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

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

Durham

Durham is a sports oriented, diverse, and student-filled city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Olympic National Park

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

Durham and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Olympic National Park. Although Durham and Olympic National Park are both popular with visitors, Olympic National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Olympic National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Durham is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Olympic National Park is more touristy than Durham and is known for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. It is also home to the Hoh Rain Forest. Durham is popular for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

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

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

Durham 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.

Durham offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Durham and Olympic National Park can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Durham area. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Is Durham or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Durham 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 Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

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

Is Durham or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Durham or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Olympic National Park is an amazing park to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Olympic National Park?

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

Durham offers some nice shopping areas. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

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 Durham or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

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

Olympic National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

Durham is a family-friendly city. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Durham or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Olympic National Park is a well-known place for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Olympic National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

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

Olympic National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers. However, Durham is not a good city 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.

Durham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The student population means there are a number of parties and bars around town, but most backpackers overlook this city.

Is Durham or Olympic National Park Better for Students?

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

Durham is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

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

Both Durham and Olympic National Park offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

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 Durham or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Durham is a moderate city for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

Durham is generally not very walkable. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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

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

How long in Durham or Olympic National Park?

In either Durham 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 Durham because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Durham, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

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

One day in Durham or Olympic National Park?

In Durham, 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 Durham, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Olympic National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Durham or Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Durham. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

Olympic National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Durham or Olympic National Park?

Durham 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Olympic National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Durham or Olympic National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the sports oriented destination of Durham. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the stunning destination of Olympic National Park. This 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Both Olympic National Park and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Durham for 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, Durham is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 79°F (26°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Olympic National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durham. Durham usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during summer. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Durham. In July, Durham usually receives more rain than Olympic National Park. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Olympic National Park and Durham during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Durham because of the shopping scene. 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.

Durham is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 61°F (16°C) in October, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Durham. In the autumn, Durham often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Durham gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 113 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Durham usually gets less rain in October than Olympic National Park. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Olympic National Park. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Durham 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 Durham in the winter. In the winter, Durham is around the same temperature as Olympic National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Durham in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 41°F (5°C).

Durham usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during winter. Durham gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Durham usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Durham as well as Olympic National Park. Also, many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Durham is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 60°F (16°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In the spring, Durham often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Durham usually gets less rain in April than Olympic National Park. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 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 Durham