A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Roanoke vs. Acadia National Park for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Roanoke or Acadia National Park?

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

Should I visit Roanoke or Acadia 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a scenic, outdoorsy, and laid back town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Roanoke travel costs.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a scenic, picturesque, and beautiful national park. With stunning beauty, Acadia National Park attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking. See Acadia National Park travel costs.

Roanoke and Acadia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • 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 museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Roanoke or Acadia National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Roanoke. Although Roanoke and Acadia National Park are popular destinations, Roanoke has more sights and attractions for tourists. Roanoke is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping, while Acadia National Park attracts visitors for its beaches and impressive beauty. Acadia National Park is more touristy than Roanoke and is known for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Roanoke is famous for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is also well known for the Roanoke Star.

How is Roanoke different from Acadia National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Roanoke or Acadia National Park?

Roanoke
Acadia National Park

Roanoke is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Roanoke. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

Acadia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.


Is the Food Better in Roanoke or Acadia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Roanoke
Acadia National Park

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at reasonable restaurants in both Roanoke and Acadia National Park.

Roanoke may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Acadia National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There's one restaurant in the park, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner between mid-May and October. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food and enjoy meals at one of the six picnic areas.

Is Roanoke or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Roanoke
Acadia National Park

Roanoke is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Acadia National Park. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.

Is Roanoke or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

Roanoke
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a popular place for the beach. However, Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Acadia National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. There is one oceanside beach in the park, Sand Beach, as well as two lakefront beaches, Echo Lake Beach and Lake Wood. Many visitors enjoy swimming during the warmer months.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.


Is Roanoke or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

Roanoke
Acadia National Park

If you're looking to go hiking, Roanoke and Acadia National Park both have very good trails.

Many visitors go to Roanoke for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Acadia National Park is a popular spot for hiking. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.

Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Acadia National Park?

Roanoke
Acadia National Park

Roanoke is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Roanoke has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Acadia National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.

Is Roanoke or Acadia National Park More Beautiful?

Roanoke
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a great national park for its scenery and beauty. However, Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Acadia National Park attracts visitors from all around. The dramatic ocean views and beautiful hiking trails make this a popular and scenic national park.

Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Roanoke or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

Roanoke
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a great national park for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and games that kids will enjoy. There are also Ranger Programs and hiking trails that are great for kids of all ages.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Roanoke or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

Roanoke
Acadia National Park

Roanoke is a very popular place for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Roanoke makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Acadia National Park is a nice destination for couples. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

Is Roanoke or Acadia National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke
Acadia National Park

For backpackers, both Roanoke and Acadia National Park are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Acadia National Park is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.


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

Roanoke
Acadia National Park

Roanoke and Acadia National Park both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Public transit is generally limited in Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.

Is Roanoke or Acadia National Park a more walkable city?

Roanoke
Acadia National Park

Roanoke and Acadia National Park are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Roanoke is generally not a very walkable town. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

Acadia National Park is generally not very walkable. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Roanoke Worth Visiting? and Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acadia National Park or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Acadia National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Roanoke and Acadia National Park. In our opinion, Roanoke has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Roanoke than Acadia National Park. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Roanoke than Acadia 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 Roanoke.


  • How many days in Roanoke or Acadia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Roanoke 1-3 
    Acadia National Park 1-3

One day in Roanoke or Acadia National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Roanoke. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Roanoke has to offer.

In Acadia National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Roanoke or Acadia National Park?

Roanoke is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Acadia National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Acadia National Park has to offer.

Five days in Roanoke or Acadia National Park?

Many people visit Roanoke for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the town of Roanoke. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Acadia National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Roanoke or Acadia National Park?

The laid back destination of Roanoke offers nightlife and shopping. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acadia National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Acadia National Park. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Acadia National Park or Roanoke?

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

  • Roanoke Prices
    USA Prices
    Acadia National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Roanoke $199
    Acadia National Park $206

The average daily cost (per person) in Roanoke is $199, while the average daily cost in Acadia National Park is $206. 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 Roanoke and Acadia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Roanoke $96
    Acadia National Park $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Roanoke $192
    Acadia National Park $192
Compare Hotels in Roanoke and Acadia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Roanoke or Acadia 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 Roanoke


Hotels in Acadia 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: Roanoke Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Roanoke $23
    Acadia National Park $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Roanoke or Acadia National Park?

Prices for flights to both Acadia National Park and Roanoke 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
    Roanoke $83
    Acadia National Park $78

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Roanoke

For Roanoke, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Roanoke Ebike Food Tour: $150

Typical Food Prices in Acadia National Park

For Acadia National Park, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    $32

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Roanoke $35
    Acadia National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Roanoke

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Roanoke.

  • 3-Hour E-Bike Sightseeing and Breweries Tour in Roanoke: $109
  • Blue Ridge Mountain E Bike Tour: $155
  • Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: $24
  • Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
  • Downtown Roanoke Food, History & Cultural Tour: $80
  • E-Bike Mural Tour of Roanoke: $88
  • Mountain Bike Tour from The Roanoke Star: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Roanoke $30
    Acadia National Park $11


When comparing the travel costs between Roanoke and Acadia National Park, we can see that Acadia National Park 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 Roanoke Expensive? and Is Acadia National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Roanoke or Acadia 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 Roanoke or Acadia National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Acadia National Park. Many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Roanoke is a little warmer than Acadia National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Roanoke gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Acadia National Park. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Roanoke 79°F (26°C) 
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Roanoke or Acadia National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Acadia National Park. Many visitors come to Roanoke in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Roanoke is much warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Roanoke in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Roanoke usually gets more rain in October than Acadia National Park. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Roanoke 60°F (16°C) 
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Roanoke or Acadia National Park in the Winter?

Both Acadia National Park and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Roanoke for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Acadia National Park can be very cold. Roanoke can be very cold during winter. In January, Roanoke is generally much warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 38°F (3°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Roanoke usually receives around the same amount of rain as Acadia National Park. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Roanoke 38°F (3°C) 
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Roanoke or Acadia National Park in the Spring?

Both Acadia National Park and Roanoke during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year.

Roanoke is much warmer than Acadia National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Roanoke usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Acadia National Park. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Roanoke 59°F (15°C) 
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and Roanoke

Roanoke Acadia National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (3°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (88 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 51°F (11°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 42°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)