A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Martha's Vineyard vs. Acadia National Park for Couples, Food, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a coastal, peaceful, and affluent island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a scenic, picturesque, and beautiful national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Martha's Vineyard and Acadia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard. Although Martha's Vineyard and Acadia National Park are popular destinations, Martha's Vineyard has more sights and attractions for tourists. Martha's Vineyard is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Acadia National Park attracts visitors for its hiking. Martha's Vineyard is famous for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. It is also well known for the Aquinnah Cliffs. Acadia National Park is famous for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter.

How is Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park?

Martha's Vineyard
Acadia National Park

You'll find a number of reasonable museums and attractions in both Acadia National Park and Martha's Vineyard.

While most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

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.


Is the Food Better in Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Martha's Vineyard
Acadia National Park

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Martha's Vineyard has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Martha's Vineyard
Acadia National Park

Martha's Vineyard is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Martha's Vineyard. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

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

Is Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard
Acadia National Park

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

Martha's Vineyard offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard
Acadia National Park

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Martha's Vineyard. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a great national park for hiking. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails. 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Is the Shopping Better in Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park?

Martha's Vineyard
Acadia National Park

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Martha's Vineyard. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

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


Is Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

Martha's Vineyard
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a great national park for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

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

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard
Acadia National Park

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Martha's Vineyard has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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

Is Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Martha's Vineyard
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for backpackers.

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

Martha's Vineyard is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Budget options are limited, making this an inconvenient destination for backpackers.


Is Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Martha's Vineyard
Acadia National Park

Martha's Vineyard and Acadia National Park both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

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

Is Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park a more walkable city?

Martha's Vineyard
Acadia National Park

Martha's Vineyard is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Martha's Vineyard is a somewhat walkable island. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

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 Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting? and Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acadia National Park or Martha's Vineyard?

How long in Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Martha's Vineyard and Acadia National Park. In our opinion, Martha's Vineyard has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Martha's Vineyard than Acadia National Park. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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


  • How many days in Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3 
    Acadia National Park 1-3

One day in Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park?

Martha's Vineyard is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Martha's Vineyard has to offer.

With around the destination of Acadia National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.


A weekend in Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park?

Martha's Vineyard is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With around the picturesque national park of Acadia National Park, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park?

Many people visit Martha's Vineyard for five days. Martha's Vineyard is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the picturesque destination of Acadia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park?

Because Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Acadia National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Acadia National Park or Martha's Vineyard?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Martha's Vineyard is $241, 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 Martha's Vineyard and Acadia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Martha's Vineyard $132
    Acadia National Park $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Martha's Vineyard $264
    Acadia National Park $192
Compare Hotels in Martha's Vineyard and Acadia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Martha's Vineyard 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 Marthas Vineyard


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: Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Martha's Vineyard $83
    Acadia National Park $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park?

Prices for flights to both Acadia National Park and Martha's Vineyard 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
    Martha's Vineyard $60
    Acadia National Park $45

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.
    Martha's Vineyard $30
    Acadia National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $60
  • All Island Bus Tour: $65
  • Martha's Vinyard Driving & Walking GPS-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (APP/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Martha's Vineyard $22
    Acadia National Park $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Martha's Vineyard and Acadia National Park, we can see that Martha's Vineyard is more expensive. And not only is Acadia National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Acadia National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acadia 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 Martha's Vineyard would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Martha's Vineyard than you might in Acadia National Park.

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



When is the best time to visit Martha's Vineyard or Acadia 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 Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Martha's Vineyard and Acadia National Park. Many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a little warmer than Acadia National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In July, Martha's Vineyard usually receives less rain than Acadia National Park. Martha's Vineyard gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C) 
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Martha's Vineyard as well as Acadia National Park. Most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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.

In the autumn, Martha's Vineyard is a little warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Martha's Vineyard usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Acadia National Park. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C) 
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park in the Winter?

Both Acadia National Park and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. The weather in Martha's Vineyard can be very cold. In January, Martha's Vineyard is generally much warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 28°F (-2°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Acadia National Park. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C) 
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Acadia National Park in the Spring?

Both Acadia National Park and Martha's Vineyard during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Martha's Vineyard is much warmer than Acadia National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in April than Acadia National Park. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C) 
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard Acadia National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)