A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Acadia National Park for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Acadia 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a picturesque, beautiful, and scenic national park. Acadia National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches and hiking. See Acadia National Park travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Acadia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • 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 food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine than Acadia National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Augustine is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Acadia National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Saint Augustine is well known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Also, Saint Augustine is famous for the Colonial Quarter. Acadia National Park is well known for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter.

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

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

Saint Augustine
Acadia National Park

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Augustine can be an interesting and educational experience. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime 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 Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Acadia National Park

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Saint Augustine has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Acadia National Park

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Acadia National Park

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Augustine. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Acadia National Park. 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.


Is Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Acadia National Park

Saint Augustine is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Acadia National Park does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Saint Augustine is revered around the world. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Acadia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

Saint Augustine
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Acadia National Park. 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.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park?

Saint Augustine
Acadia National Park

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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


Is Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

Acadia National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The dramatic ocean views and beautiful hiking trails make this a popular and scenic national park.

Saint Augustine is a beautiful place to visit, too. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Acadia National Park

Saint Augustine and Acadia National Park are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Acadia National Park is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Acadia National Park

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

Saint Augustine makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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


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

Saint Augustine
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

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

Saint Augustine
Acadia National Park

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Acadia National Park.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Acadia National Park

Saint Augustine is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acadia National Park or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Augustine and Acadia National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Augustine than in Acadia National Park. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 1-3 days is enough time in Acadia National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.


  • How many days in Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Acadia National Park 1-3

One day in Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Saint Augustine. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful destination of Acadia National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park?

Saint Augustine is a fun place to experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The national park of Acadia National Park offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park?

Many people visit Saint Augustine for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Saint Augustine. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Acadia National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This national park offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park?

The historic destination of Saint Augustine offers nightlife and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Acadia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


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, Acadia National Park or Saint Augustine?

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

  • Saint Augustine Prices
    USA Prices
    Acadia National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Augustine $195
    Acadia National Park $206

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $195, 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 Saint Augustine and Acadia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Acadia National Park $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Acadia National Park $192
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Acadia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine


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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Acadia National Park $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park?

Prices for flights to both Acadia National Park and Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine $85
    Acadia National Park $78

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

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

  • Cooking Class/Dinner W/ Celebrity French Chef OR Private Chef Ser: $115
  • St. Augustine Historical FOOD Tour on Electric Cart with Pick Up : $129
  • The Ghoulish Gourmet Haunted Food Tour: $129
  • Feast of Saint Augustine Historical Walking Food Tour: $139

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.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Acadia National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

Here are a few actual costs in Saint Augustine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • St. Augustine Ghost Tour on Premium Golf Cart with PiCk Up : $39
  • 1 Hour Historical Tour of Saint Augustine Florida & FREE Parking: $36
  • 1 Hour Private Historical Tour of Saint Augustine, Florida : $250
  • 10:30pm Shadows of the Supernatural Tour : $25
  • 8pm Beyond the Grave Tour: $25
  • : Step back in time with pastime private historical tours: $38
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $15
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Sunset Water Tour in St. Augustine: $40
  • Adventure Boat Tours Dolphin Tails & History Cruise St Augustine : $38
  • Airboat Adventure in Saint Augustine with a Guide: $80
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Bastions of St. Augustine Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Augustine $25
    Acadia National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • St. Augustine's Booze & Boos Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • St. Augustine Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Dark History Pub Crawl from Saint Augustine: $40
  • Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine : $49
  • Spirits with the Spirits haunted pub crawl - drinks included: $59
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63
  • Mobile Wine Tasting and Food Pairing Tour St. Augustine: $129


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine Expensive? and Is Acadia National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Acadia National Park. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year.

In July, Saint Augustine is generally a little warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 82°F (28°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Saint Augustine receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in July than Acadia National Park. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Augustine 82°F (28°C) 
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park in the Autumn?

Both Acadia National Park and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Augustine is much warmer than Acadia National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Acadia National Park. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Augustine 70°F (21°C) 
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park in the Winter?

Both Acadia National Park and Saint Augustine during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Acadia National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in January than Acadia National Park. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C) 
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Acadia National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Acadia National Park. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Acadia National Park. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Augustine 68°F (20°C) 
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine Acadia National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)