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

Should you visit Berkeley or Olympic National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berkeley or Olympic 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.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a progressive, diverse, and quirky city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a stunning, vast, and pristine park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Berkeley and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Berkeley. Although Berkeley and Olympic National Park are both popular with visitors, Berkeley has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Berkeley is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Olympic National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Berkeley is popular for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. It is also home to University of California Botanical Garden. Olympic National Park is popular for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

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

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

Berkeley
Olympic National Park

Berkeley 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.

Berkeley offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.

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

Berkeley
Olympic National Park

Berkeley 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 Berkeley. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced 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 Berkeley or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Berkeley
Olympic National Park

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

Berkeley offers plenty to do in the evening. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

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

Is Berkeley or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Berkeley
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is notable for its resorts. However, Berkeley is not a resort destination.

Olympic National Park is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Berkeley is not a resort destination.


Is Berkeley or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Berkeley
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Olympic National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Berkeley or Olympic National Park?

Berkeley
Olympic National Park

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

Berkeley is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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 Berkeley or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Berkeley
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Olympic National Park is known to be 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.

Berkeley is a family-friendly city. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.


Is Berkeley or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Berkeley
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is notable for couples. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Olympic National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Berkeley is a nice destination for couples. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

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

Berkeley
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is renowned for backpackers. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Olympic National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Berkeley is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

Is Berkeley or Olympic National Park Better for Students?

Berkeley
Olympic National Park

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

Berkeley is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

Olympic National Park is not popular with students.


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

Berkeley
Olympic National Park

Berkeley is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for times when you don't have a car.

Berkeley has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

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 Berkeley or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Berkeley
Olympic National Park

Berkeley is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Berkeley on foot. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

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

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

How long in Berkeley or Olympic National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Olympic National Park than Berkeley. 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.

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


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

One day in Berkeley or Olympic National Park?

In Berkeley, 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.

The beautiful park of Olympic National Park offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Berkeley or Olympic National Park?

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

Olympic National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this park makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Olympic National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Berkeley or Olympic National Park?

Berkeley 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 is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Olympic National Park, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Berkeley or Olympic National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse destination of Berkeley. 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This park offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Olympic National Park or Berkeley?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Berkeley is $190, 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 Berkeley and Olympic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Berkeley $131
    Olympic National Park $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berkeley $262
    Olympic National Park $98
Compare Hotels in Berkeley and Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Berkeley 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 Berkeley


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: Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Berkeley $30
    Olympic National Park $68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Oakland hotel or address to Oakland Airport (OAK) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $64
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland: $93
  • Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97
  • Private Transfer: Oakland International Airport to Hotel: $200
  • Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to San Francisco by SUV: $232

Is it cheaper to fly into Berkeley or Olympic National Park?

Prices for flights to both Olympic National Park and Berkeley 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
    Berkeley $36
    Olympic National Park $35
Typical Food Prices in Berkeley

Some typical examples of dining costs in Berkeley are as follows:


  • Chocolates at Sweet Dreams
    $4.46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berkeley

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

  • North 3-Hour Food Tour: $116
  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $130
  • Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Berkeley $30
    Olympic National Park $26

Tours and Activities in Berkeley

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

  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $12
  • Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $14
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
  • Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
  • Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $120
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135

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
    Berkeley $13
    Olympic National Park $5.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Berkeley

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Berkeley:

  • Guided Wine Tasting at Berkeley Wineries with Local Sommelière : $175
  • Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175


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



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

Both Olympic National Park and Berkeley are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Berkeley in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Berkeley is generally a little warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Berkeley average around 63°F (17°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In July, Berkeley usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Berkeley gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C) 
    Olympic National Park 60°F (15°C)

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

Both Olympic National Park and Berkeley during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Berkeley for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Berkeley is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Berkeley averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Berkeley usually gets less rain in October than Olympic National Park. Berkeley gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C) 
    Olympic National Park 51°F (10°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkeley and Olympic National Park. The winter months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Olympic National Park in the winter. In the winter, Berkeley is much warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Berkeley in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 41°F (5°C).

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Berkeley usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Berkeley gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C) 
    Olympic National Park 41°F (5°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Berkeley as well as Olympic National Park. The natural beauty are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the natural beauty.

In April, Berkeley is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Berkeley average around 58°F (14°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Berkeley usually gets less rain in April than Olympic National Park. Berkeley gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C) 
    Olympic National Park 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Berkeley

Berkeley Olympic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 41°F (5°C) 13.7 inches (349 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 43°F (6°C) 12.2 inches (311 mm)
Mar 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 44°F (7°C) 11.6 inches (294 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm) 47°F (8°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
May 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm) 52°F (11°C) 5.6 inches (142 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Aug 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 58°F (14°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) 51°F (10°C) 10.4 inches (263 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 45°F (7°C) 14 inches (355 mm)
Dec 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 41°F (5°C) 15 inches (380 mm)