A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Louis vs. Acadia National Park for Attractions, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Louis or Acadia National Park?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint Louis and Acadia National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

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. It's also known for beaches and hiking.

Saint Louis and Acadia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • 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
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Acadia National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Louis than Acadia National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Louis is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Acadia National Park is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Acadia National Park is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Saint Louis is well known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. Also, Saint Louis is famous for the Gateway Arch.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Louis or Acadia National Park?

Saint Louis
Acadia National Park

Saint Louis is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Saint Louis has many famous sights for visitors. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

Acadia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.


Is the Food Better in Saint Louis or Acadia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Louis
Acadia National Park

Saint Louis is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Saint Louis is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

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 Saint Louis or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Acadia National Park

Saint Louis is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Louis. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

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

Is Saint Louis or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

Saint Louis
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a good destination for its beaches. However, Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Acadia National Park offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Louis or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

Saint Louis
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Acadia National Park?

Saint Louis
Acadia National Park

Saint Louis is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

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

Is Saint Louis or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Acadia National Park

Both Saint Louis and Acadia National Park are great family-friendly destinations.

Saint Louis is a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Acadia National Park is very family-friendly. 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.


Is Saint Louis or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Acadia National Park

Saint Louis and Acadia National Park both notable destinations for a couple.

Saint Louis is a nice destination for couples. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

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 Saint Louis or Acadia National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Louis
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a good destination for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Saint Louis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of affordable motels around town but no real hostels.

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

Saint Louis
Acadia National Park

Saint Louis is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Saint Louis. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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


Is Saint Louis or Acadia National Park a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Acadia National Park

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

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

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 Saint Louis Worth Visiting? and Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acadia National Park or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Acadia National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Louis and Acadia National Park. In our opinion, Saint Louis has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Saint Louis than Acadia National Park. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


  • How many days in Saint Louis or Acadia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Acadia National Park 1-3

One day in Saint Louis or Acadia National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Saint Louis. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Louis has to offer.

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 Saint Louis or Acadia National Park?

Saint Louis is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Saint Louis or Acadia National Park?

Many people visit Saint Louis for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Saint Louis. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The beautiful 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 Saint Louis or Acadia National Park?

The unexpected destination of Saint Louis offers nightlife and food. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Acadia National Park or Saint Louis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Louis is $184, 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 Saint Louis and Acadia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Acadia National Park $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Acadia National Park $192
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Acadia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis


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: Saint Louis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Acadia National Park $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Louis

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:

  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • St. Louis City to St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • Private Transfers for Departure from Queens to JFK Airport: $29
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $65
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $76
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $115
  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Acadia National Park?

Prices for flights to both Acadia National Park and Saint Louis 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 Louis $54
    Acadia National Park $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Louis

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

  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - St. Louis, MO: $86

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.
    Saint Louis $46
    Acadia National Park $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint Louis

Here are a few typical costs in Saint Louis for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Gateway Arch parking
    $6.00

Tours and Activities in Saint Louis

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

  • Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise: $174
  • Exploring St. Louis with the Family Walking Tour: $211
  • Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $5.20
  • Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour: $15
  • Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour: $15
  • Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour: $25
  • Private Gastronomy Barbecue Tour in St. Louis: $125
  • Romantic Tour in The City of Love: $175
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in St. Louis by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • St Louis Cardinals Baseball Game Ticket at Busch Stadium: $8.66
  • St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour: $144
  • St. Louis Christmas Spectacular Tour: $244

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Acadia National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Louis

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Louis:

  • The Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour: $25


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Louis and Acadia National Park, we can see that Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis Expensive? and Is Acadia National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Saint Louis or Acadia National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Acadia National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Acadia National Park. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint Louis is generally a little warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 81°F (27°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in July than Acadia National Park. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Acadia National Park in the Autumn?

Both Acadia National Park and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Louis is much warmer than Acadia National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Acadia National Park. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Acadia National Park in the Winter?

Both Acadia National Park and Saint Louis during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Acadia National Park in the winter. The weather in Saint Louis can be very cold. In the winter, Saint Louis is much warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

Saint Louis usually gets less rain in January than Acadia National Park. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Acadia National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Acadia National Park. Also, many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Louis is generally much warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 58°F (15°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Saint Louis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Acadia National Park. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Acadia National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)