A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Olympic National Park for Hiking, Food, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and Olympic National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a relaxed, quaint, and charming coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a vast, pristine, and stunning park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Bar Harbor and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bar Harbor. Although Bar Harbor and Olympic National Park are popular destinations, Bar Harbor has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bar Harbor is very popular for its food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Olympic National Park attracts visitors for its museums, resorts, and hiking. Bar Harbor is famous for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. It is also well known for Acadia National Park. Olympic National Park is famous for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

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

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

Bar Harbor
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a park with good options for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Olympic National Park is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Bar Harbor
Olympic National Park

Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

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 Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Bar Harbor
Olympic National Park

Neither Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park offer decent nightlife.

People don't go to Bar Harbor for the nightlife. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

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

Is Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a well-known place for its resorts. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

In Olympic National Park, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.


Is Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor
Olympic National Park

Bar Harbor is a popular place for the beache. However, Olympic National Park is not a beach destination.

Bar Harbor is a good option for a beach vacation. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Olympic National Park is not a beach destination. The park has a rugged coastline with sandy beaches. Many people enjoy exploring the tidal pools or watching the sun set. Some of the best beaches include Kalaloch Beach, Beach 4, and Ruby Beach.

Is Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Olympic National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Bar Harbor offers some nice hiking trails. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park?

Bar Harbor
Olympic National Park

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

Bar Harbor is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

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 Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Bar Harbor
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Olympic National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly coastal town. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor
Olympic National Park

Both Bar Harbor and Olympic National Park are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bar Harbor is a very popular place to visit for couples. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Olympic National Park makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bar Harbor
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is terrific for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Olympic National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.


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

Bar Harbor
Olympic National Park

Both Bar Harbor and Olympic National Park offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

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 Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor
Olympic National Park

Bar Harbor 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.

Bar Harbor is a very walkable coastal town. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable coastal 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 Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Olympic National Park or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Olympic National Park than Bar Harbor 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 Olympic National Park.


  • How many days in Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bar Harbor 2-3 
    Olympic National Park 2-5

One day in Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park?

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 vast 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 Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bar Harbor. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town. 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 Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park?

Bar Harbor 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.

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 Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Olympic National Park or Bar Harbor?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bar Harbor is $202, 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 Bar Harbor and Olympic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bar Harbor $117
    Olympic National Park $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bar Harbor $234
    Olympic National Park $98
Compare Hotels in Bar Harbor and Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor


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: Bar Harbor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bar Harbor $35
    Olympic National Park $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park?

Prices for flights to both Olympic National Park and Bar Harbor 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
    Bar Harbor $57
    Olympic National Park $35
Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bar Harbor $39
    Olympic National Park $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • Acadia National Park Entrance Fee
    $25
  • Sunset Cruise (for 4)
    $96

Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bar Harbor are as follows:

  • Self Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour Acadia NP From Hulls Cove VC: $7.60
  • Ocean Path: Acadia Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $12
  • Historic Self-Guided Audio Guide Tour: $13
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park: $13
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide: $15
  • Ultimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Acadia NP & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour: $21
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $30

Tours and Activities in Olympic National Park

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

  • Olympic Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Olympic Full Day Small Group Tour: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bar Harbor $30
    Olympic National Park $5.57


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



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

Both Olympic National Park and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bar Harbor is a little warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bar Harbor in July average around 69°F (21°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 60°F (15°C).

In July, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Olympic National Park. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C) 
    Olympic National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park in the Autumn?

Both Olympic National Park and Bar Harbor during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Bar Harbor is generally cooler than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 48°F (9°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in October than Olympic National Park. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C) 
    Olympic National Park 51°F (10°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Olympic National Park. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Olympic National Park can be very cold. Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. Bar Harbor is much colder than Olympic National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 18°F (-8°C) in January, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Bar Harbor usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C) 
    Olympic National Park 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Olympic National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Olympic National Park. The spring months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year.

In the spring, Bar Harbor is cooler than Olympic National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bar Harbor in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 47°F (8°C).

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in April than Olympic National Park. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C) 
    Olympic National Park 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor Olympic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 41°F (5°C) 13.7 inches (349 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 43°F (6°C) 12.2 inches (311 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 44°F (7°C) 11.6 inches (294 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 47°F (8°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 52°F (11°C) 5.6 inches (142 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 58°F (14°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 51°F (10°C) 10.4 inches (263 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 45°F (7°C) 14 inches (355 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 41°F (5°C) 15 inches (380 mm)