A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Panama City vs. Olympic National Park for Families, Resorts, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Panama City or Olympic National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Olympic National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Panama City

Panama City is a active, cosmopolitan, and fun-filled beach town. Panama City is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping. See Panama City 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.

Panama City and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Olympic National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Panama City than Olympic National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Panama City is better known for its food, nightlife, music, beaches, and shopping, while Olympic National Park is more popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Olympic National Park and is known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Also, Panama City is famous for Pier Park. Olympic National Park is well known for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

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

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

Olympic National Park is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Olympic National Park offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Panama City 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 Panama City. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

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 Panama City or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

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

Panama City offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

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

Is Panama City or Olympic National Park Better for Music?

Panama City is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Olympic National Park is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Panama City is active and vibrant. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Olympic National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury 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.

Panama City has a few great resort options. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Is Panama City or Olympic National Park Better for Beaches?

Panama City is a well-known place for the beach. However, Olympic National Park is not a beach destination.

Panama City is considered a top beach destination. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

Olympic National Park is not a beach destination. The park has a rugged coastline with sandy beaches. Many people enjoy exploring the tidal pools or watching the sun set. Some of the best beaches include Kalaloch Beach, Beach 4, and Ruby Beach.

Is Panama City or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Olympic National Park is an amazing park to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Panama City is not a hiking destination.

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.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Olympic National Park?

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

Panama City offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

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 Panama City or Olympic National Park More Beautiful?

Olympic National Park is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and 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.

Panama City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With beautiful sand and blue water, Panama City is a beautiful spot for people who enjoy city beaches.

Is Panama City or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Panama City 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, Panama City is a very family-friendly destination. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Panama City or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Panama City and Olympic National Park are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Panama City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

Olympic National Park is a great beach town 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.

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

Olympic National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers. However, Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Olympic National Park Better for Students?

Panama City is a well-known place for students. However, Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

Panama City is a very popular beach town for students and younger travelers. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Panama City and Olympic National Park.

Public transit is generally limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

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 Panama City or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Panama City or Olympic National Park are walkable places.

Panama City is not a walkable beach town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable beach 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 Panama City Worth Visiting? and Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Olympic National Park or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Olympic National Park?

In either Panama City or Olympic National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than Olympic National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

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

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

One day in Panama City or Olympic National Park?

In Panama City, you'll find food and shopping. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 stunning park of Olympic National Park. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Panama City. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the stunning destination of Olympic National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This park offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Panama City or Olympic National Park?

Panama City is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the stunning park of Olympic National Park. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Panama City or Olympic National Park?

In Panama City, you'll find live music and food. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Olympic National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Olympic National Park. Many visitors come to Panama City in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Panama City is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Olympic National Park this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during summer. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun in the summer.

Panama City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Panama City usually receives more rain than Olympic National Park. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Panama City or Olympic National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Olympic National Park. Most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Panama City is much warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Panama City in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 51°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In the autumn, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 113 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Panama City usually gets less rain in October than Olympic National Park. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Olympic National Park in the Winter?

Both Olympic National Park and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Olympic National Park in the winter. In January, Panama City is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 52°F (11°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during winter. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. In January, Panama City usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Panama City or Olympic National Park in the Spring?

Both Olympic National Park and Panama City during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the natural beauty.

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

It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the spring, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 148 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Panama City usually gets less rain in April than Olympic National Park. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Panama City