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

Should you visit Kennebunkport or Olympic National Park?

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

Should I visit Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a quaint, character-filled, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

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. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Kennebunkport and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kennebunkport. Although Kennebunkport and Olympic National Park are popular destinations, Kennebunkport has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kennebunkport is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Olympic National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Kennebunkport is famous for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. It is also well known for Dock Square. Olympic National Park is famous for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

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

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

Kennebunkport
Olympic National Park

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Kennebunkport or Olympic National Park.

Kennebunkport is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.

Olympic National Park offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Kennebunkport or Olympic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kennebunkport
Olympic National Park

Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or oysters.

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 Kennebunkport or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Kennebunkport
Olympic National Park

Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

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

Is Kennebunkport or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Kennebunkport
Olympic National Park

Kennebunkport and Olympic National Park offer a relatively similar set of high quality luxury resort options.

Kennebunkport is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

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.


Is Kennebunkport or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Kennebunkport
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is very popular for hiking. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

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 people include a hike when visiting Kennebunkport. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Is the Shopping Better in Kennebunkport or Olympic National Park?

Kennebunkport
Olympic National Park

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

Kennebunkport is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

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 Kennebunkport or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Kennebunkport
Olympic National Park

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

Kennebunkport is a very family-friendly destination. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

Olympic National Park is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Kennebunkport or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Kennebunkport
Olympic National Park

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

Kennebunkport is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

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.

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

Kennebunkport
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kennebunkport is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Kennebunkport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find cabins and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

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

Kennebunkport
Olympic National Park

Kennebunkport and Olympic National Park both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

Public transit is generally 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 Kennebunkport or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Kennebunkport
Olympic National Park

Kennebunkport is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

Kennebunkport is a somewhat walkable place. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

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

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

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

How long in Kennebunkport or Olympic National Park?

In either Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Kennebunkport, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Olympic National Park than Kennebunkport 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.


  • How many days in Kennebunkport or Olympic National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kennebunkport 2-4 
    Olympic National Park 2-5

One day in Kennebunkport or Olympic National Park?

Even though Kennebunkport is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 food and museums when visiting the pristine destination of Olympic National Park. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Kennebunkport or Olympic National Park?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Olympic National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.


Five days in Kennebunkport or Olympic National Park?

Kennebunkport is a fun place to experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the pristine destination of Olympic National Park. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Kennebunkport or Olympic National Park?

Kennebunkport is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful park of Olympic National Park. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Olympic National Park or Kennebunkport?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kennebunkport is $220, while the average daily cost in Olympic National Park is $124. 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 Kennebunkport and Olympic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kennebunkport $124
    Olympic National Park $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kennebunkport $248
    Olympic National Park $98
Compare Hotels in Kennebunkport and Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Kennebunkport or Olympic 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 Kennebunkport


Hotels in Olympic 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: Kennebunkport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kennebunkport $49
    Olympic National Park $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Kennebunkport or Olympic National Park?

Prices for flights to both Olympic National Park and Kennebunkport 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
    Kennebunkport $67
    Olympic National Park $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kennebunkport $21
    Olympic National Park $26

Tours and Activities in Kennebunkport

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kennebunkport.

  • Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $27
  • Ghost Tour with Folklore, Gossip & Scandals: $29
  • 90 Minutes Ghost Walking Tour in Kennebunkport: $30
  • Historic District Walking Tour: $45
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $50
  • A Tasty Lunchtime Walking Tour: $140

Tours and Activities in Olympic National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Olympic National Park are as follows:

  • Olympic Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Olympic Full Day Small Group Tour: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kennebunkport $31
    Olympic National Park $5.57


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



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

Both Olympic National Park and Kennebunkport during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year.

In the summer, Kennebunkport is a little warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kennebunkport in July average around 69°F (20°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 60°F (15°C).

In Olympic National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kennebunkport. In the summer, Kennebunkport often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Kennebunkport gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun.

Kennebunkport usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Olympic National Park. Kennebunkport gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kennebunkport 69°F (20°C) 
    Olympic National Park 60°F (15°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kennebunkport and Olympic National Park. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kennebunkport is generally cooler than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 49°F (9°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Kennebunkport usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during autumn. Kennebunkport gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 113 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Kennebunkport usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kennebunkport 49°F (9°C) 
    Olympic National Park 51°F (10°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Kennebunkport as well as Olympic National Park. Many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Kennebunkport. Kennebunkport is much colder than Olympic National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Kennebunkport averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

In the winter, Kennebunkport often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Kennebunkport gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 56 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Kennebunkport usually gets less rain in January than Olympic National Park. Kennebunkport gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kennebunkport 21°F (-6°C) 
    Olympic National Park 41°F (5°C)

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

Both Olympic National Park and Kennebunkport are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Kennebunkport is cooler than Olympic National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kennebunkport in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 47°F (8°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kennebunkport. Kennebunkport usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during spring. Kennebunkport gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. In April, Kennebunkport usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kennebunkport 43°F (6°C) 
    Olympic National Park 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport Olympic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 41°F (5°C) 13.7 inches (349 mm)
Feb 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 43°F (6°C) 12.2 inches (311 mm)
Mar 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 44°F (7°C) 11.6 inches (294 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 47°F (8°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 52°F (11°C) 5.6 inches (142 mm)
Jun 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 58°F (14°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Oct 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 51°F (10°C) 10.4 inches (263 mm)
Nov 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 45°F (7°C) 14 inches (355 mm)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 41°F (5°C) 15 inches (380 mm)


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