A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sacramento vs. Glacier National Park for Backpackers, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Sacramento or Glacier National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sacramento or Glacier 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.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a laid back, relaxed, and undiscovered city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Sacramento travel costs.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a breathtaking, gorgeous, and stunning park. Glacier National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Glacier National Park travel costs.

Sacramento and Glacier National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Going-to-the-Sun Road
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Sacramento or Glacier National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glacier National Park. Although Sacramento and Glacier National Park are popular destinations, Glacier National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Glacier National Park is very popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sacramento attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. It is also well known for Going-to-the-Sun Road. Sacramento is famous for its history and state capital.

How is Sacramento different from Glacier National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sacramento or Glacier National Park?

Sacramento
Glacier National Park

Sacramento is notable for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

Sacramento offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.


Is the Food Better in Sacramento or Glacier National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sacramento
Glacier National Park

Sacramento is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its restaurants.

Sacramento offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Glacier National Park. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Sacramento or Glacier National Park Better for Nightlife?

Sacramento
Glacier National Park

Sacramento is a popular place for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sacramento. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

Glacier National Park doesn't offer many options. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Sacramento or Glacier National Park Better for Resorts?

Sacramento
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sacramento is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Glacier National Park makes a nice vacation spot. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Sacramento is not a resort destination.


Is Sacramento or Glacier National Park Better for Hiking?

Sacramento
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Glacier National Park. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sacramento or Glacier National Park?

Sacramento
Glacier National Park

Sacramento is a popular place for shopping. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its shopping opportunities.

Sacramento is a great destination for shopping. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.

If you're looking to go shopping, Glacier National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

Is Sacramento or Glacier National Park More Beautiful?

Sacramento
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Sacramento is not a destination known for its beauty.

Glacier National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This is one of the most stunning national parks in the United States with its many pristine lakes, striking mountain peaks, and breathtaking views.

Sacramento is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Sacramento or Glacier National Park Better for Families?

Sacramento
Glacier National Park

Sacramento and Glacier National Park are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Sacramento is a family-friendly city. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Glacier National Park. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Is Sacramento or Glacier National Park Better for Couples?

Sacramento
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

Glacier National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

Is Sacramento or Glacier National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sacramento
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Glacier National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

Sacramento is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although most backpackers skip this town for more popular destinations, there are a couple of hostels in town.


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

Sacramento
Glacier National Park

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Sacramento and Glacier National Park.

Public transit is mostly limited in Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

Is Sacramento or Glacier National Park a more walkable city?

Sacramento
Glacier National Park

Sacramento is a moderate city for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its high level of walkability.

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

Glacier National Park is not a very walkable city. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

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

Should I spend more time in Glacier National Park or Sacramento?

How long in Sacramento or Glacier National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sacramento and Glacier National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Glacier National Park than in Sacramento. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Sacramento, and 2-3 days is enough time in Glacier National Park.

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

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


  • How many days in Sacramento or Glacier National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Sacramento 1-2 
    Glacier National Park 2-3

One day in Sacramento or Glacier National Park?

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

With around the gorgeous park of Glacier National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Sacramento or Glacier National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sacramento. 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.

With around the destination of Glacier National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this park.

Five days in Sacramento or Glacier National Park?

Sacramento 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.

Glacier National Park, a popular park, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Sacramento or Glacier National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the undiscovered destination of Sacramento. 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.

Glacier National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Glacier National Park or Sacramento?

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

  • Sacramento Prices
    USA Prices
    Glacier National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Sacramento $320
    Glacier National Park $148

The average daily cost (per person) in Sacramento is $320, while the average daily cost in Glacier National Park is $148. 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 Sacramento and Glacier National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sacramento $111
    Glacier National Park $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sacramento $222
    Glacier National Park $112
Compare Hotels in Sacramento and Glacier National Park

Looking for a hotel in Sacramento or Glacier 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 Sacramento


Hotels in Glacier 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: Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sacramento $51
    Glacier National Park $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

Also for Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $74
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Sacramento City to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento hotel/address- RoundTrip Private Transfer: $186
  • Napa, CA to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer : $294
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $294

Is it cheaper to fly into Sacramento or Glacier National Park?

Prices for flights to both Glacier National Park and Sacramento 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
    Sacramento $92
    Glacier National Park $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sacramento

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

  • Chinese Wonton Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Thai Cooking Class in Southeastern Sacramento (4-Course Menu): $108
  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $115
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Discover Midtown - Delicious Walking Food Tour: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sacramento $19
    Glacier National Park $34

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

For Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $15
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $15
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $15
  • Mini Golf Experience 9 Hole Course in Sacramento: $18
  • Nevada City Haunted History Tour: $20
  • Shadows, Scandals & Secrets of Sacramento Ghost Tours: $24
  • Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Sacramento Capitol Park Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $25

Tours and Activities in Glacier National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Glacier National Park are as follows:

  • Combo Tour: Driving and Snowshoe Trek of Glacier National Park: $250
  • Doris Lake Hike and Pack Raft Adventure: $219
  • Driving Tour West Glacier National Park (excludes Sun Road): $245
  • Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $250
  • E Bike Tour in Glacier National Park Cammas Road: $229
  • Full Day Whitewater Adventure Trip with Included Lunch: $159
  • Fun and Romantic Pottery Experience for Couples: $275
  • Glacier National Park Going-to-the-Sun Road Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Glacier National Park North Fork Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: $16
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Many Glacier Self-Guided Audio Tour in Glacier National Park: $9.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sacramento $12
    Glacier National Park $8.41

Sample the Local Flavors in Sacramento

Also in Sacramento, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Apple Hill Wine Tasting Tours And Placerville wine tasting tours: $169
  • Old Vine Express Train Ride with Wine Tasting: $174


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sacramento and Glacier National Park, we can see that Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Glacier National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Glacier National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Glacier 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 Sacramento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sacramento than you might in Glacier National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sacramento Expensive? and Is Glacier National Park Expensive?.