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

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a friendly, under-rated, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a scenic, picturesque, and beautiful national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking.

Winston-Salem and Acadia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • 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


Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park?

Both Acadia National Park and Winston-Salem have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Winston-Salem is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Acadia National Park attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Acadia National Park is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park?

Winston-Salem
Acadia National Park

Winston-Salem is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Winston-Salem. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

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 Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem
Acadia National Park

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

Winston-Salem is becoming an appealing option for foodies. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

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 Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem
Acadia National Park

Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

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

Is Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

Winston-Salem
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a popular place for the beach. However, Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Acadia National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.


Is Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem
Acadia National Park

Winston-Salem is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Acadia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Winston-Salem has an old town worth visiting. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Acadia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

Winston-Salem
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Acadia National Park is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park?

Winston-Salem
Acadia National Park

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

Winston-Salem has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

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


Is Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

Winston-Salem
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Acadia National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly city. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

Winston-Salem
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a popular place for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Acadia National Park is a good national park for couples to visit. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Winston-Salem
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a popular place for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.


Is Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park Better for Students?

Winston-Salem
Acadia National Park

Winston-Salem is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Acadia National Park is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Winston-Salem. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Acadia National Park is not popular with students.

Is Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Winston-Salem
Acadia National Park

Both Winston-Salem and Acadia National Park offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

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

Is Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem
Acadia National Park

Winston-Salem and Acadia National Park both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Winston-Salem is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

Acadia National Park is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acadia National Park or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Winston-Salem 1-2 
    Acadia National Park 1-3

One day in Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Acadia National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park?

Winston-Salem 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acadia National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park?

Many people visit Winston-Salem for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Winston-Salem. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Acadia National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.


A week in Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park?

The friendly destination of Winston-Salem offers nightlife and food. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find around the beautiful national park of Acadia National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Acadia National Park or Winston-Salem?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Winston-Salem is $150, 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 Winston-Salem and Acadia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Winston-Salem $91
    Acadia National Park $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Winston-Salem $182
    Acadia National Park $192
Compare Hotels in Winston-Salem and Acadia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem


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: Winston-Salem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Winston-Salem $23
    Acadia National Park $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park?

Prices for flights to both Acadia National Park and Winston-Salem 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
    Winston-Salem $42
    Acadia National Park $45

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.
    Winston-Salem $20
    Acadia National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Winston-Salem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Winston-Salem are as follows:

  • Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour: $26
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winston-Salem by Wacky Walks: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Winston-Salem $24
    Acadia National Park $11


When comparing the travel costs between Winston-Salem and Acadia National Park, we can see that Acadia National Park 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 Winston-Salem Expensive? and Is Acadia National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park in the Summer?

Both Acadia National Park and Winston-Salem during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Winston-Salem is a little warmer than Acadia National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in July than Acadia National Park. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Winston-Salem 81°F (27°C) 
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Acadia National Park. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Winston-Salem is much warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Winston-Salem in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In October, Winston-Salem usually receives less rain than Acadia National Park. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Winston-Salem 62°F (17°C) 
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Acadia National Park. Most visitors come to Winston-Salem for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Acadia National Park can be very cold. Winston-Salem can be very cold during winter. In January, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 40°F (4°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Winston-Salem usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Acadia National Park. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Winston-Salem 40°F (4°C) 
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Acadia National Park in the Spring?

Both Acadia National Park and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year.

Winston-Salem is much warmer than Acadia National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Winston-Salem usually receives around the same amount of rain as Acadia National Park. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Winston-Salem 61°F (16°C) 
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Acadia National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)