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

Should you visit Juneau or Olympic National Park?

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

Should I visit Juneau 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.

Juneau

Juneau is a breathtaking, historic, and scenic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

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.

Juneau and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Juneau than Olympic National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Juneau is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Olympic National Park is more popular for its resorts. Juneau is well known for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. Also, Juneau is famous for the Mendenhall Glacier. Olympic National Park is well known for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

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

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

Juneau 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.

Juneau offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.

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

Juneau is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Juneau. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

Olympic National Park is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Juneau or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Juneau is a moderate city for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

Most people don't head to Juneau specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

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

Is Juneau or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

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

Juneau is not a resort destination.

Is Juneau or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Juneau and Olympic National Park both have first-rate trails.

People visit Juneau specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Juneau or Olympic National Park?

Juneau is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

Juneau is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

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 Juneau or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Juneau or Olympic National Park.

Juneau is a very kid-friendly city. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Olympic National 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.

Is Juneau or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Juneau is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for couples.

Juneau makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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 Juneau or Olympic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Olympic National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers. Also, Juneau is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Juneau. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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

Both Juneau and Olympic National Park offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

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 Juneau or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Juneau 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.

Juneau is a very walkable city. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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

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

How long in Juneau or Olympic National Park?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Juneau than Olympic 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 Juneau.

One day in Juneau or Olympic National Park?

In Juneau, you'll find shopping and museums. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

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 Juneau or Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Juneau. 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 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 Juneau or Olympic National Park?

Juneau is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

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 Juneau or Olympic National Park?

You'll find shopping and museums around the historic destination of Juneau. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the vast 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Both Olympic National Park and Juneau are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Juneau because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year.

Juneau is cooler than Olympic National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Juneau averages around 56°F (13°C) in July, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Olympic National Park. Juneau usually receives less sunshine than Olympic National Park during summer. Juneau gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Juneau. In July, Juneau usually receives more rain than Olympic National Park. Juneau gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Olympic National Park and Juneau during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Juneau this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Juneau is much colder than Olympic National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Juneau in October average around 42°F (6°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 51°F (10°C).

In the autumn, Juneau often gets less sunshine than Olympic National Park. Juneau gets 69 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. Juneau usually gets less rain in October than Olympic National Park. Juneau gets 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Juneau and Olympic National Park. Many travelers come to Juneau for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. 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 Juneau. In January, Juneau is generally much colder than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Juneau average around 24°F (-4°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

Juneau usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during winter. Juneau gets 87 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. Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Juneau usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Juneau gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Juneau as well as Olympic National Park. Many visitors come to Juneau in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Juneau can get quite cold in the spring. Juneau is much colder than Olympic National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Juneau averages around 40°F (4°C) in April, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

In the spring, Juneau often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Juneau gets 185 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. Juneau usually gets less rain in April than Olympic National Park. Juneau gets 2.7 inches (68 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 Juneau