A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Acadia National Park for Beaches, Couples, Families, and Food

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a spirited, luxury, and high energy coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a picturesque, beautiful, and scenic national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches and hiking.

Fort Lauderdale and Acadia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Local Beaches
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Acadia National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Acadia National Park is more popular for its museums and hiking. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Acadia National Park and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Acadia National Park is well known for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter.

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

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

Fort Lauderdale
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a national park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fort Lauderdale
Acadia National Park

Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Fort Lauderdale is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale
Acadia National Park

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

Fort Lauderdale has a large number of nightlife venues. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale
Acadia National Park

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

Fort Lauderdale offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale
Acadia National Park

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

Fort Lauderdale has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Acadia National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale
Acadia National Park

Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale are among the best in the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

Fort Lauderdale
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Acadia National Park. 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park?

Fort Lauderdale
Acadia National Park

Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Fort Lauderdale has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale
Acadia National Park

Both Fort Lauderdale and Acadia National Park are great family-friendly destinations.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Acadia National Park is very family-friendly. 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 Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale
Acadia National Park

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

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


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

Fort Lauderdale
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a good destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Fort Lauderdale
Acadia National Park

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Acadia National Park.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale
Acadia National Park

Fort Lauderdale is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable destination. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

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 Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acadia National Park or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fort Lauderdale and Acadia National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than in Acadia National Park. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 1-3 days is enough time in Acadia National Park.

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

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


  • How many days in Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fort Lauderdale 3-7 
    Acadia National Park 1-3

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Fort Lauderdale. 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.

The scenic destination of Acadia National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park?

Fort Lauderdale 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.

The national park of Acadia National Park offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park?

Many people visit Fort Lauderdale for five days. Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the beautiful coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. 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 is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This national park offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the spirited destination of Fort Lauderdale. Many people spend one week here. 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fort Lauderdale, one week is sufficent for most.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Acadia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Acadia National Park or Fort Lauderdale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $182, 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 Fort Lauderdale and Acadia National Park in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale


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: Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $51
    Acadia National Park $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Transfer: FLL Airport to Fort Lauderdale Area Vice Versa: $120
  • Transfer Private Vehicle from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) -City: $40
  • Transfer From Fort Lauderdale Airport with Meet & Greet Service: $89
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Car Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)-City: $80
  • Private transfer: Fort Lauderdale to (FLL) Airport : $82
  • Private transfer from Port of Miami to Fort Lauderdale: $220
  • Private Transfer to Fort Lauderdale Airport FLL Departures: $95
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Key Largo: $262
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Coral Gables: $131
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Boynton Beach : $120
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Fort Lauderdale: $130
  • Private Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Coral Gables: $133

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park?

Prices for flights to both Acadia National Park and Fort Lauderdale 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
    Fort Lauderdale $49
    Acadia National Park $45
Typical Food Prices in Fort Lauderdale

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:


  • Quick Lunch
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale

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

  • Food Tour in Lauderdale By The Sea: $60
  • Hollywood Florida Walking Food Tour : $99
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour: $114
  • Fort Lauderdale Beach Food Tour: $114

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.
    Fort Lauderdale $15
    Acadia National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale

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

  • 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Cruise in Ft. Lauderdale (arrive 30 minutes early): $25
  • 2 Hour Intimate Cruise for 2ppl w/ Catering - Pompano Beach: $270
  • 2 Hours Electric Bike Experience on Ft Lauderdale: $40
  • 4 Hour Waterway and Sandbar Cruise: $803
  • 90 min Guided Electric Bike Tours of Greater Fort Lauderdale: $99
  • 90-Minute Parasailing Adventure Above Fort Lauderdale, FL: $80
  • 90-Minute Snorkel & Seabob Underwater Guided Reef Tour in Fort Lauderdale: $161
  • Air Boat Tour of Palm Beach in The Swamp Monster: $150
  • Atlantic Ocean Snorkeling Experience: $79
  • BOGO Snorkeling Mastered in One Session + Lessons + Tour + Pics: $99
  • Bahamas Day Cruise to Bimni: $299
  • Carrie B Cruises! Beautiful and Fun THE VENICE OF AMERICA TOUR!!!: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fort Lauderdale $33
    Acadia National Park $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Fort Lauderdale

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:


  • Beer
    $7.30

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Guided Happy Hour Bar Crawl by Beer Bike: $64
  • Pedibus Pub Crawl in Fort Lauderdale: $74
  • Party Bike Bar Crawl: $74


When comparing the travel costs between Fort Lauderdale and Acadia National Park, we can see that Fort Lauderdale is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Acadia National Park. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Fort Lauderdale is generally a little warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 83°F (28°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in July than Acadia National Park. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fort Lauderdale 83°F (28°C) 
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park in the Autumn?

Both Acadia National Park and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Acadia National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Acadia National Park. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Fort Lauderdale 78°F (26°C) 
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park in the Winter?

Both Acadia National Park and Fort Lauderdale during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 the winter, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in January than Acadia National Park. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fort Lauderdale 67°F (20°C) 
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Acadia National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Acadia National Park. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 75°F (24°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Acadia National Park. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fort Lauderdale 75°F (24°C) 
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Acadia National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)