A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bangor vs. Olympic National Park for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Bangor or Olympic National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangor and Olympic National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bangor

Bangor is a welcoming, friendly, and laid back town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Bangor travel costs.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a stunning, vast, and pristine park. With stunning beauty, Olympic National Park attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums. See Olympic National Park travel costs.

Bangor and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • 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 walkable


Is there more to do in Bangor or Olympic National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Olympic National Park. Although Bangor and Olympic National Park are both popular with visitors, Olympic National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Olympic National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bangor is known for its food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Olympic National Park is more touristy than Bangor and is known for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. It is also home to the Hoh Rain Forest. Bangor is popular for its history as a lumber town.

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

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

Bangor
Olympic National Park

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Bangor or Olympic National Park.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bangor. There are a couple of museums around town that focus on culture and daily life in Maine.

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.


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

Bangor
Olympic National Park

Bangor 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 Bangor. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

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 Bangor or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Bangor
Olympic National Park

Bangor is a moderate town for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

Most people don't head to Bangor specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

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

Is Bangor or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Bangor
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Bangor is not a resort destination.

In Olympic National Park, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Bangor is not a resort destination.


Is Bangor or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Bangor
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is an amazing park to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Around Olympic National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangor or Olympic National Park?

Bangor
Olympic National Park

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

Bangor offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

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 Bangor or Olympic National Park More Beautiful?

Bangor
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Bangor is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Olympic National Park attracts visitors from all around. 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.

Bangor is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Bangor or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Bangor
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Olympic National Park is known to be 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.

Bangor is a family-friendly town. You'll find a number of parks and walking trails nearby. There's also fruit picking and playgrounds to explore.

Is Bangor or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Bangor
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a well-known place for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Olympic National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Bangor is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are local restaurants and several museums in town that couples will enjoy.

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

Bangor
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers. However, Bangor is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Olympic National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Bangor is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Budget accommodation is available, but most backpackers don't think the visit here.


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

Bangor
Olympic National Park

Both Bangor and Olympic National Park offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Bangor. There's a bus system, but visitors usually use their own car to get around.

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 Bangor or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Bangor
Olympic National Park

Bangor is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

Bangor is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Olympic National Park or Bangor?

How long in Bangor or Olympic National Park?

In either Bangor 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 Bangor because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Bangor, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

Families should spend more time in Olympic National Park than Bangor. 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Olympic National Park than Bangor 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 Olympic National Park.


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

One day in Bangor or Olympic National Park?

In Bangor, you'll find shopping and museums. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangor, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Olympic National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Bangor or Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangor. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town. It offers something for everyone.

Olympic National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Bangor or Olympic National Park?

Bangor is a fun place to experience. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Olympic National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Bangor or Olympic National Park?

You'll find shopping and museums around the friendly destination of Bangor. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the vast destination of Olympic National Park. This 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 Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Olympic National Park or Bangor?

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

  • Bangor Prices
    USA Prices
    Olympic National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Bangor $237
    Olympic National Park $150

The average daily cost (per person) in Bangor is $237, 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 Bangor and Olympic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangor $114
    Olympic National Park $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangor $228
    Olympic National Park $98
Compare Hotels in Bangor and Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Bangor 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 Bangor


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: Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangor $36
    Olympic National Park $68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $210
  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $210

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangor or Olympic National Park?

Prices for flights to both Olympic National Park and Bangor 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
    Bangor $93
    Olympic National Park $61

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangor $45
    Olympic National Park $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bangor are as follows:


  • Children's Museum (for 4)
    $32

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
    Bangor $23
    Olympic National Park $5.57


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangor and Olympic National Park, we can see that Bangor 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 Bangor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangor 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 Bangor Expensive? and Is Olympic National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Bangor 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 Bangor or Olympic National Park in the Summer?

Both Olympic National Park and Bangor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bangor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bangor is generally a little warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Bangor average around 69°F (21°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In July, Bangor usually receives more rain than Olympic National Park. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bangor 69°F (21°C) 
    Olympic National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Bangor or Olympic National Park in the Autumn?

Both Olympic National Park and Bangor during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bangor in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bangor is cooler than Olympic National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangor averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bangor usually gets less rain in October than Olympic National Park. Bangor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bangor 48°F (9°C) 
    Olympic National Park 51°F (10°C)

Should I visit Bangor or Olympic National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangor and Olympic National Park. Most visitors come to Bangor for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Olympic National Park can be very cold. Bangor can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bangor is much colder than Olympic National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangor in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 41°F (5°C).

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Bangor usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Bangor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C) 
    Olympic National Park 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Bangor or Olympic National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bangor as well as Olympic National Park. The spring months attract visitors to Bangor because of the small town charm. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year.

In April, Bangor is generally cooler than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Bangor average around 43°F (6°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Bangor usually gets less rain in April than Olympic National Park. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bangor 43°F (6°C) 
    Olympic National Park 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Bangor

Bangor Olympic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 41°F (5°C) 13.7 inches (349 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 43°F (6°C) 12.2 inches (311 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 44°F (7°C) 11.6 inches (294 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 47°F (8°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 52°F (11°C) 5.6 inches (142 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 58°F (14°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 51°F (10°C) 10.4 inches (263 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 45°F (7°C) 14 inches (355 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 41°F (5°C) 15 inches (380 mm)


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