A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Acadia National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit New Orleans or Acadia National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between New Orleans and Acadia National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a energetic, fun-filled, and festive city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, nightlife, and live music.

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.

New Orleans and Acadia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Home to the French Quarter
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in New Orleans or Acadia National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in New Orleans than Acadia National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. New Orleans is better known for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Acadia National Park is more popular for its museums, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Acadia National Park and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Acadia National Park is well known for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter.

The French Quarter
The French Quarter

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

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

New Orleans
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Acadia National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in New Orleans or Acadia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Orleans
Acadia National Park

New Orleans 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, New Orleans is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

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 New Orleans or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Acadia National Park

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

People head to New Orleans just to party. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

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

Is New Orleans or Acadia National Park Better for Music?

New Orleans
Acadia National Park

New Orleans is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Acadia National Park is not a live music destination.

New Orleans has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Acadia National Park is not a live music destination.


Is New Orleans or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

New Orleans
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a national park with good options for its beaches. However, New Orleans is not a beach destination.

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.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is New Orleans or Acadia National Park Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans
Acadia National Park

New Orleans 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 New Orleans to see the historical old town. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Acadia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

New Orleans
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Acadia National Park. 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.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Acadia National Park?

New Orleans
Acadia National Park

New Orleans is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

New Orleans has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

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

Is New Orleans or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

New Orleans
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Acadia National Park is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is New Orleans or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Acadia National Park

Both New Orleans and Acadia National Park are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

New Orleans is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Acadia National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.


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

New Orleans
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a national park with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Acadia National Park is a good national park to visit for backpackers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is New Orleans or Acadia National Park Better for Students?

New Orleans
Acadia National Park

New Orleans is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Acadia National Park is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Acadia National Park is not popular with students.

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

New Orleans
Acadia National Park

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both New Orleans and Acadia National Park.

Public transit is mostly limited in New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

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


Is New Orleans or Acadia National Park a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Acadia National Park

New Orleans is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable city. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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 New Orleans Worth Visiting? and Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acadia National Park or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Acadia National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Orleans and Acadia National Park. In our opinion, New Orleans has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in New Orleans than Acadia National Park. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 1-3 days is enough time in Acadia National Park.

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

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


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

One day in New Orleans or Acadia National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of New Orleans. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the beautiful national park of Acadia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in New Orleans or Acadia National Park?

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the picturesque destination of Acadia National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in New Orleans or Acadia National Park?

Many people visit New Orleans for five days. You'll find food and nightlife around the city of New Orleans. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The scenic national park of Acadia National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in New Orleans or Acadia National Park?

The fun-filled destination of New Orleans offers nightlife and live music. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 people enjoy the when visiting Acadia National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 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 New Orleans?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $239, 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 New Orleans and Acadia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Acadia National Park $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Acadia National Park $192
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Acadia National Park

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans 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 New Orleans


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: New Orleans Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $51
    Acadia National Park $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in New Orleans

Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans

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

  • Transfer from New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans City by SUV: $93
  • Private transfer: New Orleans to New Orleans Airport (MSY): $133
  • Private Transfer: New Orleans to Louis Armstrong Airport MSY in Luxury SUV : $115
  • Private Transfer: New Orleans to Louis Armstrong Airport MSY in Business Car: $103
  • Private Transfer: New Orleans Airport MSY to Cruise Port in SUV: $115
  • Private Transfer: Louis Armstrong Airport MSY to New Orleans in Business Car: $103
  • Private Transfer: Cruise Port to New Orleans Airport MSY in SUV: $115
  • Private Transfer in a Luxury Sedan from Louis Armstrong Airport: $69
  • Private Transfer in (Rover RSD) New Orleans MSY/Home/Hotel/Work : $47
  • Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
  • Private Transfer New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans by Sedan: $76
  • Private Transfer From New Orleans To Baton Rouge: $157

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Acadia National Park?

Prices for flights to both Acadia National Park and New Orleans 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
    New Orleans $45
    Acadia National Park $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New Orleans

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

  • Cajun and Creole Cooking Class with Meal: $38
  • New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $42
  • Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $55
  • Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $55
  • Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
  • French Quarter Food Tour: Signature Flavors of New Orleans: $59
  • The Premier New Orleans Food Tour: $77
  • Taste Of New Orleans Food Tour and Experience: $80
  • French Quarter Food Tour with a Local: $80
  • Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
  • New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
  • French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89

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.
    New Orleans $55
    Acadia National Park $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in New Orleans

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)
    $75
  • Riverboat Cruise
    $70
  • French Quarter City Tour
    $100

Tours and Activities in New Orleans

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

  • Bom Creole Dining Experience w/ Pool and Louisiana Native Chef : $135
  • Creole French Quarter Walking Tour: $30
  • Walking Instagram Photo Tour in the French Quarter New Orleans: $27
  • 2-Hour Guided French Quarter Vampire Walking Tour: $25
  • 45 Minute Highlights Tour of the French Quarter: $23
  • 90-Minute Jean Lafitte Swamp and Bayou Tour with Transportation: $57
  • A Local's Private French Quarter Walking or Biking Tour : $175
  • Adults-Only History, Ghost, Vampire, and Voodoo Walking Tour: $30
  • Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour: $37
  • Airboat Tour of Louisiana Swamps: $130
  • Audio-Guided Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation: $90
  • Automated Historical Ghost Bus Tour of New Orleans: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $60
    Acadia National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $13
  • Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
  • Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
  • New Orleans Distillery Tour and Rum Tasting with Guide: $15
  • Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
  • Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
  • New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $26
  • Adults Only True Crime Pub Crawl: $27
  • New Orleans Bar Crawl: $28
  • True Crime Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $30


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



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

Both Acadia National Park and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 82°F (28°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Acadia National Park. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Orleans 82°F (28°C) 
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Acadia National Park in the Autumn?

Both Acadia National Park and New Orleans during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year.

New Orleans is much warmer than Acadia National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

New Orleans usually gets less rain in October than Acadia National Park. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Orleans 69°F (21°C) 
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Acadia National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Acadia National Park. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Acadia National Park. In the winter, New Orleans is much warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Orleans in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Acadia National Park. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Orleans 51°F (11°C) 
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Acadia National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Acadia National Park. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, New Orleans is generally much warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 68°F (20°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Acadia National Park. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Orleans 68°F (20°C) 
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and New Orleans

New Orleans Acadia National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 62°F (16°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (140 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)