A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Virginia Beach vs. Olympic National Park for Resorts, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Olympic 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.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a bustling, fun-filled, and relaxing coastal city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife and beaches.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a pristine, stunning, and vast park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food.

Virginia Beach and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Olympic National Park than Virginia Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Olympic National Park is better known for its museums, food, resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Virginia Beach is more popular for its nightlife and beaches. Olympic National Park is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. Also, Olympic National Park is famous for the Hoh Rain Forest. Virginia Beach is well known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park?

Virginia Beach
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Olympic National Park offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Virginia Beach
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Olympic National Park has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Olympic National Park

Virginia Beach is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Virginia Beach. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

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

Is Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

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.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.


Is Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Olympic National Park

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

Virginia Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

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 Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Virginia Beach
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is terrific for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

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.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park?

Virginia Beach
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Olympic National Park has some nice offerings. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Olympic National Park

Virginia Beach and Olympic National Park are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

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.

Is Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

Olympic National Park is a great park if you're traveling as 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.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

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

Virginia Beach
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Olympic National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Olympic National Park

Virginia Beach is a popular place for students. However, Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city to visit for students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

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

Virginia Beach
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Olympic National Park

Virginia Beach is a moderate coastal city for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable coastal city. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.


For even more information, also check out Is Virginia Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Olympic National Park or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park?

In either Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than Olympic National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Olympic National Park than Virginia Beach 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 Olympic National Park.


  • How many days in Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Virginia Beach 5-7 
    Olympic National Park 2-5

One day in Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park?

In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. 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.

In Olympic National Park, you'll find museums and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park?

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

Olympic National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park?

Virginia Beach is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Olympic National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.


A week in Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park?

In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the park of Olympic National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Olympic National Park or Virginia Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Virginia Beach is $126, while the average daily cost in Olympic National Park is $124. 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 Virginia Beach and Olympic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Olympic National Park $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Olympic National Park $98
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach or Olympic 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 Virginia Beach


Hotels in Olympic 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: Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Olympic National Park $68
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park?

Prices for flights to both Olympic National Park and Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $30
    Olympic National Park $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Olympic National Park $26

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Virginia Beach.

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: $59
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $65
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours | Must Know How to Swim: $78
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87

Tours and Activities in Olympic National Park

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

  • Olympic Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Olympic Full Day Small Group Tour: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Virginia Beach $11
    Olympic National Park $5.57


When comparing the travel costs between Virginia Beach and Olympic National Park, we can see that Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach Expensive? and Is Olympic National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Virginia Beach or Olympic 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 Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park in the Summer?

Both Olympic National Park and Virginia Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Virginia Beach is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In Olympic National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. In the summer, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Virginia Beach gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in July than Olympic National Park. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C) 
    Olympic National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Olympic National Park. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Virginia Beach is much warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Virginia Beach in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 51°F (10°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during autumn. Virginia Beach gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 113 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Virginia Beach usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C) 
    Olympic National Park 51°F (10°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Olympic National Park. The winter months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Olympic National Park in the winter. The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. In January, Virginia Beach is generally cooler than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 39°F (4°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

In the winter, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Virginia Beach gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 56 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Virginia Beach usually gets less rain in January than Olympic National Park. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C) 
    Olympic National Park 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Olympic National Park in the Spring?

Both Olympic National Park and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the natural beauty.

Virginia Beach is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during spring. Virginia Beach gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. In April, Virginia Beach usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Olympic National Park 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Olympic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 41°F (5°C) 13.7 inches (349 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 43°F (6°C) 12.2 inches (311 mm)
Mar 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 44°F (7°C) 11.6 inches (294 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 47°F (8°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 52°F (11°C) 5.6 inches (142 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 58°F (14°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 51°F (10°C) 10.4 inches (263 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 45°F (7°C) 14 inches (355 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 41°F (5°C) 15 inches (380 mm)