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

Should you visit Alexandria or Olympic 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 Olympic 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 historic, charming, and quaint city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Olympic National Park

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

Alexandria and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

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


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Alexandria. Although Alexandria and Olympic National Park are both popular with visitors, Alexandria has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Alexandria is more popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Olympic National Park is known for its resorts and hiking. Alexandria is popular for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. It is also home to Mount Vernon. Olympic National Park is popular for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

How is Alexandria different from Olympic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Alexandria
Olympic National Park

Alexandria is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its museums and history.

Alexandria offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Olympic National Park. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.


Is the Food Better in Alexandria or Olympic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alexandria
Olympic National Park

Dining out at restaurants in both Alexandria and Olympic National Park can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

Olympic National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

Is Alexandria or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Alexandria
Olympic National Park

Alexandria is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

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

Olympic National Park doesn't offer many options. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Is Alexandria or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Alexandria
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is great for its luxury resorts. However, Alexandria is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Olympic National Park to choose from. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

Alexandria is not a resort destination.


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

Alexandria
Olympic National Park

Alexandria is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Olympic National Park does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Alexandria can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Olympic National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Alexandria or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Alexandria
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

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

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Olympic National Park?

Alexandria
Olympic National Park

Alexandria is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

Alexandria is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

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


Is Alexandria or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Alexandria
Olympic National Park

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

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 Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Alexandria
Olympic National Park

Alexandria and Olympic National Park both superb destinations for a couple.

Alexandria is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

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

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

Alexandria
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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

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


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

Alexandria
Olympic National Park

Alexandria is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for times when you don't have a car.

Alexandria has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

Is Alexandria or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Alexandria
Olympic National Park

Alexandria is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

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

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

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

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

How long in Alexandria or Olympic National Park?

In either Alexandria or Olympic National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Olympic National Park than Alexandria because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alexandria, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Alexandria than Olympic 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 Olympic 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 Olympic National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Alexandria 2-4 
    Olympic National Park 2-5

One day in Alexandria or Olympic National Park?

In Alexandria, you'll find shopping and museums. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and food around the pristine park of Olympic National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Alexandria or Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alexandria. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

With food and museums around the destination of Olympic National Park, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this park.

Five days in Alexandria or Olympic National Park?

Alexandria is a fun place to experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Olympic National Park, a popular park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Alexandria or Olympic National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Alexandria. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Olympic National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Olympic 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 Olympic National Park is $124. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Alexandria and Olympic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $38
    Olympic National Park $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $76
    Olympic National Park $98
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Olympic National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Alexandria


Hotels in Olympic National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


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 -
    Olympic National Park $68

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

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria -
    Olympic National Park $26

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Amazing Alexandria Amazing Race & Tour: $24
  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $32
  • Phantoms of the Potomac Walking Tour: $32
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Alexandria & Mt Vernon Tour: $99
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127
  • Private Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon: $165

Tours and Activities in Olympic National Park

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

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Olympic National Park: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria -
    Olympic National Park $5.57

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 Olympic National Park, we can see that Olympic 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 Olympic National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Olympic 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 Olympic National Park Expensive?.



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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Alexandria or Olympic National Park in the Summer?

Both Olympic National Park and Alexandria during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 79°F (26°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In Olympic National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alexandria. In the summer, Alexandria often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Alexandria gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun.

Alexandria usually gets more rain in July than Olympic National Park. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C) 
    Olympic National Park 60°F (15°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Olympic National Park. Many travelers come to Alexandria for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Alexandria is a little warmer than Olympic National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Alexandria usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during autumn. Alexandria gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 113 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C) 
    Olympic National Park 51°F (10°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Olympic National Park. Many visitors come to Alexandria in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Olympic National Park can be very cold during winter. Alexandria can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Alexandria is much colder than Olympic National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alexandria in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 41°F (5°C).

In the winter, Alexandria often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Alexandria gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 56 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Alexandria usually gets less rain in January than Olympic National Park. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C) 
    Olympic National Park 41°F (5°C)

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

Both Olympic National Park and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the natural beauty.

In April, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 56°F (14°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. Alexandria usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during spring. Alexandria gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C) 
    Olympic National Park 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Alexandria

Alexandria Olympic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 41°F (5°C) 13.7 inches (349 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 43°F (6°C) 12.2 inches (311 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 44°F (7°C) 11.6 inches (294 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 47°F (8°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 52°F (11°C) 5.6 inches (142 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 58°F (14°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 51°F (10°C) 10.4 inches (263 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 45°F (7°C) 14 inches (355 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 41°F (5°C) 15 inches (380 mm)


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