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

Should you visit Mystic or Olympic 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 Mystic and Olympic 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.

Mystic

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

Mystic and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
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 popular for shopping


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mystic. Although Mystic and Olympic National Park are popular destinations, Mystic has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mystic is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Olympic National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mystic is famous for its New England charm and local character. It is also well known for the Mystic Seaport Museum. Olympic National Park is famous for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

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

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

Mystic
Olympic National Park

Mystic is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its museums and history.

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 Olympic National Park. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.


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

Mystic
Olympic National Park

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Mystic and Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park. 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 Mystic or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Mystic
Olympic National Park

Mystic 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 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.

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

Is Mystic or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Mystic
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Olympic National Park to choose from. 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.

Mystic is not a resort destination.


Is Mystic or Olympic National Park Better for Beaches?

Mystic
Olympic National Park

Mystic is a well-known place for the beache. However, Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is not a beach destination. The park has a rugged coastline with sandy beaches. Many people enjoy exploring the tidal pools or watching the sun set. Some of the best beaches include Kalaloch Beach, Beach 4, and Ruby Beach.

Is Mystic or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Mystic
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is an amazing park to visit for its hiking trails. However, Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Olympic National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Olympic National Park?

Mystic
Olympic National Park

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

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 Mystic or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Mystic
Olympic National Park

Both Mystic and Olympic National Park 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.

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 Mystic or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Mystic
Olympic National Park

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

Olympic National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mystic
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options 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.

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

Mystic
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Mystic or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Mystic
Olympic National Park

Mystic is a moderate town for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park 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.

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

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

How long in Mystic or Olympic National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Mystic than Olympic National Park. 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 Olympic National Park than Mystic. 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 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 Olympic National Park.


  • How many days in Mystic or Olympic National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mystic 2-3 
    Olympic National Park 2-5

One day in Mystic or Olympic National Park?

In Mystic, you'll find shopping and museums. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Olympic National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Mystic or Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mystic. 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.

Olympic National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Mystic or Olympic National Park?

Mystic is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Olympic National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Mystic or Olympic National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the laid back destination of Mystic. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the vast destination of Olympic National Park. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 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, Olympic National Park 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 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 Mystic and Olympic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mystic $125
    Olympic National Park $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mystic $250
    Olympic National Park $98
Compare Hotels in Mystic and Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Mystic 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 Mystic


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: Mystic Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mystic $56
    Olympic National Park $68

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

Prices for flights to both Olympic National Park 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
    Olympic National Park $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mystic $24
    Olympic National Park $26

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

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
    Mystic $31
    Olympic National Park $5.57

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 Olympic National Park, we can see that Mystic 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 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 Olympic National Park.

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



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

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

In the summer, Mystic is a little warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mystic in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In the summer, Mystic often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Mystic gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Olympic National Park. Mystic gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mystic 73°F (23°C) 
    Olympic National Park 60°F (15°C)

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

Both Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 53°F (12°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. Mystic usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during autumn. Mystic gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 113 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. In October, Mystic usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mystic 53°F (12°C) 
    Olympic National Park 51°F (10°C)

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

Both Olympic National Park 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Olympic National Park can be very cold during winter. Mystic can get quite cold in the winter. Mystic is much colder than Olympic National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

In the winter, Mystic often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Mystic gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 56 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mystic usually gets less rain in January than Olympic National Park. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C) 
    Olympic National Park 41°F (5°C)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Olympic National Park. Most visitors come to Mystic for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Mystic is around the same temperature as Olympic National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mystic in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 47°F (8°C).

In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mystic usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during spring. Mystic gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Mystic usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mystic 48°F (9°C) 
    Olympic National Park 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Mystic

Mystic Olympic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 41°F (5°C) 13.7 inches (349 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 43°F (6°C) 12.2 inches (311 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 44°F (7°C) 11.6 inches (294 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 47°F (8°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 52°F (11°C) 5.6 inches (142 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 58°F (14°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 51°F (10°C) 10.4 inches (263 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 45°F (7°C) 14 inches (355 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 41°F (5°C) 15 inches (380 mm)


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