A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Olympic National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Asheville 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 Asheville 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.

Asheville

Asheville is a eclectic, outdoorsy, and progressive mountain town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a pristine, stunning, and vast park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Asheville and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Asheville than Olympic National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Asheville is better known for its nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Olympic National Park is more popular for its museums & sights, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Olympic National Park is more touristy than Asheville and is known for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. Asheville is well known for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. Also, Asheville is famous for The Biltmore Estate.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Olympic National Park?

Olympic National Park is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Olympic National Park offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Olympic National Park is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Asheville or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

Asheville offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

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

Is Asheville or Olympic National Park Better for Music?

Asheville is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Olympic National Park is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Asheville is very popular with diverse venues. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Olympic National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park is well known for its resorts. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

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.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

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

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its old town. However, Olympic National Park does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Asheville. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Olympic National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Olympic National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many visitors go to Asheville for the hiking trails. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Olympic National Park?

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

Asheville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

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 Asheville or Olympic National Park Better for Christmas?

Asheville is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Olympic National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Asheville is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Olympic National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Asheville or Olympic National Park Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its Christmas markets. However, Olympic National Park does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville has some Christmas markets worth visiting during the holidays. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Olympic National Park does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Asheville or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Both Asheville and Olympic National Park are superb family-friendly destinations.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly mountain town. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

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.

Is Asheville or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Olympic National Park is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Asheville or Olympic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Olympic National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Olympic National Park. 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 and backpackers visit Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Is Asheville or Olympic National Park Better for Students?

Asheville is a well-known place for students. However, Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

Asheville is a very popular mountain town for students and younger travelers. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Olympic National Park.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

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 Asheville or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Asheville is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

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

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

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

How long in Asheville or Olympic National Park?

In either Asheville 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 Asheville because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

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

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

One day in Asheville or Olympic National Park?

In Asheville, you'll find food and shopping. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

You'll find food and museums around the park of Olympic National Park. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Olympic National Park?

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

You'll find museums and food around the stunning destination of Olympic 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 park has to offer. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Olympic National Park?

Asheville is a fun place to experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

You'll find food and museums around the stunning park of Olympic National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this park makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer.

A week in Asheville or Olympic National Park?

You'll find live music and food around the progressive destination of Asheville. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Olympic National Park is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Asheville and Olympic National Park, we can see that Asheville is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

When is the best time to visit Asheville or Olympic 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 Asheville or Olympic National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Olympic National Park. The hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Asheville is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Olympic National Park this time of the year. In Asheville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during summer. Asheville gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun in the summer.

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Asheville usually receives more rain than Olympic National Park. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Olympic National Park. Many travelers come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Asheville is much warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Asheville in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 51°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asheville this time of the year. In the autumn, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Asheville gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 113 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Asheville usually gets less rain in October than Olympic National Park. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Olympic National Park and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Asheville in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. In January, Asheville is generally a little warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 44°F (7°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during winter. Asheville gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. It's quite rainy in Asheville. In January, Asheville usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Olympic National Park and Asheville during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Asheville for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the natural beauty.

Asheville is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

It's quite sunny in Asheville. In the spring, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Asheville gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 148 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets less rain in April than Olympic National Park. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Asheville