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

Should you visit Cincinnati or Olympic National Park?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Olympic National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a blue collar, authentic, and hard-working city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a pristine, stunning, and vast park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Cincinnati and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • 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 walkable


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Olympic National Park than Cincinnati, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Olympic National Park is better known for its food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cincinnati is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Olympic National Park is more touristy than Cincinnati and is known for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. Also, Olympic National Park is famous for the Hoh Rain Forest. Cincinnati is well known for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

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

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

Cincinnati
Olympic National Park

Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

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

Cincinnati
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Olympic National Park. 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.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Olympic National Park

Cincinnati is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cincinnati. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

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

Is Cincinnati or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Cincinnati
Olympic National Park

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

Olympic National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Cincinnati is not a resort destination.


Is Cincinnati or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Cincinnati
Olympic National Park

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

People visit Olympic National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Olympic National Park?

Cincinnati
Olympic National Park

Cincinnati is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

Cincinnati offers some nice shopping areas. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

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 Cincinnati or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Olympic National Park is a very kid-friendly 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.

Cincinnati offers lots of family activities. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.


Is Cincinnati or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is well known for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Olympic National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

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

Cincinnati
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Olympic National Park. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Cincinnati is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

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

Cincinnati
Olympic National Park

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

Cincinnati has a few public transit options. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

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 Cincinnati or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Olympic National Park

Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is a very walkable city. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

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

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

How long in Cincinnati or Olympic National Park?

In either Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Olympic National Park than Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati or Olympic National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cincinnati 1-2 
    Olympic National Park 2-5

One day in Cincinnati or Olympic National Park?

In Cincinnati, you'll find shopping and museums. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cincinnati, one day is sufficent for most.

With museums and food around the pristine 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 Cincinnati or Olympic National Park?

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

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 Cincinnati or Olympic National Park?

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati or Olympic National Park?

You'll find shopping and museums around the hard-working destination of Cincinnati. 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Olympic National Park or Cincinnati?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $183, 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 Cincinnati and Olympic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Olympic National Park $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Olympic National Park $98
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati


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: Cincinnati Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Olympic National Park $68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:

  • Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $35

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

Prices for flights to both Olympic National Park and Cincinnati 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
    Cincinnati $55
    Olympic National Park $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cincinnati

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

  • Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $61
  • Mainstrasse Village Food Tour in Covington KY: $79
  • Cincinnati Court Street Food Tour with Vegan Options: $85
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market : $85
  • Cincinnati Walking Sightseeing Tour with Pizza and Ice-cream: $120

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

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

Here are a few actual costs in Cincinnati for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Mt Adams Historic, Cincinnati, App/GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Self-Guided Haunted Walking Audio Tour: $6.75
  • Mount Adams Historic Smartphone Guided App GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Self Guided Cincinnati Ghost Haunted Walking Tour Audio Tour Music Hall OTR: $7.75
  • Self Guided Walking Tour of Cincinnati: $9.59
  • Queen of the West's Best - An Audio Tour: $12
  • Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Entry Ticket: $12
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $18
  • Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery: $20
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cincinnati: $25
  • Ghost Walking Tour: $26
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cincinnati Sights & Stories: $28

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
    Cincinnati $11
    Olympic National Park $5.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati

Also in Cincinnati, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cincinnati Bar Hunt: Cin-sational Cincinnati Bar Crawl: $12
  • Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting: $49
  • Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop: $64
  • Cincinnati Original Craft Brewery Small-Group Tour: $68


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



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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Olympic National Park. The summer months attract visitors to Cincinnati because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year.

Cincinnati is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Olympic National Park this time of the year. In Cincinnati, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cincinnati usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during summer. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Olympic National Park. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Olympic National Park 60°F (15°C)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Olympic National Park. The shopping scene are the main draw to Cincinnati this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cincinnati is a little warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cincinnati in October average around 58°F (15°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 51°F (10°C).

In the autumn, Cincinnati often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Cincinnati gets 188 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. Cincinnati usually gets less rain in October than Olympic National Park. Cincinnati 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Olympic National Park 51°F (10°C)

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

Both Olympic National Park and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cincinnati for the museums and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Olympic National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cincinnati. In January, Cincinnati is generally much colder than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 31°F (-0°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

Cincinnati usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during winter. Cincinnati gets 129 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, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Olympic National Park 41°F (5°C)

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

Both Olympic National Park and Cincinnati during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Cincinnati is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

It's quite sunny in Cincinnati. In the spring, Cincinnati often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Cincinnati gets 215 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. Cincinnati usually gets less rain in April than Olympic National Park. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Olympic National Park 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Olympic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 41°F (5°C) 13.7 inches (349 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 43°F (6°C) 12.2 inches (311 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 44°F (7°C) 11.6 inches (294 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 47°F (8°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 52°F (11°C) 5.6 inches (142 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 58°F (14°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 51°F (10°C) 10.4 inches (263 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 45°F (7°C) 14 inches (355 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 41°F (5°C) 15 inches (380 mm)


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