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

Should you visit Alexandria or Acadia National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Alexandria and Acadia National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a scenic, picturesque, and beautiful national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Alexandria and Acadia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
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
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Alexandria. Although Alexandria and Acadia National Park are popular destinations, Alexandria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alexandria is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Acadia National Park attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Alexandria is famous for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Mount Vernon. Acadia National Park is famous for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter.

How is Alexandria different from Acadia National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Acadia National Park and Alexandria. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alexandria or Acadia National Park?

Alexandria
Acadia National Park

Alexandria 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 Alexandria can be an interesting and educational experience. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

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 Alexandria or Acadia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alexandria
Acadia National Park

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

Alexandria is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

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 Alexandria or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Alexandria
Acadia National Park

Alexandria 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 Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Acadia National Park. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.

Is Alexandria or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

Alexandria
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a good destination for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Acadia National Park offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.


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

Alexandria
Acadia National Park

Alexandria is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Acadia National Park does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Alexandria is revered around the world. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Acadia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Alexandria or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

Alexandria
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is great for hiking. However, Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails. 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.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Acadia National Park?

Alexandria
Acadia National Park

Alexandria is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Acadia National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.


Is Alexandria or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

Alexandria
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Alexandria or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

Alexandria
Acadia National Park

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

Alexandria makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Acadia National Park is a nice destination for couples. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

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

Alexandria
Acadia National Park

For backpackers, both Alexandria and Acadia National Park are nice places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

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.


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

Alexandria
Acadia National Park

Alexandria is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Alexandria can get you around easily. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is generally limited in Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.

Is Alexandria or Acadia National Park a more walkable city?

Alexandria
Acadia National Park

Alexandria is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Alexandria. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

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 Alexandria Worth Visiting? and Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Alexandria or Acadia National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Alexandria and Acadia National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Alexandria than in Acadia National Park. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alexandria, and 1-3 days is enough time in Acadia National Park.

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

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


  • How many days in Alexandria or Acadia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Alexandria 2-4 
    Acadia National Park 1-3

One day in Alexandria or Acadia National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Alexandria. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With around the beautiful 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.


A weekend in Alexandria or Acadia National Park?

Alexandria is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

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.

Five days in Alexandria or Acadia National Park?

Many people visit Alexandria for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful city of Alexandria. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

A week in Alexandria or Acadia National Park?

The charming destination of Alexandria offers nightlife and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Acadia National Park or Alexandria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Acadia National Park is $173. 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 Alexandria and Acadia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $38
    Acadia National Park $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $76
    Acadia National Park $192
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Acadia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Acadia 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 Alexandria


Hotels in Acadia 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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria -
    Acadia National Park $46

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

Prices for flights to both Acadia National Park and Alexandria 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
    Alexandria -
    Acadia National Park $45

Typical Food Prices in Acadia National Park

For Acadia National Park, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    $32

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria -
    Acadia National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Alexandria.

  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Phantoms of the Potomac Walking Tour: $26
  • Private Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon: $165
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $38
  • Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127
  • Philadelphia Tour from Alexandria by Rail: $329

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria -
    Acadia National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

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

  • Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alexandria Expensive? and Is Acadia National Park Expensive?.



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

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 Alexandria or Acadia National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Acadia National Park. Many visitors come to Alexandria in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Alexandria is a little warmer than Acadia National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In July, Alexandria usually receives around the same amount of rain as Acadia National Park. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C) 
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Acadia National Park. Most visitors come to Alexandria for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Alexandria is much warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Acadia National Park. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C) 
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C)

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

Both Acadia National Park and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Acadia National Park in the winter. The weather in Alexandria can be very cold. In January, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 35°F (1°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Acadia National Park. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C) 
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)

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

Both Acadia National Park and Alexandria during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Alexandria is much warmer than Acadia National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Acadia National Park. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C) 
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and Alexandria

Alexandria Acadia National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)