A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Dallas vs. Acadia National Park for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Dallas or Acadia 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 Dallas and Acadia National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dallas

Dallas is a chic, active, and upscale city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a beautiful, scenic, and picturesque national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking.

Dallas and Acadia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • 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 popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Dallas or Acadia National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dallas. Although Dallas and Acadia National Park are both popular with visitors, Dallas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dallas is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Acadia National Park is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Acadia National Park is more touristy than Dallas and is popular for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Dallas is popular for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also home to the Sixth Floor Museum.

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

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

Dallas
Acadia National Park

Dallas 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 Dallas can be an interesting and educational experience. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

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 Dallas or Acadia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dallas
Acadia National Park

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

Dallas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

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 Dallas or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Dallas
Acadia National Park

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

Dallas has a large number of nightlife venues. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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

Is Dallas or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

Dallas
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is very good for the beache. However, Dallas is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Acadia National Park to enjoy the beach. 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.

Dallas is not a beach destination.


Is Dallas or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

Dallas
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Acadia National Park is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Acadia National Park?

Dallas
Acadia National Park

Dallas 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 Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

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

Is Dallas or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

Dallas
Acadia National Park

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Dallas or Acadia National Park.

Dallas is a very kid-friendly city. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Acadia National Park. 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 Dallas or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

Dallas
Acadia National Park

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

Dallas makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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

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

Dallas
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is very good for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Acadia National Park is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

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

Dallas
Acadia National Park

Dallas 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.

Dallas has some public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

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


Is Dallas or Acadia National Park a more walkable city?

Dallas
Acadia National Park

Dallas and Acadia National Park both are decent when exploring on foot.

Dallas is generally not very walkable. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

Acadia National Park is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Dallas Worth Visiting? and Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acadia National Park or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or Acadia National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dallas and Acadia National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dallas than in Acadia National Park. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dallas, and 1-3 days is enough time in Acadia National Park.

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

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


  • How many days in Dallas or Acadia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dallas 2-4 
    Acadia National Park 1-3

One day in Dallas or Acadia National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dallas. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Acadia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dallas or Acadia National Park?

Dallas is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Acadia National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Dallas or Acadia National Park?

Many people visit Dallas for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Dallas. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acadia National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dallas or Acadia National Park?

The active destination of Dallas offers nightlife and food. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the scenic destination of Acadia National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Acadia National Park or Dallas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dallas is $141, 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 Dallas and Acadia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dallas $84
    Acadia National Park $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dallas $168
    Acadia National Park $192
Compare Hotels in Dallas and Acadia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Dallas 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 Dallas


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: Dallas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dallas $28
    Acadia National Park $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Transfer private executive car from Dallas Airport (DFW)- City Center: $60
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DFW): $69
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DAL): $91
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas Airport (DFW) - City Center: $69
  • Transfer in executive private car from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DAL): $71
  • RoundtripTransfer Executive Private Car Dallas Airport (DFW) -Dallas City Center: $120
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Dallas Airport (DFW) - Dallas City Center: $138
  • Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Business Car: $101
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury Van: $126
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury SUV: $126
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $104
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Dallas or Acadia National Park?

Prices for flights to both Acadia National Park and Dallas 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
    Dallas $35
    Acadia National Park $45
Typical Food Prices in Dallas

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


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $97
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99

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.
    Dallas $13
    Acadia National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Dallas

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

  • 2 Hour Dallas Night Sightseeing E-Scooter Tour: $90
  • Private Walking Tour of Dealey Plaza Assassination of JFK: $135
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour: $28
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour : $28
  • 2-Hour Historic Dallas Segway Tour: $79
  • 3-Hour Ropes Course & Zip Line Adventure : $60
  • 3hr Dallas Cowboys Stadium Small Group Tour with Transportation: $108
  • Combination Southfork Ranch and Dallas/JFK Highlights Tour: $145
  • Dallas Highlights Tour: $205
  • Dallas Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $114
  • Dallas Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Dallas and Cowboys Stadium Combo Tour: $153

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dallas $12
    Acadia National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

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

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55


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

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



When is the best time to visit Dallas or Acadia National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dallas or Acadia National Park in the Summer?

Both Acadia National Park and Dallas during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dallas this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dallas is much warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dallas in July average around 88°F (31°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 69°F (21°C).

Dallas usually gets less rain in July than Acadia National Park. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dallas 88°F (31°C) 
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Acadia National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and Acadia National Park. Many travelers come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dallas is generally much warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 69°F (21°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Dallas usually receives more rain than Acadia National Park. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dallas 69°F (21°C) 
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Acadia National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dallas as well as Acadia National Park. Many visitors come to Dallas in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Acadia National Park can be very cold during winter. Dallas is much warmer than Acadia National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 46°F (8°C) in January, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Dallas usually gets less rain in January than Acadia National Park. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dallas 46°F (8°C) 
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Acadia National Park in the Spring?

Both Acadia National Park and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dallas for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dallas is much warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dallas in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 43°F (6°C).

In April, Dallas usually receives more rain than Acadia National Park. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dallas 68°F (20°C) 
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and Dallas

Dallas Acadia National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)