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

Should you visit Chicago 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 Chicago and Olympic National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Chicago

Chicago is a cosmopolitan, diverse, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

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.

Chicago and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chicago. Although Chicago and Olympic National Park are both popular with visitors, Chicago has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chicago is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Olympic National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Chicago is popular for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also home to The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). Olympic National Park is popular for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

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

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

Chicago is a must-visit destination 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Chicago are among the most recognizable in the world. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

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 Chicago or Olympic National Park Better for Theater?

Chicago is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Olympic National Park is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Chicago draw crowds from around the world. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Olympic National Park is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is a must-visit destination 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.

For foodies, Chicago is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

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 Chicago or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

Chicago is a world class party destination. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

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

Is Chicago or Olympic National Park Better for Music?

Chicago is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Olympic National Park is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Chicago The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Olympic National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Chicago or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park is a great destination for its resorts. However, Chicago 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.

Chicago is not a resort destination.

Is Chicago or Olympic National Park Better for Beaches?

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

Chicago is a good option for a beach vacation. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

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 Chicago or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Olympic National Park is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Chicago 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.

Chicago is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chicago or Olympic National Park?

Chicago is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Chicago make it a world-class shopping destination. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

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 Chicago or Olympic National Park Better for Christmas?

Chicago is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Olympic National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Chicago is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Olympic National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Chicago or Olympic National Park Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Olympic National Park does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Chicago. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Olympic National Park does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Chicago or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Chicago is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Chicago is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

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 Chicago or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Olympic National Park is a great destination for couples. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Chicago is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

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

Olympic National Park is renowned for backpackers. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Is Chicago or Olympic National Park Better for Students?

Chicago is a must-visit destination for students. However, Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Chicago. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

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

Chicago 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.

Chicago has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

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 Chicago or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Chicago 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.

Chicago is a very walkable city. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

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

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

How long in Chicago or Olympic National Park?

In either Chicago or Olympic National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Chicago has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Chicago than Olympic National Park. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Chicago, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

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

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

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

One day in Chicago or Olympic National Park?

Because Chicago is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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.

In Olympic National Park, you'll find food and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Chicago or Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chicago. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

In Olympic National Park, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Olympic National Park has to offer.

Five days in Chicago or Olympic National Park?

Chicago is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Olympic National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Olympic National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Chicago or Olympic National Park?

You'll find live music and food around the vibrant big city of Chicago. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Olympic National Park. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Olympic National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

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

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

In July, Chicago is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Chicago average around 77°F (25°C), 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 Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chicago usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during summer. Chicago gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun in the summer.

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chicago usually receives more rain than Olympic National Park. Chicago gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Chicago as well as Olympic National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Chicago because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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.

Chicago is a little warmer than Olympic National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chicago averages around 56°F (14°C) in October, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In the autumn, Chicago often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Chicago gets 195 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. Chicago usually gets less rain in October than Olympic National Park. Chicago gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Olympic National Park and Chicago are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chicago 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 Chicago in the winter. In the winter, Chicago is much colder than Olympic National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chicago in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 41°F (5°C).

Chicago usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during winter. Chicago gets 134 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, Chicago usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Chicago gets 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

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

In April, Chicago is generally a little warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Chicago average around 52°F (11°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

It's quite sunny in Chicago. In the spring, Chicago often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Chicago gets 218 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. Chicago usually gets less rain in April than Olympic National Park. Chicago gets 4.3 inches (108 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 Chicago