A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wilmington vs. Olympic National Park for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a historic, welcoming, and charming city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a vast, pristine, and stunning park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Wilmington and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Olympic National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wilmington. Although Wilmington and Olympic National Park are popular destinations, Wilmington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wilmington is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Olympic National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Olympic National Park is more touristy than Wilmington and is popular for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. Wilmington is famous for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. It is also well known for the Battleship North Carolina.

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

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

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Wilmington or Olympic National Park.

Wilmington is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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.

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

Both Wilmington and Olympic National Park offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Olympic National Park. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

Is Wilmington or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

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

Is Wilmington or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park is great for its luxury resorts. However, Wilmington is not a resort destination.

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.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Is Wilmington or Olympic National Park Better for Beaches?

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

Wilmington is considered a top beach destination. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

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 Wilmington or Olympic National Park Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is a popular place for its old town. However, Olympic National Park does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Wilmington to see the old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Olympic National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Wilmington or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Olympic National Park is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Olympic National Park?

Wilmington is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

Wilmington offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Olympic National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Is Wilmington or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

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

Wilmington is a very family-friendly destination. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Olympic National Park is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Wilmington or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Wilmington and Olympic National Park are both very good to visit as a couple.

Wilmington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Olympic National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

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

Olympic National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Olympic National Park. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.

Is Wilmington or Olympic National Park Better for Students?

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

Wilmington is a good city to visit for students. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

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

Wilmington and Olympic National Park both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Public transit is generally limited in Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

Is Wilmington or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Wilmington is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable 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 Wilmington Worth Visiting? and Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Olympic National Park or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Olympic National Park?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Wilmington than Olympic National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Wilmington.

One day in Wilmington or Olympic National Park?

In Wilmington, 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.

With museums and food around the pristine park of Olympic National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wilmington or Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wilmington. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

With food and museums around the destination of Olympic National Park, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this park.

Five days in Wilmington or Olympic National Park?

Wilmington is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Olympic National Park, a popular park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wilmington or Olympic National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the welcoming destination of Wilmington. 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.

Olympic National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

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

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

Both Olympic National Park and Wilmington during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Wilmington 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.

In the summer, Wilmington is much warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wilmington in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 60°F (15°C).

In Olympic National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wilmington. In the summer, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Wilmington gets 283 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 Wilmington. Wilmington usually gets more rain in July than Olympic National Park. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Olympic National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Olympic National Park. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the shopping scene 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 October, Wilmington is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 65°F (18°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during autumn. Wilmington gets 227 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, Wilmington usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Wilmington or Olympic National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Olympic National Park. The winter months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and 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. Wilmington is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

In the winter, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Wilmington gets 180 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. Wilmington usually gets less rain in January than Olympic National Park. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Olympic National Park in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Wilmington is much warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wilmington in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 47°F (8°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during spring. Wilmington gets 278 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, Wilmington usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Wilmington