A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Olympic National Park for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Resorts

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

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a fun-filled, underrated, and relaxed coastal city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Petersburg 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. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums. See Olympic National Park travel costs.

Saint Petersburg and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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 food
  • Less popular for nightlife


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Petersburg. Although Saint Petersburg and Olympic National Park are popular destinations, Saint Petersburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Petersburg is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Olympic National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Saint Petersburg is famous for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also well known for St. Pete Beach. Olympic National Park is famous for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

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

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

Saint Petersburg
Olympic National Park

Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

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

Saint Petersburg
Olympic National Park

Saint Petersburg is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Petersburg. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

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 Petersburg or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Olympic National Park

Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

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

Is Saint Petersburg or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Petersburg makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.


Is Saint Petersburg or Olympic National Park Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Olympic National Park

Saint Petersburg is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Olympic National Park is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Saint Petersburg. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Olympic National Park is not a beach destination. The park has a rugged coastline with sandy beaches. Many people enjoy exploring the tidal pools or watching the sun set. Some of the best beaches include Kalaloch Beach, Beach 4, and Ruby Beach.

Is Saint Petersburg or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Saint Petersburg
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is terrific for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

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

Saint Petersburg
Olympic National Park

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

Saint Petersburg offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

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 Petersburg or Olympic National Park More Beautiful?

Saint Petersburg
Olympic National Park

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

Is Saint Petersburg or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Olympic National Park

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Olympic National Park.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Olympic National Park is a very kid-friendly coastal city. 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 Petersburg or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Olympic National Park

Both Saint Petersburg and Olympic National Park are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

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.


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

Saint Petersburg
Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Olympic National Park. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

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

Saint Petersburg
Olympic National Park

Saint Petersburg and Olympic National Park both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Public transit is generally 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 Petersburg or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Olympic National Park

Saint Petersburg is a moderate coastal city for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable coastal 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 Petersburg Worth Visiting? and Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint Petersburg or Olympic National Park?

In either Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Saint Petersburg or Olympic National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Olympic National Park 2-5

One day in Saint Petersburg or Olympic National Park?

In Saint Petersburg, you'll find shopping and museums. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums around the pristine destination of Olympic National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Olympic National Park?

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

You'll find museums around the pristine park of Olympic National Park. If you have a weekend, this park makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the hiking. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Olympic National Park?

Saint Petersburg is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A week in Saint Petersburg or Olympic National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the underrated destination of Saint Petersburg. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Olympic National Park is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.


Which place is cheaper, Olympic National Park or Saint Petersburg?

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

  • Saint Petersburg Prices
    USA Prices
    Olympic National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Petersburg $239
    Olympic National Park $150

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $239, 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 Saint Petersburg and Olympic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Olympic National Park $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Olympic National Park $98
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Olympic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg


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: Saint Petersburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Olympic National Park $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Olympic National Park?

Prices for flights to both Olympic National Park and Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg $84
    Olympic National Park $61
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saint Petersburg:


  • Burger Dinner (for 2)
    $20
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $37
  • Gelato (for 2)
    $8.00
  • Breakfast at Piper's Patio (for 2)
    $17

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

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
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Olympic National Park $5.57


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



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

Both Olympic National Park and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 60°F (15°C).

In Olympic National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Olympic National Park. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Olympic National Park 60°F (15°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Olympic National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg 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.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 76°F (24°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 113 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Olympic National Park 51°F (10°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Olympic National Park. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Additionally, 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. Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 56 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Olympic National Park. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Olympic National Park 41°F (5°C)

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

Both Olympic National Park and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 47°F (8°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Olympic National Park 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Olympic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 41°F (5°C) 13.7 inches (349 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 43°F (6°C) 12.2 inches (311 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 44°F (7°C) 11.6 inches (294 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 47°F (8°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 52°F (11°C) 5.6 inches (142 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 58°F (14°C) 5 inches (126 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 51°F (10°C) 10.4 inches (263 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 45°F (7°C) 14 inches (355 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 41°F (5°C) 15 inches (380 mm)