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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Olympic National Park?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint Louis and Olympic National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a unexpected, fascinating, and under rated city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Saint Louis travel costs.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a vast, pristine, and stunning park. Olympic National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking and museums. See Olympic National Park travel costs.

Saint Louis and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Olympic National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Louis. Although Saint Louis and Olympic National Park are popular destinations, Saint Louis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Louis is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Olympic National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Olympic National Park is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. Saint Louis is famous for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. It is also well known for the Gateway Arch.

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

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

Saint Louis is a must-visit destination 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Saint Louis are among the most recognizable in the world. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

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 Saint Louis or Olympic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

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 Saint Louis or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

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

Is Saint Louis or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park is well known for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Olympic National Park to choose from. 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.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Louis or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Olympic National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Olympic National Park?

Saint Louis is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

Saint Louis is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

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 Saint Louis or Olympic National Park More Beautiful?

Olympic National Park is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Olympic National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. 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.

Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Louis or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Both Saint Louis and Olympic National Park are superb family-friendly destinations.

Saint Louis is a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Olympic National Park is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

Is Saint Louis or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Olympic National Park is well known for romance. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Olympic National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Saint Louis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

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

Olympic National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Olympic National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Saint Louis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of affordable motels around town but no real hostels.

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

Saint Louis is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Saint Louis can get you around easily. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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 Saint Louis or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

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 Saint Louis Worth Visiting? and Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Olympic National Park or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Olympic National Park?

In either Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

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

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

One day in Saint Louis or Olympic National Park?

In Saint Louis, you'll find shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Louis, one day is sufficent for most.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the pristine park of Olympic National Park. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Saint Louis or Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Louis. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

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

Five days in Saint Louis or Olympic National Park?

Saint Louis is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

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

A week in Saint Louis or Olympic National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the fascinating destination of Saint Louis. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Olympic National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Olympic National Park. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Louis is much warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Louis in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 60°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Olympic National Park this time of the year. In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during summer. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Olympic National Park. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Olympic National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Olympic National Park. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint Louis is generally a little warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 60°F (16°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 113 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Saint Louis usually gets less rain in October than Olympic National Park. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Olympic National Park in the Winter?

Both Olympic National Park and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Olympic National Park can be very cold during winter. Saint Louis can get quite cold in the winter. Saint Louis is much colder than Olympic National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 31°F (-1°C) in January, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during winter. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. In January, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Olympic National Park in the Spring?

Both Olympic National Park and Saint Louis during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Saint Louis is much warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Louis in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 47°F (8°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the spring, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 148 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually gets less rain in April than Olympic National Park. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Saint Louis