A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Acadia National Park for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Boca Raton or Acadia National Park?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boca Raton and Acadia National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a posh, outdoorsy, and relaxed coastal city. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a scenic, picturesque, and beautiful national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Boca Raton and Acadia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • 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 attractive beach
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Acadia National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boca Raton. Although Boca Raton and Acadia National Park are popular destinations, Boca Raton has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boca Raton is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Acadia National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Acadia National Park is more touristy than Boca Raton and is known for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Boca Raton is famous for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also well known for Red Reef Park.

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

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

Boca Raton
Acadia National Park

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton can be an interesting and educational experience. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

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 Boca Raton or Acadia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boca Raton
Acadia National Park

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

Boca Raton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

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 Boca Raton or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton
Acadia National Park

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

Boca Raton has a large number of nightlife venues. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

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

Is Boca Raton or Acadia National Park Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton
Acadia National Park

Boca Raton is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

Boca Raton is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Boca Raton or Acadia National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton
Acadia National Park

Boca Raton is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Acadia National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Boca Raton has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Acadia National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton
Acadia National Park

Boca Raton is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches in Boca Raton are among the best in the world. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Acadia National Park. 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.

Is Boca Raton or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is great for hiking. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails. 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.

Boca Raton is a good destination for hiking. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.


Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Acadia National Park?

Boca Raton
Acadia National Park

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

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

Is Boca Raton or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

Boca Raton
Acadia National Park

Both Boca Raton and Acadia National Park are great family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Acadia National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Boca Raton or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

Boca Raton
Acadia National Park

Boca Raton is a very popular place for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Boca Raton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

Acadia National Park is a nice destination for couples. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.


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

Boca Raton
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boca Raton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Boca Raton is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's known for its upscale luxury, and you won't find much in the form of hostels or backpacker-friendly accommodation.

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

Boca Raton
Acadia National Park

Boca Raton is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Boca Raton has some public transit options. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

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

Is Boca Raton or Acadia National Park a more walkable city?

Boca Raton
Acadia National Park

Boca Raton is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable coastal city. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

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 Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acadia National Park or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Acadia National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boca Raton and Acadia National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boca Raton than in Acadia National Park. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 1-3 days is enough time in Acadia National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton.


  • How many days in Boca Raton or Acadia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boca Raton 3-5 
    Acadia National Park 1-3

One day in Boca Raton or Acadia National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Boca Raton. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

With around the picturesque national park of Acadia National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Acadia National Park, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Acadia National Park?

Boca Raton is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With around the destination of Acadia National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Five days in Boca Raton or Acadia National Park?

Many people visit Boca Raton for five days. Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal city of Boca Raton. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Acadia National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Boca Raton or Acadia National Park?

The posh destination of Boca Raton offers museums and nightlife. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Acadia National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Acadia National Park or Boca Raton?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Boca Raton is $283, 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 Boca Raton and Acadia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boca Raton $171
    Acadia National Park $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boca Raton $342
    Acadia National Park $192
Compare Hotels in Boca Raton and Acadia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton


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: Boca Raton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boca Raton $76
    Acadia National Park $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boca Raton

Also for Boca Raton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from West Palm Beach to (FLL) Airport: $115
  • Delray Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Delray Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Boynton Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Boynton Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Boca Raton to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Boca Raton to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)- Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Boca Raton Private Transfer to FLL (UP TO 14 PASS): $80
  • Private Delray Beach Transfer and Fort Lauderdale Airport: $84

Is it cheaper to fly into Boca Raton or Acadia National Park?

Prices for flights to both Acadia National Park and Boca Raton 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
    Boca Raton $67
    Acadia National Park $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boca Raton

For Boca Raton, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Delray Beach Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109

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.
    Boca Raton $28
    Acadia National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Boca Raton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Boca Raton.

  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $160
  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $150
  • Boca Raton-Delray Beach 1-Hour Private Jet Ski Guided Tour: $165
  • Delray Beach Food & Drinks Tour: $104

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boca Raton $40
    Acadia National Park $11


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

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



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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Acadia National Park. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Boca Raton is a little warmer than Acadia National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Boca Raton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Acadia National Park. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Boca Raton 82°F (28°C) 
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Acadia National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Acadia National Park. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Boca Raton is much warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Boca Raton in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Boca Raton receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than Acadia National Park. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Boca Raton 78°F (25°C) 
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Acadia National Park in the Winter?

Both Acadia National Park and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Acadia National Park in the winter. In January, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 65°F (19°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Boca Raton usually receives less rain than Acadia National Park. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Boca Raton 65°F (19°C) 
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Acadia National Park in the Spring?

Both Acadia National Park and Boca Raton during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Boca Raton is much warmer than Acadia National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Boca Raton usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Acadia National Park. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Boca Raton 74°F (23°C) 
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and Boca Raton

Boca Raton Acadia National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)