A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Acadia National Park vs. Death Valley National Park for Backpackers, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Acadia National Park or Death Valley 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.

Acadia National Park

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

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. Death Valley National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • 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


Is there more to do in Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Acadia National Park. Although Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park are popular destinations, Acadia National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Acadia National Park is very popular for its beaches, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its resorts and impressive beauty. Acadia National Park is famous for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. It is also well known for Cadillac Mountain. Death Valley National Park is famous for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is Acadia National Park different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Death Valley National Park and Acadia National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park?

Acadia National Park
Death Valley National Park

You'll find a number of reasonable museums and attractions in both Death Valley National Park and Acadia National Park.

While most people don't head to Acadia National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.

Death Valley National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.


Is the Food Better in Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acadia National Park
Death Valley National Park

Foodies will find both Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park both to be reasonable destinations.

Acadia National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Acadia National Park
Death Valley National Park

Neither Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park offer decent nightlife.

Acadia National Park doesn't offer many options. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Death Valley National Park. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Acadia National Park
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Death Valley National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park
Death Valley National Park

Acadia National Park is very good for the beach. However, Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Acadia National Park to enjoy the beach. 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park
Death Valley National Park

Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park are both places where visitors can find excellent hiking trails.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Acadia National Park. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Death Valley National Park. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park?

Acadia National Park
Death Valley National Park

Neither Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park offer decent shopping options.

Shopping in Acadia National Park can be found for those interested. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.

Death Valley National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.


Is Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park More Beautiful?

Acadia National Park
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Death Valley National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The striking desert setting offers stunning beauty and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is at its most beautiful when the sun is low during sunrise and sunset.

Acadia National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The dramatic ocean views and beautiful hiking trails make this a popular and scenic national park.

Is Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Acadia National Park
Death Valley National Park

Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Acadia National Park. 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.

Death Valley National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Is Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Acadia National Park
Death Valley National Park

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

Death Valley National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

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


Is Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acadia National Park
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Death Valley National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Acadia National Park is a good national park to visit for backpackers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

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

Acadia National Park
Death Valley National Park

Acadia National Park is a moderate national park for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Acadia National Park
Death Valley National Park

Acadia National Park is a moderate national park for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

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.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable national park. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.


For even more information, also check out Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Acadia National Park?

How long in Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Death Valley National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Acadia National Park, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Death Valley National Park than Acadia 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 Death Valley National Park.


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

One day in Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park?

In Acadia National Park, many people enjoy the that this scenic destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Death Valley 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. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park?

In Acadia National Park, many people enjoy the that this beautiful destination offers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Death Valley National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Acadia National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This national park offers something for everyone.

Many people visit Death Valley National Park for five days. You'll find around the beautiful national park of Death Valley National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful national park of Acadia National Park. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The vast destination of Death Valley National Park offers . Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Death Valley National Park or Acadia National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Acadia National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Death Valley National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Acadia National Park $206
    Death Valley National Park $101

The average daily cost (per person) in Acadia National Park is $206, while the average daily cost in Death Valley National Park is $101. 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 Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acadia National Park $96
    Death Valley National Park $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acadia National Park $192
    Death Valley National Park $74
Compare Hotels in Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park

Looking for a hotel in Acadia National Park or Death Valley 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 Acadia National Park


Hotels in Death Valley 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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acadia National Park $46
    Death Valley National Park $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Acadia National Park or Death Valley National Park?

Prices for flights to both Death Valley National Park and Acadia National Park 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
    Acadia National Park $78
    Death Valley National Park $35
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.
    Acadia National Park $33
    Death Valley National Park $36

Tours and Activities in Death Valley National Park

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

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Death Valley National Park: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acadia National Park $11
    Death Valley National Park $8.57


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

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


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