A Travel Price Comparison for Washington Olympic National Park vs. Seattle for Hiking, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Olympic National Park or Seattle?

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

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Seattle? 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 stunning, vast, and pristine park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Seattle

Seattle is a cultural, outdoorsy, and laid-back city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Olympic National Park and Seattle: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seattle. Although Olympic National Park and Seattle are both popular with visitors, Seattle has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Seattle is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Olympic National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Olympic National Park is popular for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. Seattle is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle.

How is Olympic National Park different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seattle 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 Seattle?

Seattle 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.

Seattle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

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 Olympic National Park or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a popular place for its theatre productions. However, Olympic National Park is not a theatre destination.

Seattle offers a number of shows and performances. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Olympic National Park is not a theatre destination.

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

Seattle is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Olympic National Park is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Olympic National Park or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Seattle is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

Seattle offers plenty to do in the evening. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

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

Is Olympic National Park or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Olympic National Park is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Seattle is very popular with diverse venues. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Olympic National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Olympic National Park or Seattle Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park is notable for its resorts. However, Seattle is not a resort destination.

Olympic National Park is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Seattle is not a resort destination.

Is Olympic National Park or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a popular place for the beache. However, Olympic National Park is not a beach destination.

Seattle is a good option for a beach vacation. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

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 Olympic National Park or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Olympic National Park is renowned for the nearby hiking options. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Olympic National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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 visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Olympic National Park or Seattle?

Seattle is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

Seattle offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department 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 Olympic National Park or Seattle Better for Families?

Olympic National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Olympic National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly park. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Olympic National Park or Seattle Better for Couples?

Olympic National Park is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Olympic National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

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

Olympic National Park is renowned for backpackers. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Olympic National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Seattle is a good park to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Olympic National Park or Seattle Better for Students?

Seattle is a well-known place for students. However, Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

Seattle is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

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

Seattle is a popular place for its public transit. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for times when you don't have a car.

Seattle has a few public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

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.

Is Olympic National Park or Seattle a more walkable city?

Seattle is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

Seattle is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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 Seattle Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Olympic National Park or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Olympic National Park and Seattle. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Olympic National Park than in Seattle. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Olympic National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seattle.

Families should spend more time in Olympic National Park than Seattle. 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 Seattle than Olympic National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Seattle that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seattle than Olympic 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 Seattle.

One day in Olympic National Park or Seattle?

In Olympic National Park, you'll find food and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Because Seattle is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Hikers are also drawn to this 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.

A weekend in Olympic National Park or Seattle?

In Olympic National Park, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Olympic National Park has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seattle. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Olympic National Park or Seattle?

Olympic National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Olympic National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Seattle is a fun place to experience. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Olympic National Park or Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Olympic National Park. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Olympic National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find live music and food around the cultural big city of Seattle. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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 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.

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

When is the best time to visit Olympic National Park or Seattle?

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 Olympic National Park or Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Olympic National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Olympic National Park is cooler than Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Olympic National Park in July average around 60°F (15°C), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during summer. Olympic National Park gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Olympic National Park usually receives more rain than Seattle. Olympic National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Seattle and Olympic National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Olympic National Park is generally cooler than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Olympic National Park average around 51°F (10°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Olympic National Park often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Olympic National Park gets 113 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park usually gets more rain in October than Seattle. Olympic National Park gets 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Olympic National Park and Seattle. Most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Seattle because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Olympic National Park can be very cold during winter. Olympic National Park is cooler than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Olympic National Park averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Olympic National Park usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during winter. Olympic National Park gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Olympic National Park usually receives more rain than Seattle. Olympic National Park gets 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Olympic National Park as well as Seattle. The spring months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In the spring, Olympic National Park is cooler than Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Olympic National Park in April average around 47°F (8°C), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In the spring, Olympic National Park often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Olympic National Park gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. Olympic National Park usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Olympic National Park gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Olympic National Park