A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Acadia National Park vs. Flagstaff for Hiking, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Flagstaff?

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 Flagstaff, 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.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a adventurous , picturesque, and active city. Flagstaff offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Flagstaff travel costs.

Acadia National Park and Flagstaff: Pros and Cons

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 food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Acadia National Park or Flagstaff?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Flagstaff. Although Acadia National Park and Flagstaff are popular destinations, Flagstaff has more sights and attractions for tourists. Flagstaff is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Acadia National Park attracts visitors for its beaches and impressive beauty. Acadia National Park is famous for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Flagstaff is famous for its nearby craters and volcanic caves as well as its location along the historic Route 66. It is also well known for Walnut Canyon National Monument.

How is Acadia National Park different from Flagstaff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff?

Acadia National Park
Flagstaff

Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff. Lowell Observatory is a highlight for many visitors, especially those who are fascinated by space. There's also the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Pioneer Museum, and Fort Tuthill Military History Museum.

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 Acadia National Park or Flagstaff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acadia National Park
Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Flagstaff has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene is diverse and growing. There's a focus on local recipes and ingredients. You'll also find many casual and family-friendly restaurants. American cuisine is common, but you'll also find burritos, Indian curries, and frittatas.

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 Acadia National Park or Flagstaff Better for Nightlife?

Acadia National Park
Flagstaff

Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff. You'll find a range of bars and cocktail lounges around town that come to life in the evening hours.

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

Is Acadia National Park or Flagstaff Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park
Flagstaff

Acadia National Park is a national park with good options for the beach. However, Flagstaff is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Acadia National Park. 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.

Flagstaff is not a beach destination.


Is Acadia National Park or Flagstaff Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park
Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Flagstaff draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Nearby you'll find world class hikes through surreal landscapes and diverse environments. The area is filled with desert landscapes and varied rock formations that are best explored on foot. Trails range in length and skill level, but whatever your ability, the hiking in the area is among the best.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Flagstaff?

Acadia National Park
Flagstaff

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

Flagstaff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Located along historic Route 66, you'll find many shops that capture the city's history, particularly in the Southside Historic District. The town also has farmer's markets as well as shopping centers and large malls.

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

Is Acadia National Park or Flagstaff More Beautiful?

Acadia National Park
Flagstaff

Acadia National Park is well known for its scenery and beauty. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Acadia National Park attracts visitors from all around. The dramatic ocean views and beautiful hiking trails make this a popular and scenic national park.

Flagstaff is a gorgeous place to visit. While the city itself isn't exactly beautiful, the surrounding landscapes are surreal and truly unique.


Is Acadia National Park or Flagstaff Better for Families?

Acadia National Park
Flagstaff

Acadia National Park and Flagstaff are both high quality 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.

Flagstaff is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with outdoor activities for kids like ropes courses and adventure parks. Kids will also enjoy climbing around the Lava River Cave, visiting Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, or hiking through the many diverse landscapes in the area. There are also museums that educate visitors on the city's history as well as Lowell Observatory, which will intrigue all the space enthusiasts among us.

Is Acadia National Park or Flagstaff Better for Couples?

Acadia National Park
Flagstaff

Acadia National Park and Flagstaff are both nice to visit as a couple.

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.

Flagstaff is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and outdoor adventure sports make this city a good destination for couples who enjoy active living. There are many parks that you can visit as well as hiking trails and unique natural settings.

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

Acadia National Park
Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Flagstaff. There are campgrounds nearby as well as tons of nature parks and countless hiking trails in the area.

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 Flagstaff Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Acadia National Park
Flagstaff

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Acadia National Park and Flagstaff.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Flagstaff. The Mountain Line offers eight routes through town.

Is Acadia National Park or Flagstaff a more walkable city?

Acadia National Park
Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Flagstaff is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown is compact and walkable, but you'll really want to have a car to explore the nearby hiking trails and natural areas.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Flagstaff or Acadia National Park?

How long in Acadia National Park or Flagstaff?

It's fun to spend time in either Acadia National Park or Flagstaff. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff.


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

One day in Acadia National Park or Flagstaff?

You'll find around the national park of Acadia National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Acadia National Park has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Flagstaff. 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 Flagstaff?

You'll find around the beautiful destination of Acadia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.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.

Flagstaff 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Acadia National Park or Flagstaff?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful national park of Acadia National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people visit Flagstaff for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Flagstaff. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Flagstaff?

Acadia National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The active destination of Flagstaff offers nightlife and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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, Flagstaff 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
    Flagstaff Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Acadia National Park $206
    Flagstaff $207

The average daily cost (per person) in Acadia National Park is $206, while the average daily cost in Flagstaff is $207. 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 Flagstaff in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acadia National Park $96
    Flagstaff $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acadia National Park $192
    Flagstaff $172
Compare Hotels in Acadia National Park and Flagstaff

Looking for a hotel in Acadia National Park or Flagstaff? 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 Flagstaff


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: Flagstaff Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acadia National Park $46
    Flagstaff $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Acadia National Park or Flagstaff?

Prices for flights to both Flagstaff 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
    Flagstaff $95
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
    Flagstaff $28

Tours and Activities in Flagstaff

Here are a few actual costs in Flagstaff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Arizona: Grand Canyon National Park Tour with Lunch & Pickup: $245
  • Comprehensive Grand Canyon Tour from Flagstaff: $209
  • Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Tour: $28
  • Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Walking Tour: $28
  • Family-Friendly Ghost Walking Tour in Flagstaff: $30
  • Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course-Adult Course: $65
  • Flagstaff Segway Tour: $129
  • Flagstaff Underground: Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Flagstaff's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Walking Tour : $7.75
  • Adults-Only Haunted Walking Tour: $35
  • Family Friendly Haunted Walking Tour: $30
  • Grand Canyon, Wupatki & Volcano Christian Tour: $209

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acadia National Park $11
    Flagstaff $29

Sample the Local Flavors in Flagstaff

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Flagstaff:

  • Spirits With The Spirits, Haunted Pub Crawl: $50
  • Spirits With The Spirits, Haunted Pub Crawl Of Downtown Flagstaff: $60


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