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

Should you visit Charlotte or Olympic National Park?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Olympic National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a growing, evolving, and up-and-coming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Charlotte 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. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums. See Olympic National Park travel costs.

Charlotte and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • 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 popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Charlotte. Although Charlotte and Olympic National Park are both popular with visitors, Charlotte has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Charlotte is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Olympic National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Olympic National Park is more touristy than Charlotte and is popular for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. Charlotte is popular for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. It is also home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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

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

Charlotte
Olympic National Park

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Olympic National Park and Charlotte.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlotte. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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 Charlotte or Olympic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charlotte
Olympic National Park

Charlotte 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 Charlotte. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

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 Charlotte or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Charlotte
Olympic National Park

Charlotte is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlotte. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

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

Is Charlotte or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Charlotte
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is great for its luxury resorts. However, Charlotte is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Olympic National Park. 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.

Charlotte is not a resort destination.


Is Charlotte or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Charlotte
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is terrific for hiking. However, Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Olympic National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Olympic National Park?

Charlotte
Olympic National Park

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

Charlotte offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

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 Charlotte or Olympic National Park More Beautiful?

Charlotte
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Charlotte or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Charlotte
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Olympic National Park. 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.

Charlotte is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Is Charlotte or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Charlotte
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is great for couples. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Olympic National Park is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Charlotte is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

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

Charlotte
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlotte is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Olympic National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Charlotte is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a backpacker destination, there are some cheaper motels that budget travelers can stay at.


Is Charlotte or Olympic National Park Better for Students?

Charlotte
Olympic National Park

Charlotte is a popular place for students. However, Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

Charlotte is a good city to visit for students. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

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

Charlotte
Olympic National Park

Charlotte 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.

Charlotte has a few public transit options. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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 Charlotte or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Charlotte
Olympic National Park

Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is a somewhat walkable place. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Charlotte Worth Visiting? and Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Charlotte or Olympic National Park?

In either Charlotte 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 Charlotte because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlotte, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

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


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

One day in Charlotte or Olympic National Park?

In Charlotte, 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 Charlotte, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find museums around the park of Olympic National Park. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Charlotte or Olympic National Park?

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

You'll find museums around the pristine destination of Olympic National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Charlotte or Olympic National Park?

Charlotte 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.

You'll find museums around the vast park of Olympic National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this park makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer.


A week in Charlotte or Olympic National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the evolving destination of Charlotte. 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.

Olympic National Park is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.


Which place is cheaper, Olympic National Park or Charlotte?

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

  • Charlotte Prices
    USA Prices
    Olympic National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Charlotte $225
    Olympic National Park $150

The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $225, 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 Charlotte and Olympic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlotte $118
    Olympic National Park $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlotte $236
    Olympic National Park $98
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Charlotte 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 Charlotte


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: Charlotte Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlotte $33
    Olympic National Park $68

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

Prices for flights to both Olympic National Park and Charlotte 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
    Charlotte $80
    Olympic National Park $61
Typical Food Prices in Charlotte

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charlotte $43
    Olympic National Park $26

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

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

  • Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours: $24

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
    Charlotte $20
    Olympic National Park $5.57


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



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

Both Olympic National Park and Charlotte during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Charlotte is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 81°F (27°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In Olympic National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the summer, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually gets more rain in July than Olympic National Park. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C) 
    Olympic National Park 60°F (15°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Olympic National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year.

Charlotte is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during autumn. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 113 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Olympic National Park 51°F (10°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Olympic National Park. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Olympic National Park. In the winter, Charlotte is a little warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charlotte in January average around 42°F (6°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 41°F (5°C).

In the winter, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 56 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Charlotte usually gets less rain in January than Olympic National Park. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C) 
    Olympic National Park 41°F (5°C)

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

Both Olympic National Park and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Charlotte is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during spring. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. In April, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Olympic National Park 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Charlotte

Charlotte Olympic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 41°F (5°C) 13.7 inches (349 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 43°F (6°C) 12.2 inches (311 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 44°F (7°C) 11.6 inches (294 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 47°F (8°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
May 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 52°F (11°C) 5.6 inches (142 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 58°F (14°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 51°F (10°C) 10.4 inches (263 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 45°F (7°C) 14 inches (355 mm)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 41°F (5°C) 15 inches (380 mm)