Which place is cheaper, Olympic National Park or Sun Valley?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sun Valley 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.
Sun Valley is a outdoorsy, active, and adventurous town. The beauty of Sun Valley is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Sun Valley travel costs.
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.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Sun Valley. Although Sun Valley and Olympic National Park are popular destinations, Sun Valley has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sun Valley is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Olympic National Park attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and hiking. Sun Valley is famous for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. It is also well known for Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Olympic National Park is famous for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Olympic National Park and Sun Valley. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Sun Valley is a must-visit destination for snow skiing. However, Olympic National Park is not a skiing destination.
If you're an avid snow skiier, Sun Valley should be on your list. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.
Olympic National Park is not a skiing destination.
Olympic National Park is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sun Valley is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.
Olympic National Park is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.
While most people don't head to Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.
Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.
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.
Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.
Olympic National Park doesn't offer many options. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.
There are superb resorts to choose from in both Sun Valley and Olympic National Park.
There are plenty of resorts in Sun Valley to choose from. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.
Olympic National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.
Olympic National Park is terrific for its hiking experiences. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.
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.
Many visitors go to Sun Valley for the hiking trails. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.
Sun Valley is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.
Sun Valley offers some nice shopping areas. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.
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.
Sun Valley and Olympic National Park both are comparable with their superb scenery and beauty.
Sun Valley is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The resort town is surrounded by impressive mountains and pristine natural beauty.
The beauty of Olympic National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. 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.
Sun Valley is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.
As it has a large number of activities for kids, Sun Valley is a very family-friendly destination. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Olympic National Park. 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.
Sun Valley is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for couples.
Sun Valley makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.
Olympic National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.
Olympic National Park is terrific for backpackers. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.
Many backpackers visit Sun Valley. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.
Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley can get you around easily. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.
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.
Sun Valley is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.
It is easy to get around Sun Valley on foot. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.
Olympic National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.
For even more information, also check out Is Sun Valley Worth Visiting? and Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting?.
In either Sun Valley or Olympic National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sun Valley than Olympic National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sun Valley, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.
Families should spend more time in Sun Valley than Olympic National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Sun Valley, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Sun Valley than Olympic National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sun Valley that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
In Sun Valley, you'll find food and shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. 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.
With museums around the pristine park of Olympic National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sun Valley. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.
With museums around the destination of Olympic National Park, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this park.
Sun Valley is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Olympic National Park, a popular park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
In Sun Valley, you'll find nightlife and food. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.
Olympic National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Sun Valley is $219, 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 Sun Valley and Olympic National Park in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Sun Valley 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.
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.
Prices for flights to both Olympic National Park and Sun Valley 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.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Olympic National Park are as follows:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sun Valley and Olympic National Park, we can see that Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley Expensive? and Is Olympic National Park Expensive?.