A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Mystic vs. Adirondack Mountains for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Mystic or Adirondack Mountains?

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 Mystic and Adirondack Mountains. 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.

Mystic

Mystic is a quaint, laid back, and charming town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a scenic, serene, and pristine region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Mystic and Adirondack Mountains: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Mystic or Adirondack Mountains?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Adirondack Mountains. Although Mystic and Adirondack Mountains are popular destinations, Adirondack Mountains has more sights and attractions for tourists. Adirondack Mountains is very popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Mystic attracts visitors for its museums, beaches, and shopping. Mystic is famous for its New England charm and local character. Adirondack Mountains is famous for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. It is also well known for Whiteface Mountain.

How is Mystic different from Adirondack Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Adirondack Mountains and Mystic. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Mystic or Adirondack Mountains Better for Skiing?

Mystic
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a good destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Mystic is not a skiing destination.

Adirondack Mountains is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Mystic is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mystic or Adirondack Mountains?

Mystic
Adirondack Mountains

Mystic is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

Mystic offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Adirondack Mountains. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

Is the Food Better in Mystic or Adirondack Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mystic
Adirondack Mountains

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Mystic and Adirondack Mountains can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adirondack Mountains. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Is Mystic or Adirondack Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Mystic
Adirondack Mountains

Both Mystic and Adirondack Mountains have nice vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Adirondack Mountains has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.


Is Mystic or Adirondack Mountains Better for Resorts?

Mystic
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Adirondack Mountains to choose from. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Mystic is not a resort destination.

Is Mystic or Adirondack Mountains Better for Beaches?

Mystic
Adirondack Mountains

Mystic is notable for the beache. However, Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.

Mystic is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Mystic or Adirondack Mountains Better for Hiking?

Mystic
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Adirondack Mountains. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Adirondack Mountains?

Mystic
Adirondack Mountains

Mystic is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping areas.

Mystic is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Adirondack Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

Is Mystic or Adirondack Mountains Better for Families?

Mystic
Adirondack Mountains

Both Mystic and Adirondack Mountains are superb family-friendly destinations.

Mystic is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Adirondack Mountains is a very kid-friendly town. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

Is Mystic or Adirondack Mountains Better for Couples?

Mystic
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Adirondack Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.


Is Mystic or Adirondack Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mystic
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

Adirondack Mountains is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

Is Mystic or Adirondack Mountains Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mystic
Adirondack Mountains

Neither Mystic or Adirondack Mountains offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.

Is Mystic or Adirondack Mountains a more walkable city?

Mystic
Adirondack Mountains

Mystic is a moderate town for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable town. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Mystic Worth Visiting? and Is Adirondack Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Adirondack Mountains or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Adirondack Mountains?

Both Mystic and Adirondack Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than in Mystic. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Mystic, and 3-7 days is enough time in Adirondack Mountains.

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

Couples should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than Mystic. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Adirondack Mountains that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than Mystic 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 Adirondack Mountains.


  • How many days in Mystic or Adirondack Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mystic 2-3 
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7

One day in Mystic or Adirondack Mountains?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Mystic. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Adirondack Mountains. 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 Mystic or Adirondack Mountains?

Mystic is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Adirondack Mountains is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Mystic or Adirondack Mountains?

Many people visit Mystic for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the town of Mystic. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adirondack Mountains. 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 Mystic or Adirondack Mountains?

The laid back destination of Mystic offers nightlife and food. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the serene destination of Adirondack Mountains. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


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


Which place is cheaper, Adirondack Mountains or Mystic?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mystic is $210, while the average daily cost in Adirondack Mountains is $166. 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 Mystic and Adirondack Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mystic $125
    Adirondack Mountains $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mystic $250
    Adirondack Mountains $194
Compare Hotels in Mystic and Adirondack Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Mystic or Adirondack Mountains? 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 Mystic


Hotels in Adirondack Mountains


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: Mystic Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mystic $56
    Adirondack Mountains $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Mystic or Adirondack Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Adirondack Mountains and Mystic 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
    Mystic $52
    Adirondack Mountains $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mystic $24
    Adirondack Mountains $17

Tours and Activities in Mystic

For Mystic, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $31
  • Moonlit Mystic Graveyard Ghost Tour: $35
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Downtown Mystic at Night: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mystic $31
    Adirondack Mountains $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mystic Expensive? and Is Adirondack Mountains Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Mystic or Adirondack Mountains?

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 Mystic or Adirondack Mountains in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mystic as well as Adirondack Mountains. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mystic this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mystic is around the same temperature as Adirondack Mountains. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mystic in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Adirondack Mountains averages at about 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adirondack Mountains. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In the summer, Mystic often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Adirondack Mountains. Mystic gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adirondack Mountains receives 285 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Adirondack Mountains. Mystic gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mystic 73°F (23°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Adirondack Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Mystic are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Mystic for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Adirondack Mountains in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Mystic is generally a little warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 53°F (12°C), and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. Mystic usually receives more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains during autumn. Mystic gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Adirondack Mountains receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mystic usually receives more rain than Adirondack Mountains. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mystic 53°F (12°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Adirondack Mountains in the Winter?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Mystic during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Mystic in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Adirondack Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Adirondack Mountains can be very cold during winter. Mystic can get quite cold in the winter. Mystic is much warmer than Adirondack Mountains in the winter. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Adirondack Mountains fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In the winter, Mystic often gets more sunshine than Adirondack Mountains. Mystic gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adirondack Mountains receives 124 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets more rain in January than Adirondack Mountains. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Adirondack Mountains in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Adirondack Mountains. Most visitors come to Mystic for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Adirondack Mountains because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Mystic is a little warmer than Adirondack Mountains. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mystic in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Adirondack Mountains averages at about 46°F (8°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adirondack Mountains this time of the year. In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mystic usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Adirondack Mountains during spring. Mystic gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Adirondack Mountains receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mystic usually receives more rain than Adirondack Mountains. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Adirondack Mountains receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mystic 48°F (9°C) 
    Adirondack Mountains 46°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Adirondack Mountains and Mystic

Mystic Adirondack Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)