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

Should you visit Baltimore or Acadia National Park?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Acadia National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a beautiful, scenic, and picturesque national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking.

Baltimore 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 public transit
  • Very walkable
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 Baltimore or Acadia National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Acadia National Park are both popular with visitors, Baltimore has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Baltimore is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Acadia National Park is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Baltimore is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also home to the National Aquarium. Acadia National Park is popular for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter.

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

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

Baltimore
Acadia National Park

Baltimore 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 Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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

Baltimore
Acadia National Park

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

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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 Baltimore or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore
Acadia National Park

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

Baltimore has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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

Is Baltimore or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

Baltimore
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is very good for the beache. However, Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Acadia National Park to enjoy the beach. 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.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.


Is Baltimore or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

Baltimore
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Acadia National Park?

Baltimore
Acadia National Park

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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

Is Baltimore or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

Baltimore
Acadia National Park

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Baltimore or Acadia National Park.

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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.


Is Baltimore or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

Baltimore
Acadia National Park

Both Baltimore and Acadia National Park are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

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

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

Baltimore
Acadia National Park

Baltimore and Acadia National Park are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Baltimore is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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.

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

Baltimore
Acadia National Park

Baltimore is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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


Is Baltimore or Acadia National Park a more walkable city?

Baltimore
Acadia National Park

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

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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

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

How long in Baltimore or Acadia National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Baltimore and Acadia National Park. In our opinion, Baltimore has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Baltimore than Acadia National Park. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Baltimore, and 1-3 days is enough time in Acadia National Park.

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

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

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


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

One day in Baltimore or Acadia National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Baltimore. 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 Baltimore or Acadia National Park?

Baltimore 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 scenic 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 Baltimore or Acadia National Park?

Many people visit Baltimore for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Baltimore. 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 Baltimore or Acadia National Park?

The vibrant destination of Baltimore 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Acadia National Park or Baltimore?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $184, 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 Baltimore and Acadia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baltimore $93
    Acadia National Park $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baltimore $186
    Acadia National Park $192
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Acadia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Baltimore 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 Baltimore


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: Baltimore Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baltimore $21
    Acadia National Park $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Dulles International Airport: $209
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI - Business Vehicle: $111
  • Private Transfer to BWI or Washington DC/Airports: $160
  • Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $92
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $62
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $150
  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Washington,DC: $240
  • Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only: $160

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

Prices for flights to both Acadia National Park and Baltimore 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
    Baltimore $46
    Acadia National Park $45
Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

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

  • Federal Hill Food Tour: $71
  • Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
  • Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $76
  • Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise: $101
  • Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $119
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise : $126
  • Baltimore 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise: $194
  • Baltimore New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $251

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.
    Baltimore $18
    Acadia National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Assateague Island Cruise Departs from Ocean Pines: $45
  • Baltimore Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise Tour: $105
  • Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $24
  • Baltimore Harbor Tour: $31
  • Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $92
  • Baltimore Orioles Baseball Game Ticket at Oriole Park: $12
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Baltimore Signature Lunch Cruise: $76
  • Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point: $99
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • From Patapsco Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175


When comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Acadia National Park, we can see that Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive? and Is Acadia National Park Expensive?.



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

The summer brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Acadia National Park. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Baltimore is a little warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 69°F (21°C).

Baltimore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Baltimore usually gets more rain in July than Acadia National Park. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C) 
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C)

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

Both Acadia National Park and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Baltimore is generally much warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Acadia National Park. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C) 
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C)

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

Both Acadia National Park and Baltimore during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Acadia National Park can be very cold during winter. Baltimore can get quite cold in the winter. Baltimore is much warmer than Acadia National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Baltimore usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Acadia National Park. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C) 
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Acadia National Park. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Baltimore is much warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baltimore in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 43°F (6°C).

In April, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Acadia National Park. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C) 
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and Baltimore

Baltimore Acadia National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)