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

Should you visit Austin or Acadia National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Acadia 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.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. Austin is beautiful destination to visit. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Austin travel costs.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a picturesque, beautiful, and scenic national park. Acadia National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches and hiking. See Acadia National Park travel costs.

Austin and Acadia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less charming
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • 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 museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Austin than Acadia National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Austin is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Acadia National Park is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Acadia National Park is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Also, Austin is famous for The Texas Capital.

How is Austin different from Acadia National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Austin
Acadia National Park

Austin is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Austin can be an interesting and educational experience. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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

Austin
Acadia National Park

Austin 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, Austin is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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 Austin or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Austin
Acadia National Park

Austin is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

People head to Austin just to party. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

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

Is Austin or Acadia National Park Better for Music?

Austin
Acadia National Park

Austin is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Acadia National Park is not a live music destination.

Austin has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Acadia National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Austin or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

Austin
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

Acadia National Park has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Austin or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

Austin
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for hiking.

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.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Acadia National Park?

Austin
Acadia National Park

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

Austin has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

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


Is Austin or Acadia National Park More Beautiful?

Austin
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its scenery and 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.

Austin is beautiful destination to visit. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Is Austin or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

Austin
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Austin or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

Austin
Acadia National Park

Austin and Acadia National Park are both notable to visit as a couple.

Austin is a nice destination for couples. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Acadia National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.


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

Austin
Acadia National Park

Austin 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 Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

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

Is Austin or Acadia National Park Better for Students?

Austin
Acadia National Park

Austin is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Acadia National Park is not popular with students.

Austin is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Acadia National Park is not popular with students.

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

Austin
Acadia National Park

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Austin and Acadia National Park.

Public transit is generally limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

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


Is Austin or Acadia National Park a more walkable city?

Austin
Acadia National Park

Austin and Acadia National Park both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Austin is generally not very walkable. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

Acadia National Park is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Austin Worth Visiting? and Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Austin or Acadia National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Austin and Acadia National Park. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Austin than Acadia National Park. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Austin, and 1-3 days is enough time in Acadia National Park.

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

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


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

One day in Austin or Acadia National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Austin. 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.

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.

A weekend in Austin or Acadia National Park?

Austin is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

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.


Five days in Austin or Acadia National Park?

Many people visit Austin for five days. You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Austin. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

A week in Austin or Acadia National Park?

The unconventional destination of Austin offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the scenic 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.


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, Acadia National Park or Austin?

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

  • Austin Prices
    USA Prices
    Acadia National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Austin $167
    Acadia National Park $206

The average daily cost (per person) in Austin is $167, while the average daily cost in Acadia National Park is $206. 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 Austin and Acadia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Austin $56
    Acadia National Park $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Austin $112
    Acadia National Park $192
Compare Hotels in Austin and Acadia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Austin or Acadia 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 Austin


Hotels in Acadia 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: Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Austin $47
    Acadia National Park $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Private Transfer in a Luxury Vehicle to and/or from AUS Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer Austin Airport AUS to Austin City: $100
  • Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $242
  • AUS Airport Private Transfer to Austin(downtown): $70

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

Prices for flights to both Acadia National Park and Austin 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
    Austin $60
    Acadia National Park $78

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.

  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Austin: $75
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Tap Room in Austin: $75
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Tap Room: $75
  • Street Art and Street Food Tour: $85
  • Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Austin South Congress Food Tour +6 Tastings, Local BBQ & Sweets: $99
  • Austin Taco Tasting Walking Food Tour (Small Group): $99
  • Downtown Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Local Flavors: $104
  • South Congress District Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $115
  • Austin Small-Group BBQ Walking Food Tour: $129

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.
    Austin $28
    Acadia National Park $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin

Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Austin Duck Tour
    $31

Tours and Activities in Austin

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

  • Austin's Best Speakeasies 3-Hour Guided Tour: $50
  • 1 Hour Private Electric Duffy Cruise on Lake Austin: $200
  • 1 Hour Private Electric Duffy Cruise on Lake Austin: $200
  • 3D Printer Factory Tour plus 2 ft Tall Rocket!: $22
  • Austin Aquarium Entry Ticket: $31
  • Austin Art & Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
  • Austin Art and Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
  • Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $85
  • Austin E-Bike Brunch Tour : $118
  • Austin E-Bike Tour: $75
  • Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $54
  • Austin Good Vibes E-Bike Tours: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Austin $28
    Acadia National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

  • Austin’s Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Austin Bar Crawl: Austin's 6th Street Bar Crawl: $43
  • Austin 6th Street Bar Crawl | The Epic Group: $43
  • Public Party Bike Pub Crawl Tour in Austin: $54
  • East Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab: $65
  • At-Home Private Wine or NA Wine Tasting Experience in Austin: $75
  • Street Art and Brewery Bike Tour: $77
  • 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
  • Brewery Tour with Live Music and Beer Tastings: $130
  • Brewery 5K Fun Run, BBQ, and Texas History Museum in Austin : $175


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Austin and Acadia National Park, we can see that Acadia National Park is more expensive. And not only is Austin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Austin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Austin 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 Austin.

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



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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

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

The summer brings many poeple to Austin as well as Acadia National Park. The summer months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year.

In July, Austin is generally a little warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 87°F (30°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Austin usually gets less rain in July than Acadia National Park. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Austin 87°F (30°C) 
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C)

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

Both Acadia National Park and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Austin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Austin is much warmer than Acadia National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 73°F (23°C) in October, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Austin usually receives less rain than Acadia National Park. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Austin 73°F (23°C) 
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C)

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

Both Acadia National Park and Austin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Acadia National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Austin is much warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Austin in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

Austin usually gets less rain in January than Acadia National Park. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Austin 51°F (11°C) 
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Acadia National Park. Many visitors come to Austin in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Austin is generally much warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 71°F (22°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Austin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Acadia National Park. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Austin 71°F (22°C) 
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and Austin

Austin Acadia National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)