A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. Olympic National Park for Resorts, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Olympic 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 Puerto Vallarta and Olympic National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a cultural, coastal, and colorful town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Puerto Vallarta and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Olympic National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Olympic National Park are both popular with visitors, Puerto Vallarta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Puerto Vallarta is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Olympic National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to the Malecon. Olympic National Park is popular for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Puerto Vallarta or Olympic National Park.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Puerto Vallarta. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

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.

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

Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta. The charming character combined with the authentic local cuisine makes for a wonderful culinary experience. There's everything from taco stands to romantic restaurants that you can try.

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 Puerto Vallarta or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

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

Puerto Vallarta offers plenty to do in the evening. You'll find a mix of active clubs, cozy bars, and cosmopolitan cafes. Head to the Romantic Zone or Los Muertos Beach for some of the best places.

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

Is Puerto Vallarta or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is a must-visit destination for its resorts. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Puerto Vallarta is a great choice. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Olympic National Park. 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.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Olympic National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Olympic National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Puerto Vallarta. Divers in the area may get to experience once in a lifetime opportunities like diving with manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, hammerheads, or schools of jacks.

Olympic National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Olympic National Park Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for the beache. However, Olympic National Park is not a beach destination.

Puerto Vallarta is considered a top beach destination. There are many beaches spread out around town that have soft sand and blue water. Most have all of the amenities you could need. Popular beaches include Playa de los Muertos, Playa Mismaloya, and Playa Conchas Chinas.

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 Puerto Vallarta or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Olympic National Park is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Olympic National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Olympic National Park?

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

Puerto Vallarta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

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 Puerto Vallarta or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Olympic National Park.

Puerto Vallarta is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the water parks and thrilling activities, such as Aquaventuras Water Park or Los Veranos Canopy Tour. There's rock climbing and ropes courses at Las Animas Aventura Park. You'll also find horseback riding and even pirate boat tours in the area.

Olympic National Park is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Puerto Vallarta or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Olympic National Park are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will enjoy sunset boat trips, horseback riding, and adventure sports. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic dinner or a refreshing drink.

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 Puerto Vallarta or Olympic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Olympic National Park is renowned for backpackers. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Puerto Vallarta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Puerto Vallarta 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.

Puerto Vallarta has a few public transit options. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

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 Puerto Vallarta or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta 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.

Puerto Vallarta is a very walkable town. There are several walkable neighborhoods in town such as 5 de Diciembre, el Centro, and Zona Romantica.

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 Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting? and Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Olympic National Park or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Olympic National Park?

In either Puerto Vallarta or Olympic National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Puerto Vallarta has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Olympic National Park. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta.

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Olympic National Park?

In Puerto Vallarta, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

The vast destination of Olympic National Park offers food and museums. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

The park of Olympic National Park offers museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Olympic National Park?

Puerto Vallarta is a fun place to experience. 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 town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Olympic National Park is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This park offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Olympic National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid-back destination of Puerto Vallarta. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Olympic National Park. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Puerto Vallarta and Olympic National Park, we can see that Olympic National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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