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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Acadia 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 Saint Petersburg and Acadia National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking.

Saint Petersburg and Acadia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
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
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less popular for shopping


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Petersburg than Acadia National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Petersburg is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Acadia National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Saint Petersburg is well known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is famous for St. Pete Beach. Acadia National Park is well known for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter.

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

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

Saint Petersburg
Acadia National Park

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Petersburg can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

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 Petersburg or Acadia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Petersburg
Acadia National Park

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Saint Petersburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

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 Petersburg or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Acadia National Park

Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night 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 Petersburg or Acadia National Park Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Acadia National Park

Saint Petersburg is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a few great resort options. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Acadia National Park

Saint Petersburg is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches in Saint Petersburg are among the best in the world. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Acadia National Park. 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.

Is Saint Petersburg or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

Saint Petersburg
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is great for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails. 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 Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

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

Saint Petersburg
Acadia National Park

Saint Petersburg is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Saint Petersburg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

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 Petersburg or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Acadia National Park

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Acadia National Park.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Acadia National Park is a very kid-friendly coastal city. 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 Petersburg or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Acadia National Park

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Saint Petersburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Acadia National Park is a nice destination for couples. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

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

Saint Petersburg
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Acadia National Park is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.


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

Saint Petersburg
Acadia National Park

Saint Petersburg and Acadia National Park both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

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

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

Saint Petersburg
Acadia National Park

Saint Petersburg and Acadia National Park are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Saint Petersburg is generally not a very walkable coastal city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

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 Petersburg Worth Visiting? and Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint Petersburg or Acadia National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Petersburg and Acadia National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Petersburg than in Acadia National Park. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Acadia National Park.

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

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


  • How many days in Saint Petersburg or Acadia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Acadia National Park 1-3

One day in Saint Petersburg or Acadia National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Saint Petersburg. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the picturesque destination of Acadia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.


A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Acadia National Park?

Saint Petersburg is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find around the picturesque national park of Acadia National Park. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Acadia National Park?

Many people visit Saint Petersburg for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal city of Saint Petersburg. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Acadia National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Acadia National Park?

The underrated destination of Saint Petersburg offers nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Acadia National Park is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $204, 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 Petersburg and Acadia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Acadia National Park $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Acadia National Park $192
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Acadia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg


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 Petersburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Acadia National Park $46

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

Prices for flights to both Acadia National Park and Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg $49
    Acadia National Park $45
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saint Petersburg:


  • Burger Dinner (for 2)
    $20
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $37
  • Gelato (for 2)
    $8.00
  • Breakfast at Piper's Patio (for 2)
    $17

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 Petersburg $13
    Acadia National Park $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Acadia National Park $11


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

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



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

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 Saint Petersburg or Acadia National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Acadia National Park. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Saint Petersburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Acadia National Park. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Acadia National Park. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Acadia National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Acadia National Park. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C)

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

Both Acadia National Park and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Acadia National Park can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Acadia National Park. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)

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

Both Acadia National Park and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Acadia National Park. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Acadia National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)