Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras: $43
  • Customized Mount Rainier Tour from Seattle: $176

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acadia National Park $11
    Seattle $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:

  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $38
  • Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour : $40
  • Woodinville Wine Country: Downtown Wine Tasting Pass: $65
  • Woodinville Wine Country: Artisan Hill Wine Tasting Pass: $65
  • Brewery and Restaurant Tour of Historic Seattle Neighborhood: $109
  • Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour : $120
  • From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $262
  • Snoqualmie Falls + Wine Tasting: All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour: $263


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acadia National Park and Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.



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

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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Seattle. The summer months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

Acadia National Park is around the same temperature as Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C) 
    Seattle 67°F (19°C)

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

Both Seattle and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Acadia National Park is cooler than Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acadia National Park in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Seattle averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In October, Acadia National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Seattle. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C) 
    Seattle 54°F (12°C)

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

Both Seattle and Acadia National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Seattle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Acadia National Park. In January, Acadia National Park is generally much colder than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 18°F (-8°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Seattle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Acadia National Park usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C) 
    Seattle 42°F (5°C)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Seattle. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Acadia National Park is much colder than Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In April, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Seattle. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C) 
    Seattle 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Seattle and Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park Seattle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 42°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 67°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 67°F (19°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 47°F (8°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 42°F (6°C) 6 inches (152 mm)