A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Acadia National Park vs. Sonoma for Food, Couples, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Sonoma?

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 Sonoma, 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. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking. See Acadia National Park travel costs.

Sonoma

Sonoma is a scenic, serene, and relaxing county. Sonoma is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Sonoma travel costs.

Acadia National Park and Sonoma: Pros and Cons

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


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sonoma. Although Acadia National Park and Sonoma are popular destinations, Sonoma has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sonoma is more touristy than Acadia National Park and is known for its world-class winemaking and sustainable agriculture. It is also well known for Buena Vista Winery. Acadia National Park is famous for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter.

How is Acadia National Park different from Sonoma?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Acadia National Park
Sonoma

You'll find a number of reasonable museums and attractions in both Sonoma 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.

Sonoma offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't think of museums when they think of Sonoma, there are actually some interesting local options. The California Indian Museum, the Cotati Museum, and the Depot Park Museum are also local are fascinating.


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

Acadia National Park
Sonoma

Sonoma is a world-class destination for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Sonoma is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Although wine may be the first thing you think about, the region is also filled with farm-to-table restaurants and award-winning dining options. The food is almost always fresh and local. You can sample many local ingredients such as vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, and fish.

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 Sonoma Better for Nightlife?

Acadia National Park
Sonoma

Sonoma is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Sonoma has a large number of nightlife venues. Lounges, wine bars, and live music venues offer a variety of activities for visitors during 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 Sonoma Better for Resorts?

Acadia National Park
Sonoma

Sonoma is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

Sonoma is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Spa hotels, charming inns, and beautiful resorts all offer a variety of options for visitors.

Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Acadia National Park or Sonoma Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park
Sonoma

Sonoma is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Sonoma. The county has a coastline that includes several great beaches as well as rocky shoreline. The beaches include secluded coves and picturesque cliffs as well as sand dunes and sandy beaches.

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.

Is Acadia National Park or Sonoma Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park
Sonoma

Acadia National Park and Sonoma are both places where visitors can find high quality 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 Sonoma. In between wine tastings you can explore the area's stunning natural beauty. There are hikes through the vineyards, along the coast, or through forested parks. Some of the best hikes are found in Jack London State Historic Park, Sugarloaf State Park, and Armstrong Woods State Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Sonoma?

Acadia National Park
Sonoma

Sonoma is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Sonoma. You'll find a range of local vendors in the area, selling everything from jewelry to art, home decor, and olive oil.

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 Sonoma More Beautiful?

Acadia National Park
Sonoma

Sonoma 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.

Sonoma is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The lined vineyards are strikingly beautiful and the setting offers stunning viewpoints and a serene beauty.

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 Sonoma Better for Families?

Acadia National Park
Sonoma

Acadia National Park is a great national park for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sonoma is not as popular, but is still a nice county for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Sonoma is a family-friendly place to visit. While most people think immediately of wine tours, there's actually a lot more to Sonoma County. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in the area, which include beaches, parks, wildlife viewing, and more. There's also horseback riding and even ziplining opportunities.

Is Acadia National Park or Sonoma Better for Couples?

Acadia National Park
Sonoma

Sonoma is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Sonoma has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination for couples who come for the vineyards and wine tours. There are also charming hotels, award winning restaurants, and beautiful beaches.

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 Sonoma Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acadia National Park
Sonoma

Acadia National Park is a national park with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sonoma is not known for backpackers.

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.

Sonoma is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few budget hotel options in the area, but not much in the form of hostels.

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

Acadia National Park
Sonoma

Acadia National Park is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Sonoma is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Sonoma. While there are buses, they are almost never used by tourists. There is the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley which you should purchase tickets for in advance.

Is Acadia National Park or Sonoma a more walkable city?

Acadia National Park
Sonoma

Acadia National Park is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Sonoma is not known for its walkability.

Acadia National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.

Sonoma is not a walkable national park. You really must have a car to get around the area and explore it efficiently.


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

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

How long in Acadia National Park or Sonoma?

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

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

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


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

One day in Acadia National Park or Sonoma?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Acadia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Sonoma. 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 Sonoma?

Acadia National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sonoma is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this county has to offer. This county offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Acadia National Park or Sonoma?

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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people visit Sonoma for five days. You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful county of Sonoma. Don't miss the food, 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 Sonoma?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the picturesque destination of Acadia National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 serene destination of Sonoma 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 food, 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, Sonoma 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
    Sonoma Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Acadia National Park $206
    Sonoma $260

The average daily cost (per person) in Acadia National Park is $206, while the average daily cost in Sonoma is $260. 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 Sonoma in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acadia National Park $96
    Sonoma $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acadia National Park $192
    Sonoma $186
Compare Hotels in Acadia National Park and Sonoma

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


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: Sonoma Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acadia National Park $46
    Sonoma $134

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

Prices for flights to both Sonoma 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
    Sonoma $96
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
    Sonoma $16

Tours and Activities in Sonoma

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sonoma.

  • From Napa Valley Classic Sidecar Tour to 3 Wineries: $340
  • Sonoma Valley: Guided Winery Tour with Picnic Lunch: $137
  • Sonoma Valley: Wine Trolley Tasting Tour with Lunch: $135
  • Sonoma Plaza Walking Tour: $109

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acadia National Park $11
    Sonoma $41


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



When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park or Sonoma?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Sonoma in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Sonoma. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sonoma for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Acadia National Park is around the same temperature as Sonoma in the summer. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Sonoma fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In July, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C) 
    Sonoma 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Sonoma in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Sonoma. Many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Sonoma in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in October than Sonoma. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Sonoma in the Winter?

Both Sonoma and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Sonoma for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Acadia National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Acadia National Park is generally much colder than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 18°F (-8°C), and Sonoma fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

In January, Acadia National Park usually receives less rain than Sonoma. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C) 
    Sonoma 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Sonoma in the Spring?

Both Sonoma and Acadia National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sonoma because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Acadia National Park is much colder than Sonoma in the spring. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Sonoma fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in April than Sonoma. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C) 
    Sonoma 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park Sonoma
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)