A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Glacier National Park for Backpackers, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a stunning, breathtaking, and gorgeous park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking.

Saint Augustine and Glacier National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Going-to-the-Sun Road
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Glacier National Park are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Glacier National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Saint Augustine and is known for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. Saint Augustine is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter.

How is Saint Augustine different from Glacier National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park?

Saint Augustine
Glacier National Park

Saint Augustine is notable for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.


Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Glacier National Park

Saint Augustine is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Glacier National Park. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Glacier National Park

Saint Augustine is a popular place for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Augustine. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Glacier National Park doesn't offer many options. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park Better for Resorts?

Saint Augustine
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Glacier National Park has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Glacier National Park

Saint Augustine is notable for its beaches. However, Glacier National Park is not a beach destination.

Saint Augustine is considered a top beach destination. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Glacier National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Glacier National Park

Saint Augustine is very popular for its historic old town. However, Glacier National Park does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine has a world-famous historical area. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Glacier National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park Better for Hiking?

Saint Augustine
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Glacier National Park. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park?

Saint Augustine
Glacier National Park

Saint Augustine is notable for shopping. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its shopping opportunities.

Saint Augustine is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la ConstituciĆ³n is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

If you're looking to go shopping, Glacier National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

Is Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Glacier National Park

Saint Augustine is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly city. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Is Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Glacier National Park

Saint Augustine and Glacier National Park are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Glacier National Park is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.


Is Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Augustine
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is very popular for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Glacier National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

Is Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Augustine
Glacier National Park

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Glacier National Park.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

Is Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Glacier National Park

Saint Augustine is notable for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its high level of walkability.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

Glacier National Park is not a very walkable city. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.


For even more information, also check out Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Glacier National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glacier National Park or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Glacier 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 Saint Augustine.


  • How many days in Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Glacier National Park 2-3

One day in Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find shopping and museums. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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.

The stunning destination of Glacier National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Augustine. 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 Glacier National Park offers . 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 Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park?

Saint Augustine is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Glacier National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This park offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the notable destination of Saint Augustine. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Glacier National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Glacier National Park or Saint Augustine?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $159, while the average daily cost in Glacier National Park is $127. 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 Saint Augustine and Glacier National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Glacier National Park $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Glacier National Park $112
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Glacier National Park

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine or Glacier 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 Saint Augustine


Hotels in Glacier 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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Glacier National Park $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Glacier National Park?

Prices for flights to both Glacier National Park and Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine $49
    Glacier National Park $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Augustine.

  • Feast of Saint Augustine Walking Food Tour: $139

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glacier National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Glacier National Park.

  • Half Day Whitewater Rafting with Riverside Dinner: $113

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Glacier National Park $34

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

Here are a few actual costs in Saint Augustine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • St Augustine Haunted History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Child Friendly Pirate Walking Tour: $10
  • Historic Museum Tour Ticket: $16
  • Haunting Hour Walking Ghost Tour: $18
  • Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine: $18
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $20
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Walking History Tour of St. Augustine's Historic District: $25
  • Walking Tour in North City Cemeteries of St. Augustine: $25
  • St. Augustine Ghost Tour: A Ghostly Encounter: $25
  • Afterlife Tours- Beyond the Grave Tour: $25
  • Ghost Tour of St. Augustine: The Original Haunted History Tour: $25

Tours and Activities in Glacier National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Glacier National Park are as follows:

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $12
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Self Guided Bike Tour in Glacier National Park : $65
  • Half-Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Adventure: $87
  • Full Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Adventure - With Lunch!: $152
  • Full Day Whitewater Adventure Trip with Included Lunch: $157
  • Half Day Bike and Hike Tour in around Whitefish: $175
  • Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $220
  • Combo Tour: Driving and Snowshoe Trek of Glacier National Park: $220

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Augustine $25
    Glacier National Park $8.41

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • The Original Haunted Pub Tour: $24
  • Ghosts and Spirits of St Augustine Pub Crawl Tour: $39
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Augustine and Glacier National Park, we can see that Saint Augustine is more expensive. And not only is Glacier National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Glacier National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Glacier 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 Saint Augustine would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Augustine than you might in Glacier National Park.

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