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

Should you visit Moab or Olympic National Park?

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

Should I visit Moab or Olympic National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Moab

Moab is a active, scenic, and adventurous town. You'll find world class beauty in Moab as well. And you can't forget about the hiking and shopping. See Moab travel costs.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a vast, pristine, and stunning park. Olympic National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums. See Olympic National Park travel costs.

Moab and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Moab. Although Moab and Olympic National Park are popular destinations, Moab has more sights and attractions for tourists. Moab is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Olympic National Park attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and resorts. Moab is more touristy than Olympic National Park and is popular for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. It is also well known for Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. Olympic National Park is famous for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

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

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

Olympic National Park is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Moab is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Moab offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that will teach you about the geology and history. You can pop in the Moab Museum or the Film Museum at Red Cliffs Ranch, as well as the galleries around town.

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

Both Moab and Olympic National Park offer reasonable local cuisine and restaurants.

Moab offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town has grown over the years and now you'll find a diverse selection of restaurants that serve decent food. There are steakhouses, pizzerias, and even a couple ice cream shops.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Olympic National Park. 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 Moab or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Moab 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 Moab specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has grown significantly and you'll find bars, taverns, and breweries where you can hang out in the evening, but it's still a quiet place with a laid back atmosphere.

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

Is Moab or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

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

Olympic National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

Moab is not a resort destination.

Is Moab or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Moab and Olympic National Park both have first-rate trails.

People visit Moab specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The area is filled with hiking trails, both inside the nearby national parks as well as outside. Canyonlands National Park is large with impressive overlooks, while Arches National Park has fun hikes that take you by diverse arches and include many opportunities for scrambling. Outside of the park, hikers can visit Corona Arch or search for dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Tracks Trail.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Moab or Olympic National Park?

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

Moab offers some nice shopping areas. There are gift shops, places to buy outdoor equipment, and convenient stores around town. There are also a number of art galleries that sell local items or impressive photography.

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 Moab or Olympic National Park More Beautiful?

Moab is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Moab as well. The desert landscapes and unique geological features make this a fascinating and beautiful area to explore. The dramatic arches in Arches National Park tell a unique story of how the geology of the area has changed.

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.

Is Moab or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Moab or Olympic National Park.

Moab is a very family-friendly destination. It's a world of outdoor adventures. You'll find river rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and many kid-friendly trails. There's also the Tracks Museum, where kids can learn about dinosaurs as well as swimming pools or swimming holes in the area.

Olympic National Park is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Moab or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Moab and Olympic National Park make for a high quality place to visit.

Moab is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The area is filled with adventurous fun, with everything from world-class hikes to impressive rafting trips. The dramatic landscape provides the backdrop for a truly spectacular trip.

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.

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

Olympic National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Moab is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Moab is a great town to visit for backpackers. The town has many campgrounds and even a few hostels. Arches National Park has only a few backcountry overnight camping sites. Terrain is rough and most areas aren't accessible by trail.

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

Olympic National Park is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Moab is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Moab. There are efforts to create a transportation program within town, but there are limited transportation options available. If you book a tour, they usually provide transportation.

Is Moab or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

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

Moab is generally not very walkable. While it's possible to walk around within the town, most visitors don't come to visit they town, they come to explore the area. You'll need a car to access most points of interest in the area.

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

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

How long in Moab or Olympic National Park?

In either Moab or Olympic National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Moab or Olympic National Park?

In Moab, you'll find shopping. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Olympic National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Moab or Olympic National Park?

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

Olympic National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Moab or Olympic National Park?

Moab is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the stunning destination of Olympic National Park. This park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Moab or Olympic National Park?

You'll find shopping around the active destination of Moab. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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.

The pristine park of Olympic National Park offers museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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