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

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

Richmond

Richmond is a growing, friendly, and historical city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Richmond 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. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums. See Olympic National Park travel costs.

Richmond 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 Richmond or Olympic National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Olympic National Park. Although Richmond and Olympic National Park are both popular with visitors, Olympic National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Olympic National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Richmond is known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Olympic National Park is more touristy than Richmond and is known for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. It is also home to the Hoh Rain Forest. Richmond is popular for its cultural and historical sights.

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

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

Richmond
Olympic National Park

Richmond 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.

Richmond offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

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

Richmond
Olympic National Park

Richmond 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 Richmond. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

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 Richmond or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Richmond
Olympic National Park

Richmond 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 Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

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

Is Richmond or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Richmond
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is notable for its resorts. However, Richmond 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.

Richmond is not a resort destination.


Is Richmond or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Richmond
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Richmond 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.

Richmond is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Richmond or Olympic National Park?

Richmond
Olympic National Park

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

Richmond offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

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 Richmond or Olympic National Park More Beautiful?

Richmond
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Richmond 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.

Richmond is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Richmond or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Richmond
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Olympic National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Richmond is a family-friendly city. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Richmond or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Richmond
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is notable for couples. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Richmond is a nice destination for couples. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

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

Richmond
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Olympic National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Richmond is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular backpacker destination, and most people breeze through town.


Is Richmond or Olympic National Park Better for Students?

Richmond
Olympic National Park

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

Richmond is a good city to visit for students. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Olympic National Park is not popular with students.

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

Richmond
Olympic National Park

Both Richmond and Olympic National Park offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

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 Richmond or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Richmond
Olympic National Park

Richmond 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.

Richmond is a somewhat walkable place. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

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

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

How long in Richmond or Olympic National Park?

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

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


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

One day in Richmond or Olympic National Park?

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

The beautiful park of Olympic National Park offers museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Richmond or Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Richmond. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this park makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Olympic National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Richmond or Olympic National Park?

Richmond 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.

Olympic National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Olympic National Park, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Richmond or Olympic National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Richmond. 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This park offers something for everyone.


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


Which place is cheaper, Olympic National Park or Richmond?

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

  • Richmond Prices
    USA Prices
    Olympic National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Richmond $176
    Olympic National Park $150

The average daily cost (per person) in Richmond is $176, 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 Richmond and Olympic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Richmond $101
    Olympic National Park $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Richmond $202
    Olympic National Park $98
Compare Hotels in Richmond and Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Richmond 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 Richmond


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: Richmond Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Richmond $72
    Olympic National Park $68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $175
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $175

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

Prices for flights to both Olympic National Park and Richmond 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
    Richmond $36
    Olympic National Park $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Richmond

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

  • Church Hill Food Tour: $89
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $89
  • The Carytown Food Tour with Discover Richmond Tours: $90
  • Church Hill Food Tour with Discover Richmond Tours: $90
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond with Discover Richmond: $90
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $94
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $99

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

Tours and Activities in Richmond

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

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • The Haunted History of Richmond tour: $25
  • Uncivil Wards History Tour: $25
  • The Church Hill tour with Historian Jane: $25
  • Shadows of Shockoe Ghost Tour: $26
  • Haunted Capitol Hill Ghost Tour: $27
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $27
  • Phantoms of Franklin Ghost Tour: $27
  • Creepy Tales on Campus Ghost Tour: $27
  • Specters & Shades of Court End Ghost 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
    Richmond -
    Olympic National Park $5.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Richmond

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Richmond:

  • Richmond Virginia Bar Crawl: $15
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $37
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $86
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90


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



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

Both Olympic National Park and Richmond are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Richmond for 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.

In July, Richmond is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Richmond average around 78°F (26°C), 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 Richmond. Richmond usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during summer. Richmond gets 305 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Richmond. In July, Richmond usually receives more rain than Olympic National Park. Richmond gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Richmond 78°F (26°C) 
    Olympic National Park 60°F (15°C)

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

Both Olympic National Park and Richmond during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Richmond because of 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.

Richmond is a little warmer than Olympic National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Richmond averages around 59°F (15°C) in October, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Richmond. In the autumn, Richmond often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Richmond gets 221 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. Richmond usually gets less rain in October than Olympic National Park. Richmond gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Richmond 59°F (15°C) 
    Olympic National Park 51°F (10°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Richmond and Olympic National Park. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Richmond this time of year. Furthermore, 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. It's quite cold in Richmond in the winter. In the winter, Richmond is much colder than Olympic National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Richmond in January average around 36°F (2°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 41°F (5°C).

Richmond usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during winter. Richmond gets 169 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, Richmond usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Richmond gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Richmond 36°F (2°C) 
    Olympic National Park 41°F (5°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Richmond as well as Olympic National Park. Additionally, many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Richmond is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Richmond average around 58°F (14°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Richmond this time of the year. In the spring, Richmond often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Richmond gets 265 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. Richmond usually gets less rain in April than Olympic National Park. Richmond gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Richmond 58°F (14°C) 
    Olympic National Park 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Richmond

Richmond Olympic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm) 41°F (5°C) 13.7 inches (349 mm)
Feb 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 43°F (6°C) 12.2 inches (311 mm)
Mar 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 44°F (7°C) 11.6 inches (294 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 47°F (8°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm) 52°F (11°C) 5.6 inches (142 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 58°F (14°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Oct 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 51°F (10°C) 10.4 inches (263 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 45°F (7°C) 14 inches (355 mm)
Dec 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 41°F (5°C) 15 inches (380 mm)


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