A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Zion National Park vs. Olympic National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Zion National Park 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 Zion National Park 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.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a breathtaking, stunning, and world-renowned park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking.

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. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Zion National Park and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zion National Park. Although Zion National Park and Olympic National Park are popular destinations, Zion National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zion National Park is very popular for its impressive beauty, while Olympic National Park attracts visitors for its museums, food, resorts, and shopping. Zion National Park is more touristy than Olympic National Park and is known for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing. It is also well known for Angels Landing. Olympic National Park is famous for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

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

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

Olympic National Park is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Olympic National Park is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Zion National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.

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

Olympic National Park is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Olympic National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Zion National Park. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

Is Zion National Park or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Zion National Park or Olympic National Park offer decent nightlife.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Zion National Park. Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Olympic National Park You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Is Zion National Park or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park is well known for its resorts. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its luxury 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.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Zion National Park offers a few options. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

Is Zion National Park or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Zion National Park and Olympic National Park are both places where visitors can find fantastic hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Zion National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

Around Olympic National Park visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Zion National Park or Olympic National Park?

Olympic National Park is a park with a few options for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Olympic National Park is a good destination for shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Is Zion National Park or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

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

Zion National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Olympic National Park is very family-friendly. 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 Zion National Park or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Zion National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

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.

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

Zion National Park and Olympic National Park are fantastic places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zion National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

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.

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

Zion National Park is a popular place for its public transit. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for times when you don't have a car.

Zion National Park has a few public transit options. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

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.

Is Zion National Park or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Zion National Park or Olympic National Park are walkable places.

Zion National Park is not a walkable park. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

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

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

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

How long in Zion National Park or Olympic National Park?

In either Zion National Park or Olympic National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Zion National Park than Olympic National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Zion National Park, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

Families should spend more time in Olympic National Park than Zion National Park. 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 Zion National Park. 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 Zion 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 Olympic National Park.

One day in Zion National Park or Olympic National Park?

In Zion National Park, you'll find . Hikers are also drawn to this area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the stunning destination of Olympic National Park. This park offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Zion National Park or Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zion National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the pristine park of Olympic National Park. Most people visit for the hiking. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Olympic National Park has to offer.

Five days in Zion National Park or Olympic National Park?

Zion National Park is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Olympic National Park. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the hiking. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Olympic National Park has to offer.

A week in Zion National Park or Olympic National Park?

In Zion National Park, you'll find . It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer.

Olympic National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

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