A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Olympic National Park for Backpackers, Resorts, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Atlantic City or Olympic National Park?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Atlantic City and Olympic National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a glitzy, flashy, and party-oriented city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a vast, pristine, and stunning park. Olympic National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking and museums. See Olympic National Park travel costs.

Atlantic City and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Olympic National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Atlantic City. Although Atlantic City and Olympic National Park are popular destinations, Atlantic City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Atlantic City is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Olympic National Park attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Atlantic City is more touristy than Olympic National Park and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality It is also well known for Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. Olympic National Park is famous for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

How is Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Atlantic City
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.


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

Atlantic City
Olympic National Park

Atlantic City is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Atlantic City. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

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

Is Atlantic City or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City
Olympic National Park

Atlantic City is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

Atlantic City is a world class party destination. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

Olympic National Park doesn't offer many options. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Is Atlantic City or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City
Olympic National Park

There are superb resorts to choose from in both Atlantic City and Olympic National Park.

There are plenty of resorts in Atlantic City to choose from. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Olympic National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.


Is Atlantic City or Olympic National Park Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City
Olympic National Park

Atlantic City is a popular place for the beach. However, Olympic National Park is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Olympic National Park is not a beach destination. The park has a rugged coastline with sandy beaches. Many people enjoy exploring the tidal pools or watching the sun set. Some of the best beaches include Kalaloch Beach, Beach 4, and Ruby Beach.

Is Atlantic City or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Atlantic City
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Olympic National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Olympic National Park?

Atlantic City
Olympic National Park

Atlantic City is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

Atlantic City offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Olympic National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.


Is Atlantic City or Olympic National Park More Beautiful?

Atlantic City
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Olympic National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The diversity of landscapes give the park a unique beauty. You can explore old growth rainforests, wander down pristine beaches, or take in the stunning mountain views.

Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Atlantic City or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Atlantic City
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Olympic National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Atlantic City or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Atlantic City
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is well known for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Olympic National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.


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

Atlantic City
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Olympic National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

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

Atlantic City
Olympic National Park

Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City has a few public transit options. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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 Atlantic City or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Atlantic City
Olympic National Park

Atlantic City is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

Atlantic City is a very walkable city. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Olympic National Park or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Olympic National Park?

In either Atlantic City or Olympic National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Olympic National Park than Atlantic City because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

Families should spend more time in Olympic National Park than Atlantic City. 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.


  • How many days in Atlantic City or Olympic National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Atlantic City 1-3 
    Olympic National Park 2-5

One day in Atlantic City or Olympic National Park?

In Atlantic City, you'll find food and shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlantic City, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the vast destination of Olympic National Park. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Atlantic City or Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlantic City. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Olympic National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Atlantic City or Olympic National Park?

Atlantic City is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the pristine destination of Olympic National Park. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A week in Atlantic City or Olympic National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the party-oriented destination of Atlantic City. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums around the beautiful park of Olympic National Park. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Olympic National Park or Atlantic City?

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

  • Atlantic City Prices
    USA Prices
    Olympic National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Atlantic City $190
    Olympic National Park $150

The average daily cost (per person) in Atlantic City is $190, while the average daily cost in Olympic National Park is $150. 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 Atlantic City and Olympic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atlantic City $73
    Olympic National Park $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atlantic City $146
    Olympic National Park $98
Compare Hotels in Atlantic City and Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Atlantic City or Olympic 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 Atlantic City


Hotels in Olympic 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: Atlantic City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atlantic City $40
    Olympic National Park $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Atlantic City or Olympic National Park?

Prices for flights to both Olympic National Park and Atlantic City 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
    Atlantic City $86
    Olympic National Park $61

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Atlantic City $44
    Olympic National Park $26

Tours and Activities in Atlantic City

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

  • Atlantic City Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $29
  • Aces to Ashes: Apparitions of Atlantic City Boardwalk Ghost Tour: $31
  • EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City, MD: $35
  • OC Bay Hopper - Sunset Cruise: $35
  • OC Bay Hopper - Assateague Island Cruise: $35
  • 1 Hour Private Escape Room Experience in Ocean City: $36
  • 1-Hour Sea Rocket Sunset & OC Harbor Cruise in Ocean City, MD: $38
  • 45-Minute Sea Rocket Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City MD: $40
  • OC Bay Hopper Sunset Cruise Departs Downtown OC: $40
  • Assateague Horses, Herons and Happy Hour Cruise: $40
  • Ocean City Bay Hopper - Greene Turtle Lunch Cruise: $45
  • OC Bay Hopper - Happy Hour Cruise: $45

Tours and Activities in Olympic National Park

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atlantic City $39
    Olympic National Park $5.57


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

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



When is the best time to visit Atlantic City or Olympic National Park?

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 Atlantic City or Olympic National Park in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Atlantic City is much warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlantic City in July average around 75°F (24°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 60°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Olympic National Park this time of the year. In Atlantic City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during summer. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun in the summer.

Atlantic City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Olympic National Park. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Atlantic City 75°F (24°C) 
    Olympic National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Olympic National Park in the Autumn?

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

In October, Atlantic City is generally a little warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 56°F (13°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In the autumn, Atlantic City often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 113 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Atlantic City usually gets less rain in October than Olympic National Park. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Atlantic City 56°F (13°C) 
    Olympic National Park 51°F (10°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Olympic National Park in the Winter?

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

Olympic National Park can be very cold during winter. Atlantic City can get quite cold in the winter. Atlantic City is much colder than Olympic National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

Atlantic City usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during winter. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. In January, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Atlantic City 31°F (-0°C) 
    Olympic National Park 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Olympic National Park in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Atlantic City is a little warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlantic City in April average around 51°F (10°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 47°F (8°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the spring, Atlantic City often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 148 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Atlantic City usually gets less rain in April than Olympic National Park. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Atlantic City 51°F (10°C) 
    Olympic National Park 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Atlantic City

Atlantic City Olympic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 41°F (5°C) 13.7 inches (349 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 43°F (6°C) 12.2 inches (311 mm)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 44°F (7°C) 11.6 inches (294 mm)
Apr 51°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 47°F (8°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
May 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 52°F (11°C) 5.6 inches (142 mm)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Aug 74°F (23°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 67°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 58°F (14°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 51°F (10°C) 10.4 inches (263 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 45°F (7°C) 14 inches (355 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 41°F (5°C) 15 inches (380 mm)


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