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

Should you visit Memphis or Olympic National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Olympic National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Memphis

Memphis is a creative, laid-back, and soulful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a stunning, vast, and pristine park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Memphis and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • 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 walkable


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Memphis. Although Memphis and Olympic National Park are both popular with visitors, Memphis has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Memphis is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Olympic National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Olympic National Park is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. Memphis is popular for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also home to Elvis Presley's Graceland.

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

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

Memphis
Olympic National Park

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Olympic National Park and Memphis.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Memphis. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

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.


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

Memphis
Olympic National Park

Foodies will find both Memphis and Olympic National Park both to be good destinations.

Memphis is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

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.

Is Memphis or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Memphis
Olympic National Park

Memphis is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

Memphis offers plenty to do in the evening. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

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

Is Memphis or Olympic National Park Better for Music?

Memphis
Olympic National Park

Memphis is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Olympic National Park is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Memphis There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Olympic National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Memphis or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Memphis
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a great park for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.

Olympic National Park is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Memphis or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Memphis
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Olympic National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Olympic National Park?

Memphis
Olympic National Park

If you're looking to go shopping, Memphis and Olympic National Park both offer plenty of decent spots.

Memphis has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Olympic National Park is a good destination for shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.


Is Memphis or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Memphis
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a great park for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Memphis or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Memphis
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a great park for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Olympic National Park is a great park if you're traveling as 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.

Memphis is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

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

Memphis
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Memphis is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Olympic National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Memphis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.


Is Memphis or Olympic National Park Better for Students?

Memphis
Olympic National Park

Memphis is a popular place for students. However, Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

Memphis is a good city to visit for students. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

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

Memphis
Olympic National Park

Memphis and Olympic National Park both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

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 Memphis or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Memphis
Olympic National Park

Memphis 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.

Memphis is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

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

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

How long in Memphis or Olympic National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Olympic National Park than Memphis. 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 Memphis. 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 Memphis 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 Memphis or Olympic National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Memphis 2-3 
    Olympic National Park 2-5

One day in Memphis or Olympic National Park?

In Memphis, you'll find food and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Memphis or Olympic National Park?

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

In Olympic National Park, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Olympic National Park has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Olympic National Park?

Memphis is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Olympic National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Memphis or Olympic National Park?

You'll find live music and food around the soulful destination of Memphis. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Olympic National Park. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Olympic National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Olympic National Park or Memphis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Memphis is $167, 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 Memphis and Olympic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Memphis $84
    Olympic National Park $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Memphis $168
    Olympic National Park $98
Compare Hotels in Memphis and Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Memphis 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 Memphis


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: Memphis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Memphis $59
    Olympic National Park $68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

Also for Memphis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $60
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
  • Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $285
  • Guided Tour with Riverboat Cruise & Hotel Transfers: $339

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

Prices for flights to both Olympic National Park and Memphis 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
    Memphis $43
    Olympic National Park $35
Typical Food Prices in Memphis

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Memphis:


  • Baskin Robins (for 2)
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Memphis

For Memphis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Memphis $45
    Olympic National Park $26

Tours and Activities in Memphis

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

  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Beale Street: $6.50
  • Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Memphis Music Hall of Fame Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Memphis Music Hall of Fame Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Downtown In-App Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Memphis by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Entry Ticket to the Edge Motor Museum: $10
  • Rock 'n' Soul Museum with Audio Tour: $11
  • Brews, Blues and BBQ Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum Admission Ticket in Memphis: $15
  • 1-Hour Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $16

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
    Memphis $26
    Olympic National Park $5.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Memphis

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Memphis:

  • Drinking Spirits with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis: $27
  • Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69
  • Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69


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



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

Both Olympic National Park and Memphis during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Memphis in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Memphis is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 83°F (29°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In Olympic National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Memphis. In the summer, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Olympic National Park. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Memphis 83°F (29°C) 
    Olympic National Park 60°F (15°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Olympic National Park. Most visitors come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Memphis is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during autumn. Memphis gets 240 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, Memphis usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Olympic National Park 51°F (10°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Olympic National Park. The winter months attract visitors to Memphis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Olympic National Park in the winter. The weather in Memphis can be very cold. In the winter, Memphis is around the same temperature as Olympic National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Memphis in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 41°F (5°C).

In the winter, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Memphis 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. Memphis usually gets less rain in January than Olympic National Park. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Memphis 40°F (5°C) 
    Olympic National Park 41°F (5°C)

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

Both Olympic National Park and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the natural beauty.

In April, Memphis is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 64°F (18°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during spring. Memphis gets 254 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. It's quite rainy in Memphis. In April, Memphis usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Olympic National Park 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Memphis

Memphis Olympic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm) 41°F (5°C) 13.7 inches (349 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 43°F (6°C) 12.2 inches (311 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 44°F (7°C) 11.6 inches (294 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 47°F (8°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 52°F (11°C) 5.6 inches (142 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 58°F (14°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 51°F (10°C) 10.4 inches (263 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 45°F (7°C) 14 inches (355 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 41°F (5°C) 15 inches (380 mm)


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