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

Should you visit Baltimore or Olympic 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 Olympic National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant, diverse, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, 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.

Baltimore and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Baltimore than Olympic National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Baltimore is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Olympic National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Baltimore is well known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Also, Baltimore is famous for the National Aquarium. Olympic National Park is well known for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

How is Baltimore 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 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 Olympic National Park?

Baltimore 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.

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

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

Baltimore is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Baltimore. 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.

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 Baltimore or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

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

Baltimore offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

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

Is Baltimore or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park is well known for its resorts. However, Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Olympic National Park. 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.

Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Is Baltimore or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Olympic National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Olympic National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Olympic National Park?

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

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

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 Baltimore or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Baltimore or Olympic 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 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 Baltimore or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Olympic National Park is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Olympic National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

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

Olympic National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Baltimore 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

Baltimore is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Baltimore can get you around easily. 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 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 Baltimore or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Baltimore is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

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

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

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

How long in Baltimore or Olympic National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Baltimore than Olympic 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.

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

One day in Baltimore or Olympic National Park?

In Baltimore, you'll find shopping and museums. 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 Baltimore or Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baltimore. 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.

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 Baltimore or Olympic National Park?

Baltimore is a fun place to experience. 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 pristine 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 Baltimore or Olympic National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse destination of Baltimore. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baltimore and Olympic National Park, we can see that Baltimore is more expensive. And not only is Olympic National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Olympic National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Olympic 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 Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore than you might in Olympic National Park.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Olympic National Park. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Baltimore is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 78°F (25°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 Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during summer. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun in the summer.

Baltimore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Olympic National Park. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Olympic National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year.

In the autumn, Baltimore is a little warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Baltimore in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 51°F (10°C).

In the autumn, Baltimore often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Baltimore gets 196 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. Baltimore usually gets less rain in October than Olympic National Park. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Olympic National Park and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Olympic National Park. It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. In January, Baltimore is generally much colder than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 32°F (0°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

Baltimore usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during winter. Baltimore gets 153 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. In January, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Olympic National Park and Baltimore during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Baltimore is a little warmer than Olympic National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

It's quite sunny in Baltimore. In the spring, Baltimore often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Baltimore gets 225 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. Baltimore usually gets less rain in April than Olympic National Park. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 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 Baltimore