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

Should you visit Dallas 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 Dallas and Olympic National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dallas

Dallas is a upscale, chic, and active 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 Dallas travel costs.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a pristine, stunning, and vast park. The beauty of Olympic National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking and museums. See Olympic National Park travel costs.

Dallas and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
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 food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dallas than Olympic National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dallas is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Olympic National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Olympic National Park is more touristy than Dallas and is known for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. Dallas is well known for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. Also, Dallas is famous for the Sixth Floor Museum.

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

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

Dallas
Olympic National Park

Dallas is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its museums and history.

Dallas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Olympic National Park. 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 Dallas or Olympic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dallas
Olympic National Park

Dallas is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Dallas. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

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 Dallas or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Dallas
Olympic National Park

Dallas is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

Dallas offers plenty to do in the evening. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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

Is Dallas or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Dallas
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is not a resort destination.


Is Dallas or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Dallas
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Olympic National Park?

Dallas
Olympic National Park

Dallas is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

Dallas is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

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 Dallas or Olympic National Park More Beautiful?

Dallas
Olympic National Park

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

The beauty of Olympic National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. 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.

Dallas is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Dallas or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Dallas
Olympic National Park

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Dallas or Olympic National Park.

Dallas is a very kid-friendly city. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

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.

Is Dallas or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Dallas
Olympic National Park

Both Dallas and Olympic National Park are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

Olympic National Park makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

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

Dallas
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is renowned for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Olympic National Park. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.


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

Dallas
Olympic National Park

Dallas 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.

Dallas has a few public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

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 Dallas or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Dallas
Olympic National Park

Dallas is a moderate city for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

Dallas is generally not very walkable. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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

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

How long in Dallas or Olympic National Park?

In either Dallas 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 Dallas because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dallas, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

Families should spend more time in Dallas than Olympic National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dallas, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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


  • How many days in Dallas or Olympic National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dallas 2-4 
    Olympic National Park 2-5

One day in Dallas or Olympic National Park?

In Dallas, you'll find shopping and museums. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Dallas or Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dallas. 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.

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 Dallas or Olympic National Park?

Dallas 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 Dallas or Olympic National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the upscale destination of Dallas. 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Olympic National Park or Dallas?

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

  • Dallas Prices
    USA Prices
    Olympic National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dallas $166
    Olympic National Park $150

The average daily cost (per person) in Dallas is $166, 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 Dallas and Olympic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dallas $84
    Olympic National Park $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dallas $168
    Olympic National Park $98
Compare Hotels in Dallas and Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Dallas 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 Dallas


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: Dallas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dallas $28
    Olympic National Park $68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Dallas Fort Worth Airport DFW: $47
  • Private Arrival Transfer from DFW Airport to Dallas: $47
  • Allen or Plano to Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Dallas to Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Dowtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • Departure Private Transfer Dowtown Dallas to Dallas Airport DAL Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • Dallas to Dallas Airport (DAL) - Departure Private Transfer: $90
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $92
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $109
  • One Way DFW Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $110
  • Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Business Car: $119
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $119

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

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

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • Downtown Dallas Walking Food Tour History and Cocktail Package : $25
  • Discover Downtown Dallas Food Tour with Food Tours of America: $95
  • Dallas Food Tour: 5 Epic Tastings in Deep Ellum: $99
  • Uptown Eats! Trolley Tour with Food Tours of America: $99
  • Downtown Dallas Holiday Lights Food Tour: $100
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $104
  • 5-course Walking Food Tour in Dallas : Cocktail package available: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dallas $13
    Olympic National Park $26

Tours and Activities in Dallas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dallas are as follows:

  • Sweet Tooth Hotel Dreamland: Immersive Art Experience: $15
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Irving by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Denton by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Plano by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Reunion Tower GeO-Deck General Admission Ticket: $21
  • Dallas Stars NHL Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $22
  • SEA LIFE Aquarium Grapevine Admission Ticket: $22
  • John F. Kennedy Trolley Tour in Dallas: $22
  • Dallas' Reunion Tower GeO-Deck Observation Ticket: $25
  • Dallas Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Sinister Strolls True Crime Walking Tour: $25
  • JFK Assassination Highlights Walking Tour: $27

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
    Dallas $12
    Olympic National Park $5.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Dallas Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • 1-Hour Distillery Tour & Tasting in Dallas: $40
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • DIY Candle Making Class at a Local Brewery in Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55


When comparing the travel costs between Dallas and Olympic National Park, we can see that Dallas is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



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

Both Olympic National Park and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dallas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Dallas is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 88°F (31°C) in July, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Olympic National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. Dallas usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during summer. Dallas gets 337 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dallas usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dallas 88°F (31°C) 
    Olympic National Park 60°F (15°C)

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

Both Olympic National Park and Dallas during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Dallas because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, 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.

In the autumn, Dallas is much warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dallas in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 51°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. In the autumn, Dallas often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Dallas gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 113 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dallas usually gets less rain in October than Olympic National Park. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dallas 69°F (21°C) 
    Olympic National Park 51°F (10°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and Olympic National Park. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dallas this time of year. Also, 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 January, Dallas is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 46°F (8°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

Dallas usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during winter. Dallas gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Dallas usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dallas 46°F (8°C) 
    Olympic National Park 41°F (5°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Dallas as well as Olympic National Park. Many travelers come to Dallas for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Dallas is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In the spring, Dallas often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Dallas gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Dallas usually gets less rain in April than Olympic National Park. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dallas 68°F (20°C) 
    Olympic National Park 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Dallas

Dallas Olympic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 41°F (5°C) 13.7 inches (349 mm)
Feb 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 43°F (6°C) 12.2 inches (311 mm)
Mar 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 44°F (7°C) 11.6 inches (294 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 47°F (8°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
May 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 52°F (11°C) 5.6 inches (142 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 58°F (14°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 51°F (10°C) 10.4 inches (263 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 45°F (7°C) 14 inches (355 mm)
Dec 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 41°F (5°C) 15 inches (380 mm)