A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Glacier National Park vs. Olympic National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Glacier National Park or Olympic National Park?

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

Should I visit Glacier National Park 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.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a breathtaking, gorgeous, and stunning park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a vast, pristine, and stunning park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glacier National Park. Although Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park are popular destinations, Glacier National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Glacier National Park is very popular for its impressive beauty, while Olympic National Park attracts visitors for its museums, food, resorts, and hiking. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Olympic National Park and is known for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. It is also well known for Going-to-the-Sun Road. Olympic National Park is famous for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

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

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

Olympic National Park is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

Olympic National Park is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.

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

Olympic National Park is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its restaurants.

Olympic National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Glacier National Park. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Glacier National Park or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Glacier National Park or Olympic National Park offer decent nightlife.

People don't go to Glacier National Park for the nightlife. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

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

Is Glacier National Park or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park is notable for its resorts. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Glacier National Park makes a nice vacation spot. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Is Glacier National Park or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Olympic National Park is very popular for the nearby hiking options. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Glacier National Park. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Is the Shopping Better in Glacier National Park or Olympic National Park?

Both Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park are reasonable shopping destinations.

Glacier National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

If you're looking to go shopping, Olympic National Park has some nice offerings. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Is Glacier National Park or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

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

Olympic National Park is 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.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly park. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Is Glacier National Park or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park make for a high quality place to visit.

Glacier National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

Olympic National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

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

Both Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park are first-rate destinations for backpackers.

Glacier National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Olympic National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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

Both Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

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 Glacier National Park or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Glacier National Park or Olympic National Park are walkable places.

Glacier National Park is not a walkable park. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable park. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Glacier National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Glacier National Park or Olympic National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Olympic National Park than Glacier National Park. 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 Glacier National Park. 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 Glacier National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Olympic National Park.

One day in Glacier National Park or Olympic National Park?

In Glacier National Park, you'll find . Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Olympic National Park, you'll find food and museums. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Glacier National Park or Olympic National Park?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Olympic National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this park. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Glacier National Park or Olympic National Park?

Glacier National Park is a fun place to experience. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Olympic National Park is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Glacier National Park or Olympic National Park?

You'll find around the gorgeous destination of Glacier National Park. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the pristine destination of Olympic National Park. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park, we can see that Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park Expensive? and Is Olympic National Park Expensive?.