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

Should you visit Arlington or Acadia National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Acadia National Park, 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.

Arlington

Arlington is a educational, international, and historical city. 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.

Arlington and Acadia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Home to Arlington National Cemetery
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
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arlington. Although Arlington and Acadia National Park are popular destinations, Arlington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arlington is very popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Acadia National Park attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Arlington is famous for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. It is also well known for Arlington National Cemetery. Acadia National Park is famous for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter.

How is Arlington 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 Arlington. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Arlington
Acadia National Park

Arlington 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 Arlington can be an interesting and educational experience. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

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

Arlington
Acadia National Park

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

Arlington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

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 Arlington or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Arlington
Acadia National Park

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

Arlington has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

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

Is Arlington or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

Arlington
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

Acadia National Park has a beach worth visiting. There is one oceanside beach in the park, Sand Beach, as well as two lakefront beaches, Echo Lake Beach and Lake Wood. Many visitors enjoy swimming during the warmer months.

Arlington is not a beach destination.


Is Arlington or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

Arlington
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Acadia National Park. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Acadia National Park?

Arlington
Acadia National Park

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

Arlington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

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

Is Arlington or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

Arlington
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.


Is Arlington or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

Arlington
Acadia National Park

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

Arlington is a good city for couples to visit. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

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

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

Arlington
Acadia National Park

Arlington is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Acadia National Park is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Is Arlington or Acadia National Park Better for Students?

Arlington
Acadia National Park

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

Arlington is a great city to visit as a student. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Acadia National Park is not popular with students.


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

Arlington
Acadia National Park

Arlington 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 Arlington can get you around easily. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

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

Is Arlington or Acadia National Park a more walkable city?

Arlington
Acadia National Park

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

Arlington is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

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

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

How long in Arlington or Acadia National Park?

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

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

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


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

One day in Arlington or Acadia National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Arlington. 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.

You'll find around the national park of Acadia National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Acadia National Park has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Arlington or Acadia National Park?

Arlington is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find around the picturesque destination of Acadia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Acadia National Park?

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

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful national park of Acadia National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Arlington or Acadia National Park?

The educational destination of Arlington offers nightlife and food. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Acadia National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Acadia National Park or Arlington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Arlington is $264, 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 Arlington and Acadia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arlington $131
    Acadia National Park $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arlington $262
    Acadia National Park $192
Compare Hotels in Arlington and Acadia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Arlington 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 Arlington


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: Arlington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arlington $49
    Acadia National Park $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arlington

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

  • Ronald Reagan DCA Airport Transfers: $160

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

Prices for flights to both Acadia National Park and Arlington 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
    Arlington $81
    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.
    Arlington $11
    Acadia National Park $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arlington $17
    Acadia National Park $11


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



When is the best time to visit Arlington 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 Arlington or Acadia National Park in the Summer?

Both Acadia National Park and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Arlington because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year.

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

In July, Arlington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Acadia National Park. Arlington 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
    Arlington 79°F (26°C) 
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C)

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

Both Acadia National Park and Arlington during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Arlington this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Arlington usually gets less rain in October than Acadia National Park. Arlington 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
    Arlington 60°F (15°C) 
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C)

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

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

Acadia National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Arlington. In January, Arlington is generally much warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 35°F (1°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Arlington usually receives less rain than Acadia National Park. Arlington 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
    Arlington 35°F (1°C) 
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Acadia National Park. Additionally, most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

Arlington usually gets less rain in April than Acadia National Park. Arlington 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
    Arlington 56°F (14°C) 
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and Arlington

Arlington 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)