A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Olympic National Park vs. Grand Teton National Park for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Resorts

Should you visit Olympic National Park or Grand Teton National Park?

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

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Grand Teton National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

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.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a vast, spectacular, and impressive park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Olympic National Park and Grand Teton National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Olympic National Park or Grand Teton National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Olympic National Park. Although Olympic National Park and Grand Teton National Park are popular destinations, Olympic National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Olympic National Park is very popular for its museums and food, while Grand Teton National Park attracts visitors for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Olympic National Park is famous for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. It is also well known for the Hoh Rain Forest. Grand Teton National Park is famous for its grand peaks and diverse wildlife.

How is Olympic National Park different from Grand Teton National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Grand Teton National Park and Olympic National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Olympic National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Olympic National Park is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Olympic National Park is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.

Grand Teton National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The Visitor Centers have exhibits and other informational sessions.


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

Olympic National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Olympic National Park is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Grand Teton National Park. There are a number of restaurants and cafes around the park where you can enjoy a meal, often with a view.

Is Olympic National Park or Grand Teton National Park Better for Nightlife?

Olympic National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a moderate park for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

Most people don't head to Grand Teton National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's a lounge at Jackson Lake Lodge, but most visitors enjoy a relaxing night in.

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

Is Olympic National Park or Grand Teton National Park Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Olympic National Park and Grand Teton National Park offer a relatively similar set of high quality luxury resort options.

Olympic National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Grand Teton National Park. There are several impressive lodges within the park, as well as cabins and more rustic hotels.


Is Olympic National Park or Grand Teton National Park Better for Hiking?

Olympic National Park
Grand Teton National Park

If you're looking to go hiking, Olympic National Park and Grand Teton National Park both have first-rate trails.

People visit Olympic National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many people visit Grand Teton National Park specifically for its hiking. Grand Teton National Park has more than 250 miles of trails that make their way through the mountains and around the rugged landscapes. There are hikes that range from short strolls to backcountry, mult-day trails and it's not uncommon to see wildlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Olympic National Park or Grand Teton National Park?

Olympic National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Both Olympic National Park and Grand Teton National Park are reasonable shopping destinations.

If you're looking to go shopping, Olympic National Park has some nice offerings. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Grand Teton National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are park stores where you can pick up souvenirs or gifts.

Is Olympic National Park or Grand Teton National Park Better for Families?

Olympic National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Olympic National Park or Grand Teton National Park.

Olympic National Park is a very kid-friendly park. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Grand Teton National Park. Kids will enjoy the hiking and wildlife spotting. There's also horseback riding and Ranger Programs that are designed for all ages.


Is Olympic National Park or Grand Teton National Park Better for Couples?

Olympic National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for couples.

Grand Teton National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its stunning mountain views and scenic hikes, couples will be surrounded by romance. Many people visit the park for their honeymoon, or even for the wedding itself, and the setting couldn't be more spectacular.

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.

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

Olympic National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Both Olympic National Park and Grand Teton National Park are first-rate destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

A large number of backpackers visit Grand Teton National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. There are hostels, campgrounds, and backcountry hiking and camping that backpackers really enjoy.

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

Olympic National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Olympic National Park is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known 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 Grand Teton National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.


Is Olympic National Park or Grand Teton National Park a more walkable city?

Olympic National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a moderate park for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

Grand Teton National Park is generally not very walkable. You'll need a car to reach most of the trail heads.

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable park. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Grand Teton National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Grand Teton National Park or Olympic National Park?

How long in Olympic National Park or Grand Teton National Park?

Both Olympic National Park and Grand Teton National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Grand Teton National Park than in Olympic National Park. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Olympic National Park, and 3-7 days is enough time in Grand Teton National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Grand Teton National Park than Olympic National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Grand Teton 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 Grand Teton 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 Olympic National Park.


  • How many days in Olympic National Park or Grand Teton National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Olympic National Park 2-5 
    Grand Teton National Park 3-7

One day in Olympic National Park or Grand Teton National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the vast park of Olympic National Park. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Grand Teton National Park, you'll find . You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

A weekend in Olympic National Park or Grand Teton National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Olympic National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Most people visit for the hiking. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Grand Teton National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.


Five days in Olympic National Park or Grand Teton National Park?

Olympic National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this park makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

Grand Teton National Park is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Olympic National Park or Grand Teton National Park?

Olympic National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Most people visit for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Grand Teton National Park, you'll find . It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Grand Teton National Park or Olympic National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Olympic National Park is $124, while the average daily cost in Grand Teton National Park is $162. 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 Olympic National Park and Grand Teton National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Olympic National Park $49
    Grand Teton National Park $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Olympic National Park $98
    Grand Teton National Park $158
Compare Hotels in Olympic National Park and Grand Teton National Park

Looking for a hotel in Olympic National Park or Grand Teton 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 Olympic National Park


Hotels in Grand Teton 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: Grand Teton National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Olympic National Park $68
    Grand Teton National Park $52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Teton National Park

Also for Grand Teton National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private SUV Transfers to/ from Jackson Hole Airport JAC: $105
  • Private Luxury 4wd SUV To/From Transfer Jackson Hole Airport: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Olympic National Park or Grand Teton National Park?

Prices for flights to both Grand Teton National Park and Olympic National Park 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
    Olympic National Park $35
    Grand Teton National Park $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Grand Teton National Park

For Grand Teton National Park, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Jackson Hole Chuckwagon Dinner: $75
  • Dinner Cookout Ride at Heart Six Ranch: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Olympic National Park $26
    Grand Teton National Park $43

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

Tours and Activities in Grand Teton National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Grand Teton National Park.

  • Snake River Scenic Float Private Guided Tour: $225

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Olympic National Park $5.57
    Grand Teton National Park $19


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