A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Olympic National Park vs. Beaver Creek for Hiking, Families, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek?

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

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek? 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.

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.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a active, adventurous, and charming town. And you can't forget about the skiing, food, and hiking. See Beaver Creek travel costs.

Olympic National Park and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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 walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beaver Creek. Although Olympic National Park and Beaver Creek are popular destinations, Beaver Creek has more sights and attractions for tourists. Beaver Creek is very popular for its skiing, theatre productions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Olympic National Park attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Olympic National Park and is popular for its skiing and charming atmosphere It is also well known for Beaver Creek Golf Club. Olympic National Park is famous for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

How is Olympic National Park different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Olympic National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a must-visit destination for snow skiing. However, Olympic National Park is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Beaver Creek should be on your list. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Olympic National Park is not a skiing destination.


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

Olympic National Park
Beaver Creek

Olympic National Park is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Olympic National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is not a good place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Olympic National Park is not a theatre destination.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Olympic National Park is not a theatre destination.

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

Olympic National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.

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 Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Olympic National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

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

Is Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park
Beaver Creek

Olympic National Park is a great park for its luxury resorts. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Olympic National Park is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

With a selection of resorts, Beaver Creek makes a nice vacation spot. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Is Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Olympic National Park
Beaver Creek

Olympic National Park is a world-class destination for hiking. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Known for its hiking, Olympic National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Beaver Creek is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.


Is the Shopping Better in Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek?

Olympic National Park
Beaver Creek

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

Beaver Creek offers some nice shopping areas. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

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 Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek More Beautiful?

Olympic National Park
Beaver Creek

Olympic National Park is a great park for its scenery and beauty. However, Beaver Creek is not a destination known for its beauty.

Olympic National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. 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.

Beaver Creek is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Olympic National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Beaver Creek is a very family-friendly destination. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

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 Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Olympic National Park
Beaver Creek

With fun activities for couples, both Olympic National Park and Beaver Creek make for a very good place to visit.

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.

Beaver Creek makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

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

Olympic National Park
Beaver Creek

Olympic National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Beaver Creek is not known 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.

Beaver Creek is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many facilities that cater to backpackers.

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

Olympic National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek 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.

Beaver Creek has a few public transit options. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

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 Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Olympic National Park
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Beaver Creek on foot. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Olympic National Park?

How long in Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek?

Both Olympic National Park and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaver Creek than in Olympic National Park. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Olympic National Park, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

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

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


  • How many days in Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek? Ideal Length of Stay
    Olympic National Park 2-5 
    Beaver Creek 3-7

One day in Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek?

In Olympic National Park, many people enjoy the museums that this vast park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Beaver Creek, you'll find food and shopping. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. 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.

A weekend in Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek?

Olympic National Park is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaver Creek. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.


Five days in Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek?

In Olympic National Park, many people enjoy the museums that this vast destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Beaver Creek is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. 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.

A week in Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek?

Olympic National Park is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Beaver Creek, you'll find food and shopping. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.


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


Which place is cheaper, Beaver Creek or Olympic National Park?

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

  • Olympic National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Beaver Creek Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Olympic National Park $150
    Beaver Creek $378

The average daily cost (per person) in Olympic National Park is $150, while the average daily cost in Beaver Creek is $378. 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 Olympic National Park and Beaver Creek in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Olympic National Park $49
    Beaver Creek $203
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Olympic National Park $98
    Beaver Creek $406
Compare Hotels in Olympic National Park and Beaver Creek

Looking for a hotel in Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek? 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 Olympic National Park


Hotels in Beaver Creek


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: Beaver Creek Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Olympic National Park $68
    Beaver Creek $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Olympic National Park or Beaver Creek?

Prices for flights to both Beaver Creek and Olympic National Park 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
    Olympic National Park $61
    Beaver Creek $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Olympic National Park $26
    Beaver Creek $53

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
    Olympic National Park $5.57
    Beaver Creek $35


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