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

Should you visit Nantucket or Acadia National Park?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Nantucket and Acadia National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a serene, peaceful, and upscale 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a picturesque, beautiful, and scenic national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking.

Nantucket and Acadia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • 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 nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nantucket or Acadia National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Acadia National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse. Acadia National Park is well known for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nantucket or Acadia National Park?

Nantucket
Acadia National Park

Nantucket is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Nantucket. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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 Nantucket or Acadia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantucket
Acadia National Park

Nantucket is a world-class destination for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nantucket is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket
Acadia National Park

Nantucket is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

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

Is Nantucket or Acadia National Park Better for Resorts?

Nantucket
Acadia National Park

Nantucket is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

Nantucket is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Nantucket or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

Nantucket
Acadia National Park

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

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 Nantucket or Acadia National Park Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket
Acadia National Park

Nantucket is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Acadia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nantucket to see the historical old town. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Acadia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

Nantucket
Acadia National Park

You'll find excellent hiking in both Nantucket and Acadia National Park.

Many visitors go to Nantucket for the hiking trails. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Acadia National Park is a popular spot for hiking. 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Acadia National Park?

Nantucket
Acadia National Park

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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

Is Nantucket or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

Nantucket
Acadia National Park

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Nantucket or Acadia National Park.

Nantucket is a very family-friendly destination. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Acadia National Park is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Is Nantucket or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

Nantucket
Acadia National Park

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

Nantucket has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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


Is Nantucket or Acadia National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nantucket
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantucket is not known for backpackers.

Acadia National Park is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Nantucket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's known for its upscale atmosphere that isn't particularly accommodating for backpackers.

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

Nantucket
Acadia National Park

Nantucket is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Nantucket has some public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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

Is Nantucket or Acadia National Park a more walkable city?

Nantucket
Acadia National Park

Nantucket is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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 Nantucket Worth Visiting? and Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acadia National Park or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Acadia National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nantucket and Acadia National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nantucket than in Acadia National Park. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Nantucket, and 1-3 days is enough time in Acadia National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantucket than Acadia National Park 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 Nantucket.


  • How many days in Nantucket or Acadia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nantucket 2-4 
    Acadia National Park 1-3

One day in Nantucket or Acadia National Park?

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

You'll find around the national park of Acadia National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Acadia National Park has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nantucket or Acadia National Park?

Nantucket 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.

You'll find around the beautiful destination of Acadia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nantucket or Acadia National Park?

Many people visit Nantucket for five days. Nantucket is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the scenic national park of Acadia National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Nantucket or Acadia National Park?

Because Nantucket is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Acadia National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Acadia National Park or Nantucket?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nantucket is $350, 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 Nantucket and Acadia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantucket $237
    Acadia National Park $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantucket $474
    Acadia National Park $192
Compare Hotels in Nantucket and Acadia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Nantucket 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 Nantucket


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: Nantucket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantucket $47
    Acadia National Park $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Nantucket or Acadia National Park?

Prices for flights to both Acadia National Park and Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $81
    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.
    Nantucket $34
    Acadia National Park $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nantucket $35
    Acadia National Park $11


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



When is the best time to visit Nantucket 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 Nantucket or Acadia National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Acadia National Park. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nantucket is generally around the same temperature as Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 68°F (20°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In July, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Acadia National Park. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C) 
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Acadia National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Acadia National Park. Many travelers come to Nantucket for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Nantucket is a little warmer than Acadia National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nantucket usually gets more rain in October than Acadia National Park. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C) 
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Acadia National Park in the Winter?

Both Acadia National Park and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nantucket in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Acadia National Park can be very cold during winter. Nantucket can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Nantucket is much warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nantucket in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. In January, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Acadia National Park. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C) 
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Acadia National Park in the Spring?

Both Acadia National Park and Nantucket during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nantucket for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Nantucket is generally a little warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 45°F (7°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. Nantucket usually gets more rain in April than Acadia National Park. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C) 
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and Nantucket

Nantucket Acadia National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)